With the amount of CBD products out on the market today, it can make it pretty difficult to choose a quality CBD oil. Even more confusion arises when you start to read the ingredients.

Coconut oil, hemp seed oil, sunflower, grape seed, and MCT oil are all common carrier oils you’ll see in these products… but what is the best carrier oil for CBD? Does it matter?

The answer might surprise you.

One thing I hear a lot(and mainly from CBD reps), is that CBD oil should have only 2-3 ingredients, and nothing more. If there is anything else added, it is considered “junk” and full of “fillers”, and that any carrier oil besides hemp seed oil dilutes the final product, and is inferior.

Frustrating for more than a few reasons.

A carrier oil is exactly what the name implies. It is a fatty oil that “carries” another substance. CBD in the state after it has just been extracted wouldn’t be the ideal way to use it.

Dosing would be more difficult, and the carrier oils also help the CBD be more readily absorbed by your body. CBD is highly fat soluble, and by placing it in a carrier oil with a high fat content it increases the bioavailabilty rate. This is the rate that your body absorbs and utilizes the CBD you are ingesting.

The oils that are chosen most often for CBD are chosen for a reason. Each one contains different benefits, some being more effective than others. What it all comes down to is FAT CONTENT! Yes, I’m yelling, and no, I’m not sorry. The higher the fat concentration of the oil, the better and more efficiently the CBD will dissolve.

What you are looking for in a CBD carrier oil is for it to be high in saturated fat, not monounsaturated fat.

Here is a list of some of the most common carrier oils for CBD, and the pros and cons of each.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil has a lot of really great things going for it. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, some of which are essential for good health. Considered a super food, it contains fatty acids and is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant.

Hemp seed oil does not contain any CBD whatsoever.

Make sure to read the ingredients and labels very carefully when scouting out different CBD products, there are lots of companies out there trying to pass off hemp seed oil as CBD. Here are the differences between the two.

Cold pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil can range from dark to clear light green. Generally the darker the oil, the stronger the taste will be. Refined hemp seed oil is clear and colorless, and won’t have a lot of taste to it.

Some additional benefits to choosing a CBD oil with hemp seed oil as the carrier:

• Rich in Omega 3 and 6
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• MAY provide more of an “Entourage Effect” ***Note – This has not been proven***
• Anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties

Cons of using hemp seed oil as a carrier for CBD

• Saturated fat content of only 9-11%, pretty low in contrast with some of the other carrier oils available.
• Shorter shelf life than other oils

Overall, hemp seed oil is considered an average carrier oil for CBD. It is often mixed with another oil such as MCT to increase the bioavailability of the CBD.

MCT Oil

Here’s another oil that is widely considered one of the most suitable carrier oils for CBD, yet for some reason it’s got a bad name in the community. Again, I blame this on the MLM CBD reps constantly spreading bad information about it being a filler, but here are some hard facts for you.

MCT stands for medium chain triglycerides. These are medium length “chains” of fats(triglycerides) that are more easily absorbed due to their shorter length. The smaller the particle, the easier time it has entering the system, and the difference between MCT’s and LCT’s(large chain triglycerides) is huge.

The majority of MCT is obtained from coconuts, being that more than 50% of the fat in them comes from MCT’s. Another source of MCT is palm oil, though the sourcing of this is very destructive to the environment. If you choose to go with palm oil as your source of MCT, make sure it is ethically sourced.

MCT’s ability to be quickly absorbed is one of it’s biggest bonuses when it comes to taking CBD. Without a high absorption rate, the CBD you are ingesting is going to take a pass right on through your digestive system, without ever really entering your system at all.

How does this work?

MCT oil does not need stomach acid or bile salts to be broken down by the body, and instead fast tracks to the liver, where it is then processed as a carbohydrate, and not a fat. This puts the MCT to use immediately, and when it comes to CBD, this is definitely something you want.

Traditionally when you take any supplement it travels through your stomach and intestines before reaching the liver, and all throughout that process the active ingredient is being broken down.

This doesn’t happen with MCT.

MCT has been shown to be absorbed much more quickly than other fats and oils and some users report feeling the effects of CBD with an MCT carrier oil much faster than other carrier oils as a result of the higher absorption rate, though more research in this area is definitely needed. It also has a very long shelf life.

There are a number of other really awesome benefits to choosing CBD oil with MCT at the heart of it:

• MCT oil is around 80% saturated fat, making it ideal for carrying CBD
• Can aid with weight loss
• Supports healthy brain function
• Reduces bacterial growth
• Great energy source

The only real con to MCT oil is more of a nuisance than anything.

• May cause digestion issues such as diarrhea or upset stomach when you first start taking it. This generally subsides quickly as your body gets used to it, but it can be uncomfortable for the duration.

MCT oil is one of the best carrier oils for CBD, hands down.

Olive oil

Olive oil has a fairly light, fruity, unobtrusive taste to it. It is used in a wide variety of applications, mainly for cooking and salad dressings, marinades, stuff like that.

Olive oil is also generally thicker than other oil types, and may become even more so at colder temperatures. It is also widely considered one of the healthiest fats you can consume, and comes with more than a few benefits to consuming it:

• Rich in antioxidants
• Helps protect against heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s

Cons of using olive oil as a carrier for CBD:

• The fat in olive oil is primarily from monounsaturated fat, in the form of oleic acid, and due to the larger molecules within have a more difficult time being absorbed by the body.

While olive oil can be considered for a CBD carrier oil, there are better options out there, but it does come with many additional benefits to consider.

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil is made by pressing or crushing the seeds of grapes, and has a stronger wine flavor to it. It is one of the least oily carriers on this list, which doesn’t make it the greatest carrier for oral CBD usage, but is instead used in a lot of hair and skin products.

Some benefits of grape seed oil:

• High in omega 6 fatty acids
• Very high in vitamin E

Cons of using grape seed oil as a carrier for CBD:

• Aside from the omega-6 and vitamin E, grape seed oil offers little in the way of vitamins and nutrients
• Very low in saturated fat

Overall, grape seed oil does not make a good carrier oil for CBD, UNLESS it is being used in hair or skin products.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is made by pressing the fruit of the avocado, not the pit. It has a nutty flavor to it, is quite thick, and has a very slow drying time to it, making it very suitable for skin products. Due to its high smoke point, avocado oil is great for cooking or frying with.

Similar to olive oil, it is high in monounsaturated fats from oleic acid, and is absorbed in the same manner by the body. Some benefits of avocado oil:

• Can help lower cholesterol
• High in lutein, which can only be obtained through diet
• High in vitamins A, D, and E

Cons of avocado as a carrier:

• Saturated fat content of only around 12%
• More expensive than other oils

Avocado as a carrier oil is similar to olive oil, comes with some extra added benefits, but is more difficult for your body to absorb, leading to a lower bioavailability rate for the CBD.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is pressed from the seeds of the sunflower plant, and is primarily used in cooking applications and as an emollient. Light amber in color, it has a very mild flavor to it.

Sunflower oil comes with some pretty good benefits overall:

• Great for skin, containing vitamins E, A, C, and D
• Antioxidant
• Eco-friendly
• Inexpensive

Cons to using it as a carrier for CBD is the low saturated fat content, 11%. While it may be good for topical applications, oral use of CBD needs a carrier with a higher fat content to be more effective.

So What Is The Best Carrier Oil For CBD?

MCT oil is the clear winner here, for the high saturated fat content, and the way the body absorbs it. Make sure you are reading the ingredients list carefully when you are choosing a CBD oil, and that you are getting one that gives your body the best chance at absorbing and retaining the CBD you are ingesting.

Closely following MCT oil would be hemp seed oil. This oil is highly regarded for the amount of beneficial vitamins and nutrients it contains, but keep in mind that to be most effective as a carrier it should be mixed with another oil with a higher fat content, ideally MCT, to increase the bioavailability rate.

Many companies are doing just this, and offering oils that contain both of these to give you the best of both worlds.

Until next time, happy CBD’ing!

Mallory – CBD Handle

Have a question about carrier oils, or want to chat about others you’ve come across? Feel free to leave a comment below!

The spotlight has been on CBD oil for quite some time now, and it’s popularity among many, young and old, is increasing.

The dietary supplement industry is expected to hit over 210 billion by 2026, and CBD oil is fast carving itself a giant chunk out of that market. Despite legal issues everywhere surrounding CBD, it seems like everyone and their dog want a piece of it.

Enter the multi-level marketing(MLM) CBD companies.

What Is MLM?

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, let’s break it down.

MLM stands for multi-level marketing. It may also be referred to as pyramid selling, network marketing, or referral marketing.

In these types of companies you have multiple levels of people who promote and sell a product that is being offered. There are the people at the top, the people underneath them, and the people underneath those people, and so on.

You generally have to pay to sign up for the “opportunity” to promote this product, and you earn money by sharing the product to other people using a referral link.

In the majority of these, you also have to pay a certain amount every month in order to earn bonuses, or recruit so many people before you can even begin to earn. They are incentivized in a way as to pressure people to continually attempt to recruit more people into the business.

When these people purchase something through your link, you earn a percentage of the amount sold, called a commission. If anyone decides to sign up under you and they sell through their link, they make a commission, and you also make a smaller commission. And on and on the wheel rolls. Sounds great right?

Wrong. And for more than a few reasons.

According to a report done on 350 MLM companies, 99% of people who enter in to these companies will lose money, not earn. That’s a ridiculous number to even consider.

So why do so many people continue to sign up? Well, the claims that you are going to make huge amounts of money are one. The ever popular idea that you are going into business for yourself is another.

Everyone wants the chance to be able to do something that will enable them to finally quit their full time jobs and work from home, and what better way to do so than spamming your friends and family and harassing them to buy from you?

In the age that we live in now, it’s not just your friends and family that are the targets anymore. With the number of people using social media and other online sources as the base for their “business”, these companies are popping up everywhere, and can be found on almost every social media platform, in every group, no matter how big or small.

Unfortunately for many, these reps will say anything and everything under the sun to convince you that their product is the best out there, because the only way they make a profit is if you buy. Of course, they are going to say whatever it takes. It’s a vicious cycle that is hard to break, and for some, morals go way down when money is at stake.

The mindset of MLM companies has been called cult-like, and the culture within them is strong. I’ve seen some absolutely absurd claims now regarding CBD oil, which I will go into depth on a little further down.

These companies target people who are struggling to make ends meet by promising something only a very small few ever get a taste of. Statements like “Join the hottest and fastest growing market out there today”, “Be your own boss”, “Tired of living paycheck to paycheck, sign up today”, “Unlimited earning potential”, etc, are just some of the common phrases you’ll see across the board on these sites.

Long Live The Pyramid Scheme…

If you’ve been around awhile, you’ll likely have heard the term “pyramid scheme” once or twice in your life.

The pyramid scheme worked by sucking you in and making you pay to join a program, whatever that might have been. You then earn money by recruiting others into paying for the program, which often has no actual product at the center of the business. All of the commissions you earn in a pyramid scheme come from recruiting new people, who then go on to sign others up.

You generally have to pay to stay active in the program, or stay at a certain level, which is how people end up losing so much money from them. Only the few at the top levels of the pyramid are the ones making any money off of it.

The money keeps being funneled up to the top, with more and more people joining the bottom of the pyramid, each level larger than the one before it.

Statistics and logic have proved time and time again that these types of businesses will ultimately collapse on themselves. After all, the world is only so big, and the number of people who are able to join is finite.

Here’s a graphic to show just how unsustainable a pyramid scheme really is:

The pyramid scheme as we used to know it has changed a bit, and is now illegal. In order for these types of businesses to run legally now, there has to be an actual product for sale. In some places in the world, this type of business is illegal no matter if they are selling a legit product or not.

It’s also not technically referred to a pyramid scheme anymore, rather we call it MLM. Regardless of the name, and the fact that there is now a product to be had from it, the fundamentals remain the same.

When it comes to MLM and CBD companies, it is particularly dangerous…

As CBD oil has gained popularity, the number of claims about it has grown far beyond what anyone has expected. A quick Google search on the subject brings up articles claiming that it can quite literally cure every ailment known to man.

It is, in fact, a fairly new development in the medical industry, and the alarming lack of actual research on the subject needs to be addressed. All around the globe right now there are studies being conducted, which is awesome, but what is happening right now is these MLM CBD companies are promoting misinformation that doesn’t have a lot of actual research to back it up.

Some claims that I have heard from CBD reps, and these are just the ones I’ve come across personally.

• CBD will cure every medical issue you have – So not true. CBD has a lot of different uses because of the way it works within our Endocannabinoid System. CBD and THC bind to receptors that are located all throughout us, and is why it works on several issues, but by no means does this make it a cure all for everything.
• CBD won’t cause a fail on a drug test – So legally in a lot of places around the world, CBD can only contain 0.3% THC. This is an extremely low amount, and won’t cause a “high”, but it could very well cause you to lose your job. THC builds up in your system in your fat stores, and Full Spectrum oil CAN cause a fail on a test, don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you differently. If you are tested, you need to go with Broad Spectrum or CBD Isolate, both of which contain zero THC.
• Human grade CBD can be used on your pets – WRONG! There are a lot of products out there made for humans that can be seriously harmful to your pets, and many of the essential oils in them can be highly toxic for them. If you choose to go this route for your furry friends, please do your research beforehand, and ONLY purchase pet safe products with extensive 3rd party testing done on them.
• The company has the absolute best product on the market, and all others are inferior – There is no one best CBD oil, and whenever I see this claim from CBD reps it really irks me. There are a lot of really awesome companies out there right now, with more being established every day. Over the past year I’ve had the opportunity to try out many different products, and I’m still hard-pressed to pick a favorite, because there have been so many effective ones. When they tell you their CBD is the only one to consider, back away!
• Hemp oil is better than CBD – One persistent rep is going around trying to tell everyone that hemp oil is better than CBD oil. Here is the difference between the two, and despite multiple attempts to try to educate, they are sticking with it.
• Breast milk contains more THC then hemp – Ugh. So this is from the same rep that is trying to claim hemp oil is better than CBD oil. I shouldn’t have to explain this one, but the ONLY way that THC is getting into breast milk is if the mother consumes it. The industrial hemp plant, which most of the world’s CBD comes from, does contain THC, just in very low amounts.
• CBD oil has no side effects – Yes, it does!!! Just like any other substance you put in your body, there are a few side effects to watch out for. Check out this post for more information on the subject.
• CBD oil won’t interact with any medications you are on – This one especially people need to pay attention to. CBD works in much the same way as grapefruit does when it comes to your medications, and can have serious consequences if taken with certain ones. Drugs.com is a great place to go to check for any interactions, and ALWAYS check with a doctor before starting CBD if you are on any medications currently.
• Full Spectrum is the only way to go – While the “Entourage Effect” is real, and shows that whole plant extracts can be more effective, Full Spectrum contains THC, and can not be taken by everyone.
• CBD must contain only 2-3 ingredients, anything else is “junk” or “fillers” – This claim is everywhere. And it absolutely false. There are different products out there that contain ingredients specifically targeting energy levels, some that are designed for better sleep, some with added ingredients to help with pain, etc. There are also claims that hemp seed oil is the ONLY carrier oil to be used in order for it to be effective, but there are plenty of other suitable carrier oils used for CBD, including MCT or coconut oil. As long as the company is providing up to date, accurate 3rd party testing on their products, it is going to contain CBD, and might just have some extra added benefits in there as well.

These are just a few. There are a lot of other outlandish claims that I’ve seen floating around, but we would be here all day if I tried to list them all.

The people who join these companies rarely take the time to do their own research, and instead choose to share information that they have been spoon-fed by their up lines. I see it time and time again from the reps, all sharing the same bogus information.

Take the time to do your research on anything that you are going to be putting into your body, especially with something that contains a substance that is still highly illegal in many parts of the world. Here is a list of guidelines that you absolutely need to be following when you are looking to buy CBD oil, and having accurate 3rd party testing is a MUST!

So how do I know if a CBD company is an MLM or not?

MLM CBD companies can be hard to spot sometimes. Some dead giveaways include:

• Any phrasing along the lines of – Side gig, opportunity, join our team, financial freedom work for yourself/be your own boss, get paid to promote, etc. will likely be an MLM.
• PM me for more info – Anyone who asks you to PM(private message) them in a group about a product and won’t directly share it with the rest of the group is likely part of an MLM company and trying to sell to you. This is rampant in almost every Facebook group that I am a part of, and is becoming more and more frustrating, especially when it comes to CBD products.
• Referral required – You shouldn’t need a referral to sign up for any company in order to purchase their products. This information and access should be readily available on the site.

You can also Google the company name and MLM, the information will pop up right away on whether or not it is one.

Here is a list of SOME of the MLM CBD companies operating right now:

• Hempworx
• Kannaway
• Hemp Herbals
• Dose of Nature
• Bocannaco
• Zilis
• Prime My Body
• Isodiol
• First Fitness Nutrition
• CTFO
• Nutritional High
• Biocare
• Hemplavate
• Young Living

All of the products in companies like these are generally overpriced, and can be found elsewhere for much, much cheaper. They are priced this way to reflect affiliate payouts.

Many of the legit CBD companies who don’t follow the MLM business model regularly run promotions and deals that can save you some serious cash, and there are a number who offer assistance programs for veterans, first responders, people on long term disability, and low income households. These discounts can go up to 60% off, so make sure to shop around and see if you are eligible!

There are all sorts of different price points to CBD oil, and there are products available for every budget.

Ready to check out some awesome non-MLM CBD companies?

All of the companies on our recommended list are 100% MLM free, organic, 3rd party tested, and come backed by thousands upon thousands of positive reviews. They have been chosen for their quality, their commitment to the community and providing only the safest products, they have the interest of the consumer at heart, and they don’t mess around when it comes to CBD.

Check out our recommended list here.

Until next time, happy CBD’ing!

Mallory – CBD Handle

Been burnt by an MLM CBD company and want to share your story? I’d love to hear from you, please leave a comment below!

Inflammation has long been recognized as the body’s response to injury and illness. But did you know that it is a common factor among many chronic diseases?

Diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, asthma, sinusitis, Crohn’s, and many more all have inflammation living at the heart of the disease.

Once thought of as a normal response, it is now being looked at more closely for it’s negative role in these diseases, and many others.

So how to treat inflammation? With more and more clinical research on cannabidiol(CBD) emerging, and how it interacts with our bodies, using cannabinoids to treat swelling and inflammation is becoming an extremely popular alternative to using anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or other medications along those lines.

Not all inflammation is bad though, and some truly is necessary in order for your body to properly repair itself. It is part of your body’s normal immune system response, and things like infection or wounds would not be able to heal if it wasn’t for the inflammation response.

But what happens when the inflammation response doesn’t easily switch off? You are left with chronic inflammation, which in turn can lead to some cancers, or things like rheumatoid arthritis.

Chronic inflammation can present itself in many different ways, some which you may not expect.

• Fatigue
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Unexplained rashes
• Sores
• Fever

Regardless of how it presents itself, or what symptoms you may be experiencing, chronic inflammation can be very uncomfortable, and hard to live with on a day to day basis.

Fortunately, there is research emerging showing CBD oil as a promising way to treat inflammation at the source, and is tentatively being considered much more safe than other prescription options.

How Does CBD Oil Work To Reduce Inflammation?

Cannabidiol is one of the 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, which can be either marijuana or hemp. These cannabinoids work within our Endocannabinoid System. While there are numerous cannabinoids that have been studied, CBD, along with Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), are the two that have been looked at and researched the most.

As you can see from the image above, cannabinoid receptors are located everywhere in the body. CBD and THC both work by binding to receptors that are located all throughout the body in the Endocannabinoid System, but there are a few major differences between them.

THC is most commonly known as the thing that produces a “high”, or “stoned” feeling, while CBD carries none of these psychoactive properties.

The marijuana plant has the highest concentration of THC, while being low in CBD. The industrial hemp plant naturally has very low THC, and is high in CBD content. It makes it the ideal choice when producing CBD, and is where the majority of all CBD comes from. Both of these plants belong to the Cannabis family, and are often confused with one another.

Certain cannabinoids, and CBD in particular, have major anti-inflammatory properties as detailed in this study. They can work to reduce the inflammation you are experiencing, be it from a disease or other factors, such as strenuous exercise, or an injury.

CBD also has anti-convulsant, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotectant properties. It is a true powerhouse cannabinoid that is getting a lot of attention for a reason.

What Kinds Of Inflammation Will CBD Work On?

You may be wondering exactly what you can use CBD for. Because of the way that CBD works in the body, by binding to receptors found in the Endocannabinoid System, it can have a very big impact on a number of areas, and therefore can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments.

Your body is constantly trying to keep itself in homeostasis. Your Endocrine System regulates hormones in your body, telling them to increase in one area, and decrease in another, all to try to keep you in a state of balance.

When a certain part of you is not in sync with the rest, it can throw the rest of system out of whack, and cause a number of problems.

As mentioned above, chronic inflammation can lead to some pretty serious afflictions. One of these, rheumatoid arthritis, is particularly damaging.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease. In your average person, your body fights off foreign and unwanted invaders in your body, such as illness, or bacteria. In someone who suffers from an auto-immune disease, the body doesn’t stop at that, and instead attacks healthy tissue without end.

The immune system’s response to this is to create inflammation, and in this case can be quite severe. Left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage to the tissues and joints, massively distorting them. It is generally localized to the hands and feet.

Some studies have been done pertaining to arthritis, and have had promising results, but more research is needed in the area, This study done on mice showed inflammation was greatly reduced after a CBD gel was applied to the joint.

In another study done to determine the effectiveness of the cannabinoid drug Sativex, a “significant analgesic effect was observed and disease activity was significantly suppressed”

Another study done on mice dealing with Osteoarthritis, it showed the potential to reduce inflammation and block the pain caused by the disease.

This is just one example of the research done that shows just how powerful and effective CBD can be for reducing inflammation. Some other chronic conditions research has shown CBD to help with are:

• Diabetes
• Crohn’s and IBS
• Certain cancers
• Alzheimers
• Eczema
• Asthma

In all of these studies, CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, and ease symptoms.

Is CBD Safe to Take?

Still, much is unknown when it comes to the long term effect that these cannabinoids will have on our systems, and while the research is very hopeful, at the present time it is just too early to tell exactly what effect this is going to have on us later on.

That being said, there are more reports every day of people coming forth and telling their stories about how CBD has helped them, by reducing pain and inflammation, and ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

CBD and THC mimic the endocannabinoids that our bodies produce naturally, and come from a natural source.

It is generally considered as safe to take by anyone, young or old, though there are definitely concerns about the effects that THC has on children, and their still developing brains.

There are a lot of different products to choose from however, and completely THC free options are available.

Both CBD and THC have some medication interaction risks as well, and as with anything you take, it is recommended to speak with a doctor if you plan on using this a method of treatment.

How Do I Use CBD To Treat Inflammation?

Cannabidiol can be taken into the body in several different ways. Sublingual oils are popular, and you use them by placing the oil under your tongue and holding it there. This way it gets absorbed into the sublingual glands and blood vessels, and mostly avoids the first pass through the liver.

Another method that has been steadily gaining popularity is vaping CBD. This method has one of the highest bioavailability rates, which is the rate that your body absorbs and uses the CBD you are taking in. The higher the better in this case, as it has an effect on how much CBD your body is actually receiving in the end.

Vaping does come with its own risks though, and if you decide to go this route, make sure you read up on the proper way to do it, the risks involved, and above all, make sure you are getting a CBD oil that is specifically designed for vaping. You can’t just put regular sublingual CBD oil into your vape device and use it like that.

Capsules and edibles are another method that are extremely easy to use, and you know exactly how much you are getting with every dose you take. This method has the lowest bioavailability rate however, and can take up to 2 hours to fully take effect.

CBD topicals can also provide major localized relief from pain and swelling, and there are many products out there that are specifically geared towards this. Another way to use this method is by rubbing CBD oil straight onto the afflicted area, or mixing it in with any lotion that you are already using.

The skin has a number of cannabinoid receptors, and this method has been said to be highly effective, especially for sore and swollen joints.

Final Thoughts On CBD And Inflammation

I’ve been through quite a bit over the past few years. From surgery to try to correct one problem I was having with my back(which was mostly successful), to another surgery that left me in more pain than ever, anti-inflammatory pain medication has been there the entire time, and taken pretty much every day until I started on CBD oil.

I still took it almost every day in the beginning, but as time went on I found myself needing less and less of it, and I’m at the point now where I may only take some sort of actual medication once a week. The pain and inflammation in my back and pelvis are way down, and I have no doubt that after the years that I’ve been dealing with this, the CBD was what did the trick for me.

Being able to trade in all of the anti-inflammatory meds and pain killers for a more natural option was a no brainer for me.

By experimenting with different doses and THC levels, I was able to find what worked best for me, and is what I would recommend to anyone starting out with it. It isn’t something that is the same across the board for everyone, and a little tinkering is necessary in order to find out what will work for you personally.

Two of the oils that I have found to be highly effective are from CBD Pure and Nuleaf, and the ones I’ve been testing out from Blue+Yellow here in Canada have been really good as well.

The research doesn’t lie. The studies that I’ve included in this article are just a fraction of the research done on CBD and all of its potential uses and benefits, and with the growing interest in it we should see a lot more, and sooner rather than later.

If you’re looking for the best possible pain and inflammation relief, Full Spectrum oil and products are what you are looking for. I’ve tried some Broad Spectrum oils out, and while they did have some effect, it wasn’t as much as the Full Spectrum.

A number of the companies on our recommended list are Full Spectrum, but there are THC free options in there as well. As always, make sure when you are looking to buy any CBD product that the company has the lab testing available to ensure you are getting a quality product, as well as following the other guidelines set out here.

Until next time, happy CBD’ing!

Mallory – CBD Handle

Are you using CBD to help treat chronic inflammation? I’d love to hear your story, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Getting the correct information on CBD oil can be a little difficult, and that holds true for CBD oil dosage recommendations as well.

One site says one thing, while the next one says something completely different. And then we have the recommended amounts on the bottles themselves, which can vary widely as well.

So what is the recommended dose of CBD oil? How much CBD is in each drop that you take? And why does it vary so much from person to person?

Well, the answer those questions is complicated, because not everyone is taking CBD oil for the same reasons. Depending on what you are using it for, you may need more or less, and things like your weight and body makeup are going to play a factor into how much you take. The concentration of the CBD matters as well, as it comes in many strengths and sizes.

One interesting thing to know about CBD is that it builds up in your body over time, so you may find that while initially you needed a higher dose, you can decrease as time goes on and still get the same effects from it. Pretty cool, right?

Cannabidiol (CBD) works within our Endocannabinoid System to provide relief in many different ways. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain killer.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another cannabinoid that works within the Endocannabinoid System, and has its own benefits as well. One thing to remember is that THC is the cannabinoid that is responsible for providing a high when ingested, while CBD does not have these properties.

To read more about the Endocannabinoid System and how these cannabinoids bind to the receptors within, you can check out this post here.

Whether you are new to the CBD game, or someone who’s been using it a long time, it is important to know how much you are taking at a time, and our handy dosage calculator can help you out with that.

Sublingual CBD

One of the most common ways that people take CBD oils or tinctures is by using it sublingually. This method involves placing the oil underneath your tongue and letting it absorb into the sublingual glands and blood vessels there. By taking it this way, you mostly avoid the breakdown that happens in the digestive system, and the first pass through the liver.

How to use: Place the oil or drops underneath your tongue, and then hold your tongue down. You want to ideally keep the oil there for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. Try to avoid eating or drinking immediately after.

Sublingual CBD oils are popular for their ease of use, and the fact that it starts to take effect fairly quickly, generally within about 20 minutes. The bio-availability rate, which is the rate at which your body absorbs and uses the CBD, can be up to 35% with this method.

Because not all CBD is the same, using a CBD calculator is a great tool to show you exactly how much CBD you’re getting in each drop.

When you buy CBD, it will come in various mg amounts. The mg amount listed is the amount of CBD that is in the WHOLE bottle, and the size of the bottle will make a difference in how much is in each dose.

For example, a 1 ounce(30ml) bottle of 500mg CBD oil is going to have more CBD per drop than a 2 ounce(60ml) bottle of the same mg amount, because the CBD is spread throughout a smaller amount of liquid.

Here is a calculator that can help you figure out exactly how much CBD you are taking.

So How Much CBD Do I Take At A Time?

Now that you know how much CBD is in each dose that you’re taking, we can figure out how much we actually need to take. When you’re first starting with CBD it’s best to start at a low dose and work your way up from there. Because not everybody is the same, each person’s individual dose is going to be different.

There are all sorts of charts and graphs available that detail how much CBD you should take, but you may need more or less than these say. It all just depends on your own personal situation.

The chart below gives you a guide how much CBD you may need to take depending on your condition and the severity of it.

Make sure to increase your dose slowly, and give it a couple days in between dose increases so you can judge whether or not that particular dose is working for you.

It may seem contradictory after advising to go slow with CBD, but don’t be afraid to increase your dose if you’re not seeing the results that you expect. CBD is widely regarded as safe to take by anyone, young or old.

It does interfere with some medications however, so make sure to have a conversation with your doctor before starting it if you’re taking any medication.

Dosage With Other Ingestion Methods

Taking CBD sublingually isn’t the only way of getting your daily dose in. There are also CBD edibles, such as gummies or chocolates, capsules, or you can vape it.

When you use CBD edibles or capsules you know exactly the amount that is in each individual piece, and it’s a great way to accurately dose, although these methods have a lower bio-availability rate.

Vaping CBD is a little more tricky. In order to accurately dose with vaping you need to know the size of the tank that you’re putting the CBD e-liquid in, and keep an eye on the amount that you are vaping throughout the day, as well as the amount of times you are refilling it.

You can figure out how much CBD you are vaping using the same calculator above, and just change your total amount to reflect how many ml of e-juice you are putting into your tank at one time. While it may be a little more complicated to figure out, vaping CBD has the highest bio-availability rate, and starts to work very quickly, usually within minutes.

However you want to take it, make sure you are recalculating if you are going to a higher or lower strength, and remember that this is all based on you. Listen to your body and adjust your dose accordingly.

Until next time, happy CBD’ing!

Mallory – CBD Handle

Still confused or want to ask a question? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Cancer isn’t one size fits all. It’s a disease that can affect anyone, at any time, young or old, healthy or not. Cancer is also the 2nd leading cause of death in the world, and can be incredibly hard to treat due to the spreading nature of it.

We have come a long way with medical research. Once deadly diseases have been either eradicated or close to it thanks to the scientists and researchers who put in the time and effort it took to make these things happen.

Be it in the form of vaccines or antibiotics, chemotherapy or other medical treatments, it can be said without a doubt that without these people in the medical field doing the work they are doing, countless lives would have been lost throughout the years

There’s still one thing that persists no matter what medical breakthroughs have occurred.

Cancer.

But what exactly is cancer? And can you really fight it using THC and CBD oil?

A Disease With Endless Names

Prostate, Breast, Brain, Stomach, Skin. These are just some of the different types of cancer that are out there. Trust me when I say that I could list a lot more. Depending on how it’s classified, there are around 200 different types of cancer that can occur in humans.

As defined in the dictionary, cancer is “a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.”

Our bodies are made up of an incredible amount of cells. In a normal state, one’s cells naturally grow, divide, and make new cells. Signals are sent to our cells telling them when to do all of this. When a cell gets old, or damaged, it’s replaced by a healthy new cell.

What happens when these signals get messed up is what leads to cancer. Old, damaged cells that should have died instead keep growing and dividing, causing more and more unhealthy cells to build up. This can cause tumors that can be cancerous(malignant) or non-cancerous(benign).

Benign cells generally just stick to the location in which they formed. It couldn’t be more different when it comes to malignant. These damaging cells can spread to anywhere in the body, and invade soft tissues and muscle like nobody’s business.

Even if the cancer is successfully removed, it may come back due to cells that have migrated elsewhere in the body. These cells can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, wreaking havoc as they go. This is the main reason why it is so hard to treat.

It all starts with just one abnormal little cell.

What Causes Cancer In The First Place?

Cancer is caused by many things. Every day, no matter where we go or what we do, we are exposed to all sorts of toxins. These toxins are in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and the water we drink.

Your car omits toxins. Your food is grown with pesticides to keep bugs from eating or destroying the crops. Your water, while filtered, comes from the ground that the pesticides are used on. Just a few examples of some that you are exposed to regularly.

Along with the environmental factors that can cause cancer there are many others:

• Genetics, age, gender
• Carcinogens – such as cigarettes, asbestos, tar, some plastics, hydrocarbons
• Lifestyle – excessive smoking, alcohol and drug use, over exposure to UV light and tanning beds
• Bacteria and Viruses – HPV(human papilloma virus), and EBV(Eppstein-Barr Virus), are among two such viruses that can contribute to cancer
• Radiation
• Certain medications and hormones

Regardless of what causes it, any type of cancer can have a devastating effect on the individual, and also their loved ones.

Cancer is treated in a number of different ways. How far advanced the cancer is, as well as the type, will have an effect on treatment options are available as well.

Some options to treat may include surgery to remove it, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. Each of these are different in the approach they take in treating cancer.

Along with the effects that cancer has on the body, some of the treatment options can come with some extremely nasty side effects. Chemotherapy in particular can make you lose your hair, lose your appetite, cause nausea and vomiting, make you bruise easier,  cause extreme exhaustion, and more.

There may be another option when it comes to fighting cancer, and it’s in the form of cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids… A Natural Approach

When it comes to using cannabinoids, one must first understand exactly what they are and how they work. We cover this in a previous article, which you can check out here, but I’ll provide a quick breakdown here as well.

In every human exists an Endocannabinoid System. This system is located all throughout the body, brain, and nervous system, and contains cannabinoid receptors that CBD and THC bind to. Cannabidiol(CBD), binds to the CB-2 receptor, while Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), binds to the CB-1 receptor.

Scientists don’t fully understand the entire role of the Endocannabinoid System yet, and much of the research being conducted today is into the therapeutic applications of both CBD and THC. Both cannabinoids have shown incredible promise in a number of different areas.

The Endocannabinoid System has a direct impact on our Endocrine System, which is in control of all the different hormones our bodies produce. It also impacts numerous other systems in the body, which gives you a bit of an idea of how adding cannabinoids to your daily routine may be beneficial.

In light of recent research, it’s now thought that fibromayalgia and some other disorders are a result of an endocannabinoid deficiency. Our bodies naturally produce its own cannabinoids, and when you’re lacking in that area, or it isn’t producing enough, you can face a wide variety of issues.

Who Is Rick Simpson?

If you read the news a lot, or are just interested in CBD oil in general, you’ll likely have seen by now the claims that it can fight cancer. While the research behind this is promising, it is still very much in the early stages, and much more research still needs to be done.

Because of this, it is not advised to veer away from traditional cancer fighting methods and rely only on these cannabinoids, but it can certainly be added in to the treatment.

One famous case in particular, revolves around Rick Simpson.

Rick Simpson suffered a serious head injury on the job in a hospital boiler room in 1997. At the time, he was working to cover up asbestos on the hospitals pipes with aerosol glue, and due to the poorly ventilated conditions, and toxic fumes, he fell from his ladder.

For years after, he suffered with dizziness and tinnitus(ringing in the ears). The medications that he was using to treat his symptoms had little effect, and made some symptoms worse.

After watching a documentary about the possible benefits of cannabis, he approached his doctor about it but it was shot down as a possible avenue of treatment. Rick was determined to try it, however, and acquired the cannabis himself.

It worked to alleviate some of the symptoms he was experiencing, but then in 2003 Rick noticed a few bumps on his arm that refused to go away. Upon further testing, the doctor confirmed that it was basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.

Upon reading further studies, and with his own success in treating other issues with cannabis, he started to treat the bumps on his arm with a concentrated cannabis oil. The growths disappeared after four days.

Rick was convinced, and now on a mission to provide this cannabis oil to others, at no cost. He has since helped over 5000 people with his oil.

Being a Canadian, and with the laws the way they were at the time, Rick didn’t have it easy. He was subjected to multiple raids at his home, and had thousands of marijuana plants cut down and confiscated. To this day, Rick continues to share his discovery with the world, and help others along the way.

There’s no way to verify Rick’s claims that the oil was responsible for his skin cancer disappearing, but it has gained momentum in the CBD world, and rightfully so.

So Where’s The Actual Research?

You’re still here? Good. The best part is still to come.

In this study that was conducted in Spain, research showed that pure THC extract had the effect of triggering anti-tumor responses in the body. This response was raised when they added in the whole plant extract, and not just the THC. This is known as the “Entourage Effect”, where all the parts work to boost each other, and provide more relief than just any one part by itself.

In another study done on 9 subjects with glioblastoma multiforme, a kind of brain tumor, THC was introduced directly to the tumor in the brain, by way of infusion catheter. This form of brain cancer is lethal, and forms very rapidly. All subjects showed some improvement, with reduced tumor cell proliferation.

Here’s a study showing results in reducing primary tumor mass and the effectiveness of CBD for breast cancer in mice. Another one dealing with breast cancer can be found here. It focuses on the Id-1 gene, which is found active in many aggressive cancers. CBD is able to effectively inhibit this gene.

This article here has an incredible amount of information in it regarding the current applications and studies being done on cannabinoids and its uses in treating cancer.

These are just a few of the studies that have been conducted on cannabinoids and cancer, there are others as well. One thing is certain, it’s going to take a lot more research before it is widely accepted in the world of medicine.

One of the biggest issues with using chemotherapy to fight cancer is the fact that it doesn’t differentiate between healthy and unhealthy cells. It attacks both, which can lead to some pretty awful side effects. Treatment with cannabinoids shows none of these effects, and has been shown to only attack the unhealthy cells.

Not only does all this research show that the cannabinoids THC and CBD can help to fight cancer, they are also used to combat the effects of chemotherapy, namely THC in this case.

THC has been prescribed for some time now for patients that are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. It has a number of different effects including:

• Relief from nausea and vomiting – Studies have shown that cannabinoids, THC in particular, reduce nausea and vomiting in patients
• Pain relief – Different studies have been done in this area, with mixed results due to the widely varying models of the studies. More research in the area is needed, but the overall results are promising
• Appetite stimulant – You’re probably familiar with the term “the munchies”. THC has been shown to help increase the appetite, which can make a major difference in the quality of life in a cancer patient.

One of the biggest drawbacks in using THC is the “high” that comes with it. Higher amounts can be more sedating than one would like, and cause other unwanted side effects, like paranoia, dry mouth, anxiety, and more.

There is good news on that aspect though. CBD works to effectively block the receptors that THC binds to within the Endocannabinoid System, which can reduce the mind altering effects that it can produce.

The Future Of THC and CBD Oil For Cancer Treatment

There are still so many unknowns when it comes to cannabinoids, and their potential use in the medical field. Here are a few of the prescription medications that contain cannabinoids that have been developed for use.

Marinol is made with a synthetic version of THC, and is FDA approved to treat nausea and vomiting. Cesamet is another brand by a different pharmaceutical company that is similar in nature, and used to treat nausea as well.

Sativex is yet another, and contains both CBD and THC. It is prescribed for epilepsy, MS, nerve pain and cancer related pain.

All of these are accessed only by a prescription from your doctor, but there are alternatives if you are unable to go this route.

The majority of the world’s CBD oil comes from the industrial hemp plant, which is naturally very low in THC. Legally in a lot of places there can be no more than 0.3%THC(USA), and in some areas it is even less than that. In the UK for example, CBD oil or products can contain no more than 0.2%THC.

Unfortunately, if higher THC levels are what you are looking for, and if you don’t live in an area where marijuana, and THC, is legal, then you are going to have a hard time getting your hands on it from other sources.

The CBD industry is currently unregulated, and no one quite knows just yet what the regulations are going to look like when they come into play. The FDA is holding its first hearing with regard to CBD May 31/2019. While it is going to take a long time to get regulations fully nailed down, the fact that it is happening is a good thing.

There was one part that was a little concerning in the article however, and that is where they detail that if an ingredient is first developed into a drug(like Sativex), it can no longer be used in any foods or supplements. This puts the entire industry at risk if decide to uphold this, but only time will tell.

If you’re looking to purchase ANY CBD oil, make sure you’re following the guidelines that have been set out to ensure you are getting a product that doesn’t contain any toxins or pesticides, and has the amount of CBD/THC in it that the company claims.

All of the companies on our recommended list uphold strict organic growing and manufacturing standards, and each one of them provides comprehensive, transparent testing on their products, so you know you’re getting the real deal when you order from any of them.

Until next time, happy CBD’ing!

Mallory – CBD Handle

Are you or someone you know using cannabinoids to try to treat cancer naturally? I’d love to hear your story, feel free to leave a comment below!