The powers of CBD are changing and evolving every day. We now know that CBD, one of the two primary cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, is the real-deal when it comes to therapeutic medicine. Also known as cannabidiol, CBD, has been shown to alleviate pain, fight bacteria, slow the growth of some cancers, and more. For many patients, the best news, is that unlike its sidekick THC, CBD won’t get you high.

Is CBD legal in Maine? The short answer is yes. CBD is a super vitamin cannabinoid that may address a variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression, inflammation, neurological disorders and insomnia, without the euphoria or high that comes along with THC. CBD products can be purchased if you are 21+ with valid State ID or Driver’s License. You don’t need a medical card to visit or purchase pure CBD products. However, products with more than 0.3 percent THC do need a medical marijuana card for purchase. The Wellness Connection has onsite licensed medical providers who can help people obtain their certification right away. Please refer to our website for updated information about the provider and specific days and times at the calendar HERE.

It’s nuanced but fairly straight-forward given the recent passage of the Farm Bill. According to the National Law Review, if CBD is derived from marijuana, it falls within Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), but if it is derived from properly sourced industrial hemp, it should fall outside of the CSA. In other words, all products made from industrial hemp, including CBD oil, will be legal if they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. It’s important to note that there are important legal differences between hemp and marijuana, according to MindBodyGreen. When it comes to the science, hemp and marijuana are two versions of the cannabis plant. So, when we say cannabis – it applies to both marijuana and hemp.

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that make the cannabis plant such a medicinal powerhouse. There are more than 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, each with uniquely therapeutic properties. CBD and THC are two of the most popular and they interact with the body in different ways.

According to PubMed, THC directly binds to CB1 receptors in the body, which are mainly found in the brain and nervous system. This CB1 receptor activation is therefore responsible for the “high” from smoking cannabis. Since CBD does not directly bind with that receptor, consumers are able to bypass that euphoric affect. Instead, CBD interacts with other receptors and pathways in the body that explain many of its possible health benefits.

Terpenes, which give plants their aroma, are also active compounds in cannabis. Combined, they work synergistically to create what scientists refer to as an “Entourage Effect.” The Entourage Effect is the benefit you get from ingesting multiple components of the cannabis plant (such as cannabinoids like CBD and THC) together instead of ingesting one component at a time. For example, terpenes such as Limonene and Myrcene help modify the effects of CBD and THC. 

Israeli researcher, Raphael Mechoulam first coined the phrase in 1999, referring to his belief that cannabis compounds provide the most therapeutic relief when they integrate. Studies have since proven him right. We now know that while THC binds to brain receptors and gives patients a psychoactive side effect, CBD binds to the body receptors and in large enough quantities, effectively counteracts this effect.

In short, THC and CBD work best consumed together. They interact symbiotically to potentiate each other’s curative qualities. According to Project CBD, when both compounds are present in sufficient amounts in the same strain or product, CBD will lower the ceiling on the THC high while prolonging its duration.

There are many other benefits to taking CBD.

A 2013 review in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reported that CBD has the ability to quell nausea, stimulate appetite, reduce inflammation and free radicals, and relieve pain. It’s also been shown to alleviate anxiety in patients who suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and reduce depression, especially in patients struggling with a serious medical condition. In addition, CBD has anti-inflammatory, anti-anemic, anticonvulsive, antipsychotic, anti-depressant and antioxidant properties.

Of life-saving importance to many epileptic patients and their families, CBD has been proven to reduce or eliminate seizures in pediatric epileptic patients and has been particularly effective in treating children who suffer from Dravet Syndrome. (If you’d like to learn more, visit CNN.com and learn how high-CBD medical cannabis saved the life of one child suffering from the disease.)

And finally, The National Cancer Institute reviewed studies that showed CBD slows the growth of some cancers, and may protect against the development of some cancers.

CBD and THC can be taken on their own or with each other, to gain benefits of the Entourage Effect. There are many unique products out there that cater to your needs. Experiment with different ratios of CBD and THC products. There are many consumption methods available to patients such as tinctures, oils, sublingual sprays, capsules, and balms. For quick relief, many patients choose to vaporize the concentrated oil.

What kind of cannabis medicine will work for you or your loved ones? Even though medical cannabis has been shown to be safe and therapeutic, our best advice is to talk with your healthcare professional before taking any new medicine. This is especially important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When you are ready to purchase your cannabis, make sure you are buying from a trusted resource. At the Wellness Connection of Maine, our focus is on quality, consistency and accurately labeling our products. We take this seriously because we take your health seriously.

If you have a question about CBD and how it improves the medical efficacy of THC, feel free to ask it below or come into a Wellness Connection dispensary, we’re here for you!

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