Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the biggest holistic health trends in the market today. But what exactly is CBD? Where did it originate? What are its benefits? And how does it work? In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of CBD. You’ll learn about why it’s important to know your origins before you buy any products on the market. 

A brief timeline of the history of CBD

Although the history of CBD and hemp traces back to ancient China where it was first used for medicinal purposes, the first glimpse at how CBD works in the body came with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the late 1980s and early 1990s.  

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team kicked off the history of CBD when they discovered the first cannabinoid —molecules we naturally produce within our bodies that bind to receptors on cells in our endocannabinoid system. One particular cannabinoid receptor was identified as CB1 and it is primarily found within the brain and central nervous system. A second receptor type known as CB2 was also discovered, this one is mainly found in immune cells. 

Before delving into all things CBD, let’s take a quick look at the first findings of CBD: 

• 1940: American chemist, Roger Adams successfully extracted the first Cannabidiol (CBD) from cannabis 
• 1963: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam described the chemical structure of CBD 
• 1980s: Mechoulam shared results from research on CBD for epilepsy 
• 1988: Allyn Howlett, William Devane, and a team of scientists discovered the CB1 receptor through its response to compounds found in cannabis 
• 1990: The CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which is present throughout the immune system and the peripheral nervous system, was discovered 
• 1992: Lumír Hanuš and William Devane isolated the first endocannabinoid, anandamide while working on Mechoulam’s team 
• 1996: California passed Proposition 215 and became the first state to legalize medical marijuana 
• 2018: President Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill into legislation 

Since the turn of the 21st century, CBD from hemp has seen explosive market growth and can be found on the shelves of many health stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. 

How CBD Works

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of neurotransmitters throughout your brain and body that regulates mood, pain, appetite, and other functions. Endo means inside and cannabinoids are the molecules that interact with cell receptors throughout the ECS. Because CBD is a natural cannabinoid, the ECS already has an affinity for it. Therefore, using CBD can amplify the monitoring and functioning of such processes and systems.  

Should doctors think about recommending CBD?

Now that we know the history of CBD, you might be wondering where docs stand today. The answer varies greatly among medical professionals. Some doctors have expressed more openness to the idea of recommending CBD to patients with health conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, sleep problems, and epilepsy due to research suggesting benefits in these areas. Other physicians, however, feel more data on safety and effectiveness is needed before they could comfortably recommend it to their patients. 

While more research still needs to be done, there are plenty of signs that point to why doctors should recommend CBD to their patients. For starters, CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, meaning it does not produce psychoactive effects for users. Additionally, it has been touted for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties, and being that it is a non-addictive substance it could be an attractive alternative to traditional pain medications and opioids. CBD also comes in the form of tinctures, gummies, smokeable products, and topicals, giving patients a variety of options to choose from.  

Last, but certainly not least, there is much praise from CBD users who have turned to the cannabinoid for aid with a variety of ailments. Such firsthand experiences are crucial to backing the effectiveness of CBD.  

How to weed out low-quality CBD products and brands from the good ones

With advances in science at the tip of our fingers, it’s easy for some brands to alter the natural composition of CBD. For this reason, it’s important to understand that not all CBD products are formulated the same way. Why? Some brands are interested in producing mass quantities rather than providing a product that is effective and high-quality. By cutting such corners, they ultimately save on production costs.  

So, how can you avoid purchasing products that don’t meet the standard of excellence consumers deserve? Always research before trying new brands or products. When selecting a brand, here are a few important points to keep in mind:  

• Where is their hemp grown, harvested, and manufactured in CBD products? 
• Is the formula made non-GMO and free of heavy metals? 
• Do they follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)? 
• Do they use isolates or broad-spectrum CBD?  
• What extraction method do they use? 
• Are all products third-party lab tested? 

By following this list, you can ensure you’re purchasing top-notch CBD products that are safe, effective, and free of any unwanted additives!  The Future of CBD 

While CBD is legal under federal law, so long as it contains less than 0.3% THC by weight, a handful of individual states still have different laws that could affect the legality of purchasing or possessing CBD. Despite these state-by-state differences, CBD is gaining traction as an effective, alternative treatment for some ailments, giving bright hope to the future of CBD. With more research being done to better understand its uses and potential benefits, there will hopefully be new legislation passed that will make it easier for everyone to access this powerful cannabinoid.  

If you already use CBD or are curious about trying CBD for the first time, check out our vast selection of CBD topicals, tinctures, smokeable products, and more!* 

*Before you order, be sure to check the legal status of CBD in your state. Power Distribution LLC is not responsible for knowing whether this product is legal in your state or territory, and you assume full responsibility for all parts pertaining to your purchase. We retain the right to not ship to any states or territories where local laws conflict with H.R.2: The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill.  

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has quickly become one of the most popular holistic remedies in recent years. But is CBD legal in all 50 states? The answer to this question has been a long-standing debate for many CBD users across America, mainly because the legality of cannabis (or marijuana) and its derivatives (like CBD) can be a confusing realm to navigate. 

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has quickly become one of the most popular holistic remedies in recent years. But is CBD legal in all 50 states? The answer to this question has been a long-standing debate for many CBD users across America, mainly because the legality of cannabis (or marijuana) and its derivatives (like CBD) can be a confusing realm to navigate. 

Cannabis has been illegal for decades, but there is a lot of pressure to legalize it across the country. We are now beginning to see the push for legality pay off, with more states welcoming the idea of dispensaries.  

When it comes to the legality of CBD, it’s important to remember that even though CBD may not be federally regulated, each individual state has their own laws and regulations on what substances are considered legal versus illegal.  

To ensure you’re staying within the law while using CBD products, we’ve broken the status of all 50 states, so you have all the info needed to know if CBD is legal where you live! 

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds unique to cannabis that can present several benefits to the body.  

Although CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects, it does interact with your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vital system in the human body that regulates certain systems and functions in the body. Examples include maintaining homeostasis, regulating mood and sleep, inflammation, appetite, and metabolism. The ECS works because there are cannabinoids produced naturally by the body that activate CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. Similarly, cannabinoids like CBD can bind to such receptors, which then can trigger the ECS. 

When it comes to CBD products, CBD can be purchased in many forms including capsules, tinctures, topicals, and smokable products. 

CBD and the 2018 Farm Bill

The 2018 Farm Bill has been one of the most monumental legislative moments in recent history, opening a whole new world for hemp and CBD enthusiasts. The passing of this bill officially listed hemp-derived CBD as legal. Due to its THC content being much lower than that found in marijuana (less than 0.3%), it was removed from Schedule I substances and is now federally legalized for all 50 states to use.

Where is CBD legal?

The legality of CBD varies from state to state and is influenced by a variety of factors. This is due in part to the fact that industrial hemp and marijuana have different regulations. Industrial hemp, for example, is legal to grow and distribute in the United States. In contrast, marijuana use is still regulated by many states, although some states are becoming more accepting.  

When it comes to states that have legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, you may wonder is CBD legal in these states as well? In short, yes. Despite having restrictions or bans on marijuana use, all states allow the use of CBD for medicinal and recreational purposes. It’s also important to note that CBD is legal at the federal level, but when it comes to state laws, every state has the right to regulate the use of CBD. 

In the next section, we’ll break down the states in which CBD use is “illegal” — and by that, we mean the specific regulations that may inhibit you from purchasing CBD in your state. 

Where is CBD illegal?

While all states allow the use of CBD, there is still a handful that restricts its recreational use and has implemented specific rules that local citizens must follow. One example of this is the THC content found in CBD products. For example, some states limit the use of recreational CBD to those that fall below a THC content of 0.3%. On the other hand, some states allow up to 0.9% THC content, but only in CBD products that are intended for medicinal purposes. There are even some states that completely restrict recreational CBD and instead only allow CBD to be sold when it is for medicinal use.  

Another unique example of state restrictions can be seen in Wyoming where CBD is legal only when it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. This is because cannabis still maintains its status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act due to its ability to produce psychoactive side effects.  

Where can I purchase CBD products in my state?

If CBD is legal for recreational usage in your state, you can find CBD products (those derived from hemp at least) in any local smoke shop, gas station, or health food store that carries CBD products. In the event you can’t get to a shop, most CBD brands are entirely accessible online, you can even purchase your favorite CBD products right from home.  

While there’s no one better option over the other, going to your local CBD distributor can offer the perk of personalized customer service to help you choose the right product, strength, or flavor for your needs. Some may even let you sample products to see which you like best before you make your purchase!  

In contrast, a brand’s website can offer unique bits of information that a local shop might not be able to. For example, you’ll get a full lineup of honest customer reviews and background information on the brand’s harvesting, production, and manufacturing methods. 

Is CBD legal and can I use CBD products?

CBD is a natural supplement that can be used as an alternative to prescription drugs as it is not addictive and won’t get you high. CBD has been touted by users for being able to help with pain relief, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and other health conditions.  

With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD was officially removed from the list of Schedule I substances at the federal level. Since then, all 50 states have accepted the use of CBD products for medicinal purposes, while others have also made it legal to purchase for recreational use. Due to the varying state-by-state restrictions, we recommend checking your state’s guidelines before purchasing or ordering any CBD products.  

We know that men and women are different from each other, but what about when it comes to CBD? In particular, do men and women respond to CBD differently? Researchers are still working to answer this question, but there are some basic biological factors that indicate CBD could affect women differently than men.

In this article, we will explore how our bodies differ biologically to understand whether or not that has an effect on how CBD affects us.

So, how exactly does CBD work?

Before delving into all things men and women and CBD, let’s take a look at what CBD is and how it interacts with the body. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis that contains over 113 different cannabinoids and more than 200 terpenes.

Terpenes are essential, aromatic oils found in plants. They occur naturally in hemp and are what gives CBD-derived from hemp its own distinctive aroma and flavor. There are a variety of scents produced by terpenes with some described as “earthy” or “woodsy” and others as “fruity” or “citrusy.”

The cannabinoids in CBD impact how cells communicate with each other by interacting with receptors found in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS balances many processes and systems in the human body, such as the immune system, cell communication, metabolism, and memory.

The ECS receptors, known as the C1 and C2 receptors, already emit and respond well to cannabinoids. Thus, when CBD is introduced, the extra cannabinoids in CBD are well-received by our bodies because we already naturally produce them. Additionally, it is thought that the extra cannabinoid intake can amplify the effects of the ECS.

Although the powerful effects of CBD are still being researched, it has already shown its powerful ability to reduce inflammation, which can often trigger a variety of issues including anxiety, stress, arthritis, and acne.

Do biological factors impact how men and women to respond to CBD?

Whether it’s emotionally, sexually, anatomically, or behaviorally, there are numerous ways in which men and women differ. Two of the biggest factors that determine these differences are hormones and genetics.

The cannabinoids found in CBD have been shown to affect men and women differently when it comes to sex drive, energy balance, anxiety, and depression. One study found that these differences could be linked to things like fat tissue and muscle mass. Because cannabinoids are lipophilic, meaning they are more likely to combine with or dissolve into fat, and women have a higher percentage of body fat than men, women may need a higher intake of CBD in order to feel effects.

How does CBD affect hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system that help regulate and control many functions in your body, including metabolism, puberty, body temperature, sexual function, and stress. They can also affect moods, emotions, and other mental processes. As adults age, hormone levels decline naturally in both men and women.

Everyday production of hormones can be disrupted by many factors including diet, weight gain, medical conditions, and external sources of stress. These disruptions can lead to hormone imbalances, which may cause health problems such as weight gain, sweating, change in blood pressure, and difficulty sleeping.

So, where does CBD come into play? We’ve already noted how the ECS can regulate things like sleep, mood, and inflammation. These are also affected by natural hormones, so the introduction of CBD to aid in these processes may indirectly affect such hormones.

CBD can also help relax the body in times of stress, and stress is linked to the cortisol hormone. Additionally, CBD may help balance out estrogen as it relates to mood swings and PMS symptoms like cramps or bloating.

Although men and women respond to CBD differently, it can truly help

Here are a few ways CBD’s interaction with the ECS can support both men and women:

1.) Muscle Pain & Inflammation

In the United States alone, chronic pain affects more than 50 million adults. Seeking natural alternatives to traditional over-the-counter and opioid medications, CBD has gained popularity among those struggling with everyday aches and pains. CBD is used as an ingredient in many different types of products such as oils, tinctures, gummies, lotions and sprays. Due to its interaction with the ECS receptors that reduce swelling and inflammation, CBD can help athletes, individuals with jobs that require long hours of heavy manual labor, and those with chronic pain, arthritis, post-workout recovery better manage their pain.

2.) Mood

A happy body, makes for a happy mind. Because of CBD’s ability to aid in joint and muscle pain relief, daily task may become more enjoyable, stress levels may decrease, and sounder sleep may be achieved. CBD is also a great way to unwind and relax after a long day. All of these play into overall health and wellness, thus leading to a better mood.

3.) Sleep

The hormone melatonin is key for managing sleep cycles and energy levels. Because the ECS is associated with how quickly you fall asleep and how sound the sleep is, introducing CBD is thought to help with catching better Zzzs.

4.) Skin health

The skin is our largest organ, making up about 16% of the body’s surface area and can be affected by many factors such as stress, sun exposure, diet, and toxins in the environment. CBD has been studied for its effects on the skin. Whether it’s a CBD topical used to moisturize skin or an ingestible tincture that can aid in anti-inflammation and reduce the production of sebum — the waxy, oily substance that can cause skin to become clogged, triggering acne — CBD can promote healthier skin cells.

Overall, based on physical and internal factors can cause men and women respond to CBD in different ways. Regardless of these differences, both men and women can use CBD to improve their day-to-day lifestyle and overall well-being in similar ways.

Looking for CBD products that are potent, pure, and effective? Shop our vast collection today!

Our own CBD ambassador, Amy Nicklaus, joined Kathy Ireland on Modern Living with Kathy Ireland®* to discuss how Hempzilla CBD is working with sustainable USA farmers to be a trustworthy resource for consumers, and how our transparency and purity has made us an industry leader for the last five years.

When Hempzilla CBD opened its doors in 2015, we set out to offer customers expertise, quality control, and efficacy during a time when shelves were (and still are) flooded with products claiming all kinds of impressive results with nothing to back up their claims.

“The primary focus for everyone at Hempzilla is purity. With purity comes potency, and a potent, effective product is the only one that we will put our name behind. To ensure that it meets our standards and to provide full transparency to consumers, all products are tested by 3rd-party chemists in state-of-the-art GMP and ISO Cetrified labs. Purity from contaminants, trace heavy metals, solvents, micro-bacteria, mycotoxins, an absolutely any traces of THC is what we are constantly testing for.” – Amy Nicklaus, CMO

The hemp plant is small, but it’s a largely untapped powerhouse. With over 113 different cannabinoids and 200 plus terpenes, there’s a huge opportunity for companies to provide consumers with a holistic, healthful product when manufactured correctly. The problem is that many companies don’t have a team of experts on board, so they cut corners that seriously diminish the quality of the product and, in turn, the efficacy.

Hempzilla CBD saw this gap widening as CBD became more mainstream, and has been working hard to educate consumers on what to look for and expect in a CBD product. That hasn’t always been easy, but it’s necessary if someone wants to really harness the power of CBD in a beneficial way.

Amy Nicklaus discusses sustainable hemp farming and the importance of lab testing CBD products with Kathy Ireland.

Even though hemp has been used in holistic medicine for decades, it really didn’t break into the US mainstream market until around 2015. At that time, Hempzilla teamed up with organic USA farmers and a team of scientists to really explore the potential for CBD, and the results were staggering. We’ve seen this plant do AMAZING things when manufactured correctly.

While there are a lot of clinical lab tests still running, hundreds of thousands of CBD users across the US have boasted about how they use CBD regularly for anxiety, inflammation, arthritis, pain relief, and much more.

Many companies don’t take the necessary steps to maintain the quality of the plant, though, and that can result in products that essentially don’t do anything. This has turned some people off to CBD because they don’t think it works for them when, in reality, CBD does work. That’s why the company you purchase your CBD from is essential.

“We work directly with organic sustainable farmers and our labs are right here in the USA, so we control every aspect of how our products are made, unlike most of the industry, which gives us a distinct advantage.” – Amy Nicklaus, CMO

At Hempzilla, we take a lot of pride in the growth of our hemp

Our CBD starts as hemp flower organically grown in Colorado under the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Each plant is never exposed to pesticides or GMOs and is naturally fed by nutrient-rich Rocky Mountain water until it reaches maturity. From there, it is ethically hand-picked and hand-trimmed. This gives us an incredible base product to turn into everything, including tinctures, pet treats, and premium raw flower.

For anything that includes CBD oil, such as tinctures and topicals, we use a clean CO2 extraction method that helps remove heavy metals and impurities, which many companies leave behind. We don’t believe in cutting any corners when it comes to our products. That’s key.

Our gold standard quality CBD is where all of our competitors have fallen short

On Modern Living with Kathy Ireland, Amy discussed how Hempzilla CBD uses several different hemp strain genetics during cultivation to get well-rounded cannabinoid content in our finished products. It has always been important for us to have seed-to-table traceability to ensure every step of our process meets our standards at all times. The gold standard quality we have is where all of our competitors have fallen short, and that can be dangerous to allow in the marketplace.

“Hempzilla was the first brand in the CBD industry to boast that we had FDA registered GMP certifications, used organic practices, and built sophisticated ISO certified, pharmaceutical grade formulation and extraction labs.

We’re also one of the few companies who have a full-time PhD biochemist on staff to oversee all testing and ensure that our products contain less than .3% Delta-9 THC and are micro-bacteria free.” – Amy Nicklaus, CMO

Testing is one of the biggest components of what we do because it’s such an important element for quality-control. At Hempzilla CBD, we follow Good Manufacturing Practices, also referred to as GMP, in an ISO 6000-rated lab. This means that our products must pass rigorous evaluations and maintain a high, consistent standard in order to pass into the hands of consumers. We test for quality, potency and stability in an area of the industry that still suffers neglect and, in some cases, dishonesty, even with some larger national brands.

Hempzilla CBD is pure and potent

Potency is a difficult thing to understand for the consumer. It’s always been assumed that the higher the milligram strength of a product, the more potent it will be, but that’s not entirely true. For example, Hempzilla’s 500mg products perform five times better than our competitor’s 1500mg products.

That is partly because Hempzilla CBD uses methods of extraction to keep our golden CBD oils in their most natural state so we don’t damage the medicinal molecules this plant has to offer. We also use only the best ingredients from top suppliers in the U.S. to create synergistic blends. Being that our products are broad-spectrum with that level of potency, there’s the creation of the famed “entourage effect” that’s so coveted in the industry. When producing CBD products, the goal is to keep as many of these molecules (cannabinoids) as possible in their natural state with the exception of the THC molecule, which is responsible for psychoactive effects.

Removing this one molecule and leaving all the others is considered broad-spectrum. On the other hand, if we were to leave the THC molecule, it would be considered full spectrum. Most products strip away all of the molecules in a harsh process called isolation or isolates. This process, although it’s cheaper, ends up stripping away most of the medicinal qualities, resulting in little to no beneficial effects.

This is why many first-time CBD users who buy cheaper products complain that they didn’t work. We have heard countless experiences of individuals who tried CBD and thought it didn’t work, but tried Hempzilla CBD products and were shocked at the difference.

What’s the science behind CBD?

The first thing that’s important to note is that hemp contains over 100 cannabinoids that are similar to what our bodies naturally produce. People and some pets, such as dogs, produce endocannabinoids that bind to endocannabinoid receptors. Endocannabinoids are essential and have been noted to play a part in our immune system responses, memory, mood, and more. By taking CBD, you’re increasing the amount of cannabinoids readily available to your endocannabinoid system.

One example of how CBD can benefit the body is its effect on reducing inflammation in the body.

What are some of our most loved CBD Products?

Our Joint & Muscle Gel is the star of Hempzilla’s product line, being that it is a consistent top-seller and the product a majority of our customers purchase a subscription for. We regularly get reviews calling this a “miracle gel” and for good reason. It’s available in a gel, roll-on, and spray, and contains powerful ingredients that cool on contact, while penetrating deep into muscles and joints, helping to speed up the recovery processes.

Hempzilla’s CBD Bath Soaks are another loved product, available in Lilac, Eucalyptus, Mango, Unscented, and Nighttime. They’re great for anyone looking to ease muscle tension, melt away everyday stress, and get a better night’s sleep. They are also completely free of dyes and harsh chemicals and contain a blend of natural ingredients, including Epsom salt, coconut oil, natural fragrances, and pure, broad-spectrum CBD. Simply draw a warm bath, sprinkle in about 4 ounces, and soak for 20 minutes. It’s truly a full-sensory relaxation experience.

What’s next for Hempzilla CBD?

We’re constantly expanding our product lines and exploring new, exciting ways to incorporate this incredible plant into our daily lives, so there’s definitely a lot in store for Hempzilla CBD. We will continue sticking to our values, maintaining our high standards for purity and transparency in the marketplace, and helping consumers understand what they’re taking and why it matters. When a company truly commits itself to deliver a fantastic product, people know it. That makes what we do so immensely rewarding.

*Airing on March 11, 2021 at 7:30AM ET/PT as sponsored content, Kathy Ireland will welcome Chief Marketing Officer of Hempzilla CBD, Amy Nicklaus, to Modern Living with kathy ireland® to learn more about Hempzilla’s game-changing CBD solutions.