CBD: What’s All the Fuss About?

While CBD has been a hot-button issue at dinner tables and legislative sessions across the state for the past few years, 2018 has seen a flurry of movement toward definitive legalization of CBD products in Indiana. We are happy to say that after long weeks of several individuals working tirelessly, the bill was finally passed allowing the legal sale of CBD products in the state of Indiana. While many are weighing the facts on the issue, many more are also confused by misunderstandings and misinformation concerning the history and uses of CBD. As one of the few retailers in the state who is licensed to legally sell CBD products, Georgetown Market is interested in helping its clientele to understand the facts about this amazing product.

Where Does CBD Come From?

One of the first logical questions one might have concerning CBD is, “What is it,” or “How is it made?” Actually, this question brings us to one of the primary misconceptions about CBD, namely the idea that it is derived from the marijuana. While hemp, the plant from which it is actually derived, is part of the same species as marijuana, (Cannabis Sativa L), the two plants are used in very different ways.

Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Though technically the same species, hemp and marijuana have become very different plants. This is due to thousands of years of domestication of the plant for different purposes. As many know marijuana has been cultivated over the years for the potency of its THC, the mind-altering chemical used for everything from spiritual rites, medicinal relief, or illegal recreational purposes.

Hemp, on the other hand, by law, may contain only 0.3% THC (by dry weight), far too little concentration to get high on. However, this isn’t a problem, as hemp is not prized for its THC content, but rather for its fibrous stalks and leaves, as well as it’s seeds. The plant itself has long been used for making hemp rope, while it’s seeds are pressed to make hemp oil, used for cooking and as a medicinal supplement, (its high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids). These uses for hemp have a long, stable history. In fact, hemp is one of the world’s oldest domestically cultivated crops, even George Washington grew the crop at Mt. Vernon.

Newer uses of hemp have focused on the benefits of CBD, a chemical compound found in oil pressed from the flowers of the hemp plant. This oil has been found to have a number of surprising health benefits.

Benefits of CBD

When we talk about the benefits of CBD, we must be upfront that the FDA has not yet approved the use of the oil for medical purposes, which also means that CBD oils are not federally regulated. It is important then for consumers to educate themselves on the standards of the particular products that they intend to use. Though each product can be different, there are a number of benefits that have been identified through independent study and anecdotally through consumer use. These benefits include regulation of blood sugar, reduction of nausea, to combat trouble sleeping, and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has also shown promise in helping to treat many neurological problems, such as increasing focus, reducing anxiety, and meaningful reduction in the number and frequency of seizures in epileptic patients.

Again, we must stress that these benefits have not been assessed by the FDA, and that each producer is responsible for its own standards for production, purity, and levels of THC. Make sure to research potential products or, better yet, speak with a knowledgeable associate at Georgetown Market to better understand potential risks and benefits of each product.

Types of Products

When most people think of CBD they think of traditional oils. These are perhaps the most readily available option for consumers, and can be purchased in varying strengths and flavors. They are also versatile, able to be taken straight, put into pills, or mixed into drinks and food.

Other ways to ingest CBD include tinctures, drops, and sprays. These are not as concentrated as CBD oil, but are absorbed much more quickly into the bloodstream, since they don’t need to be digested in order to take effect. Baking mixes and edibles are other effective methods of CBD ingestion, but can take longer due to their need to be digested to activate.

Topicals are another viable option for those interested in CBD for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. These can include salves, balms, lotions, and oils, all of which are effective for pain relief and reduction of inflammation for those seeking an alternative to an ingestible.

Explore Your Options

If these amazing health benefits sound appealing, maybe it’s time to begin your own product research. We here at Georgetown Market are a proud CBD retailer, and we’re ready to help you explore your next step. Stop by our store at 4375 Georgetown Road, or call 317-293-9525 to speak with our knowledgeable staff about how CBD can help you meet your health and wellness goals today!

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