By Op-Ed Blogger Quinton Charles

Hemp? In History?

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the history of hemp. This lack of information has led to a fear of hemp and a misunderstanding of the role that it played in our past. I often find myself in conversations with people who have no idea how central hemp was (and is!) to human medicine, clothing, and industry. Being a bit of a history nerd, I love the history of hemp because it is a rich history that spans thousands of years and all cultures. I’ll tell you a bit about it.

​Ancient Hemp

We often think of hemp and CBD products as modern amenities, but, in fact, they have been used for almost as long as we have been farming. For example, around eight thousand years ago, the Chinese first started using hemp in medicines. However, despite this early use, it wasn’t until 2737 BCE that we find written evidence of hemp as medicine. Emperor Shen-Nung, a mythical leader of the Chinese people in their earliest days, is purported to have developed topical hemp oils and teas to aid in pain relief. His findings are found in the first editions of the Pen Ts’ao Ching, an ancient medical text that is among the first to mention hemp as a remedy for illness.Later on, Hua Tuo, a Han dynasty physician, was the first person on record to use cannabis as an anesthetic… in the second century! He noted that this plant can also aid in the treatment of blood clots, tapeworms, and hair loss. Even the ancient Romans noted the benefits of hemp. Around 77 AD, Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman historian and writer, noted how helpful hemp was for the extraction of insects from ears and for pain relief.

Hemp As Medicine

Europe in the Middle Ages and after, saw hemp used to treat tumors and coughs — as well as recreationally. By the sixteenth century, hemp was one of the main crops grown in England. In 1533, Henry VIII commanded farmers to grow hemp or face a fine! It was also used to supply fibers for supplies on British ships, such as sails and rope for the rigging.

Hemp In The Americas

When Europeans came across the Atlantic to colonize the new world, they found that many of the indigenous peoples of the Americas already were cultivating hemp, a plant that they knew from their homes back in Europe. As the American colonies grew, farmers in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut were ordered by law to grow Indian hemp. By the early 18th century, a person could be sentenced to jail if they weren’t growing hemp on their land! In fact, along with whiskey and other goods, hemp could be used as legal tender (and even could be used to pay one’s taxes).

​Henry Ford and Hemp Fuels

In 1896 Rudolph Diesel had produced his famous engine. Like many others, Diesel assumed that the diesel engine would be powered by a variety of fuels, especially vegetable and seed oils. I am fro Michigan and so is Green Wellness Life so we wanted to throw in a bit of Michigan history! Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company, seeing the potential of biomass fuels, operated a successful biomass conversion plant producing hemp fuel at their Iron Mountain facility in Michigan. Ford engineers extracted methanol, charcoal fuel, tar, pitch, ethyl acetate and creosote, fundamental ingredients for modern industry.

Things Change

As other industries started to grow, they began to compete with hemp for control of various markets, such as paper, cloth and fibers, oils and fuels. This is when both the law and the public began to turn against hemp. I’ll talk about this more in part 2 of this history, but remember, hemp has been with us since the start of civilization. No need to be afraid of this incredible crop! Its uses are endless!!!

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What is a terpene?

by Op-ed blogger Quinton Charles

Spring is coming and so are some of the smells and colors we love most! Like spring smells, cannabis products can have different smells depending on the strain and “flavor?” That unique smell is often the product of what are known as “terpenes.” In addition to oils such as CBD and THC, cannabis plants produce another oil; this oil is terpene. Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by nearly all forms of life. In plants, they are responsible for scent and color. Flowers often have the highest terpene content, which is why they have the strongest scent and often the most unique and vibrant colors.

Effects of terpenes when combined with CBD

So, beyond flavor or aroma, why should you care about terpenes? Because terpenes also can have a direct effect on how CBD affects you. Some promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others promote focus and acuity.  The benefit of terpenes in conjunction with cannibinoids can multiply the benefits your body can experience.

Some of the powerful terpenes and their benefits

• Linalool, for example, is believed to be relaxing whereas limonene elevates mood.
• Beta-caryophyllene, is found in many strains of Cannabis, as well as in oregano and black pepper, among other herbs. It is notable as a protector of the stomach lining and also as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Beta-caryophyllene also binds to the CB2 receptors on T-Cells and Macrophages in the immune system , enabling them to more effectively combat illness.  It is the only terpene known to bind directly to cannabinoid receptors in the human body. This property is one of the reasons that green vegetables are so healthy for the digestive system and overall immune health.

Common Terpenes in Hemp

Some terpenes commonly found in cannabis products are Pinene, Myrcene, and Limonene.

• Pinene emits a pine-like scent (hence the name) and is reported to be anti-inflammatory.
• Myrcene has an earthy, herbal odor and is often found in mango and thyme outside of cannabis. It has a relaxing effect.
• Limonene is citrus-like in aroma, as it is often found in citrus rinds. It has found use most often as a mood-elevator and has been found to relieve anxiety.

Making sure terpenes are in my CBD

So how do I know if these amazing, healthy, beneficial terpenes are in my CBD products? Well, you’re going to want to look for products that are labeled or known as “full spectrum.” But what is “full spectrum?” It refers to how the CBD oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant maintains all of its cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients; nothing is left out, so all of the terpenes are present (along with their benefits!). Most companies will publish 3rd party lab reports on their batches of CBD, which will include information on how they extracted the CBD from the hemp. One of the best processes that can be used to retain all of the terpenes in the oil is Supercritical CO2 Extraction. Supercritical CO2 is a fully recyclable, non-toxic, eco-friendly form of carbon dioxide, that’s held at a very specific temperature and pressure to keep it in a liquid state, as it passes through the plants. After extraction, the CO2 gasses off entirely from the oil, leaving only plant materials and no residual solvents behind.

Raw CBDA has terpenes

This CO2 method is most common for “full spectrum” products, and is preferred for its lack of residue and the quality of the end product. Most products are very clear about whether or not they are “full spectrum,” and that is what you should look for if you want the full benefits of terpenes. It is key to note that some full spectrum products are also considered “Raw” products.  All raw products are considered full spectrum and will also have the benefits of the plant terpenes. Raw means that the the product has some of the “raw” or unheated/cold processed plant matter  This part of the plant has it’s own benefits. Often people take a raw product for chronic pain and inflammation.

A doctors advice should be sought before using any supplemental dietary products.  The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

By Quinton Charles Op-Ed

Many People Are Suffering Neurological Disorders

Of the one billion people affected by neurological disorders worldwide, 50 million suffer from epilepsy and 24 million from Alzheimer and other dementias. Due to this prevalence of neurological disorders, which affect individuals from all genders, races, and socio-economic classes, it is no wonder that a lot of attention is placed on claims that CBD can lessen the severity of, or even remove the symptoms of some of these disorders.

My aim with this article is to offer as much information as I can to anyone who personally suffers, or has a loved one who suffers, under the symptoms of a neurological disorder. While I cannot claim that CBD will cure anyone’s illness, or that it will even mitigate their pain, I can claim to have done my research, and that I offer only the information which I believe are relevant to anyone seeking alternatives to treatment plans that may have not worked for them in the past.

CBD & Epilepsy

One of the most commonly cited examples of CBD having a positive effect is in relation to epilepsy in patients. Not only has CBD been found statistically to reduce the severity of seizures in some patients, but it has also been found to reduce the frequency of seizures in some studies. These findings have led to the first FDA-approved drug with CBD as an active ingredient; the drug is intended for use as a treatment of two severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome.

CBD & Parkinsons

For patients with Parkinson’s, CBD granted significant improvements in motor abilities, rigidity, pain, and other symptoms along with a decrease in psychotic attributes The study, conducted on mice, found that there was an overall decrease in the expression of Parkinson’s symptoms, and a slower rate of disease progression when the subject mice were treated with CBD. Obviously, there’s still a long way to go from mice to humans, but the initial findings are exciting.

CBD & Multiple Sclerosis

Culture testing has also proved that CBD reverses inflammatory responses and might successfully protect patients from the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. For example, Sativex, a pharmaceutical containing a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD, has been used to treat Multiple Sclerosis with varying degrees of success. As the National Institute of Health states: “In some trials, THC:CBD spray significantly reduced neuropathic pain, spasticity, muscle spasms and sleep disturbances. The most common adverse events (AEs) reported in trials were dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, feeling of intoxication and a bad taste. Long-term safety and the potential for dependence, abuse, misuse and diversion are unknown,”

The National Institute of Health also stated that “Results from randomized, controlled trials have reported a reduction in the severity of symptoms associated with spasticity, leading to a better ability to perform daily activities and an improved perception of patients and their carers regarding functional status. These are highly encouraging findings that provide some much-needed optimism for the treatment of this disabling and often painful symptom of MS,”

CBD & The Nervous System

While Sativex is a prescription medicine, the effect that the CBD has on the nervous system may be replicated with similar CBD use, though this is not yet proven. There is much research that still needs to be done on the effects of CBD on neurological disorders, and new studies are constantly published, especially now that universities are less restricted in their ability to cultivate and experiment with Cannabis strains. Already, the market has FDA-approved CBD medications to treat neurological disorders, and there is no doubt in my mind that the FDA will approve other, non-prescriptive, CBD products that will enable many people, with varying levels of severity in their afflictions, to seek and find a solution.  Let’s hope that happens sooner rather than later, for us and for our loved ones living with neurological disorders.

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By Brandy Palmer Founder and Owner of Green wellness Life

When I started working in the hemp industry 4 years ago, it was a whole new world for me.  I could name maybe 5 uses for hemp – and none of them had anything to do with balance in our bodies. The CBD industry at that time was still new. I definitely couldn’t spell cannabidiol and my family and friends hassled me with a lot of pot jokes!  Fast forward to 2019 and it seems that CBD is becoming a common household item. It’s everywhere – from your inbox (seriously – I have three emails TODAY inviting me to participate in CBD studies, from companies I can’t pronounce) and Facebook feed, to your local discount shoe store and hair salon. That is awesome and challenging all at the same time. This is a compound that we are putting in and on our bodies. Many of the people hawking CBD today don’t know a thing about it. This is bad for both the people that are buying and selling it. CBD can be confusing especially for someone trying to find the best choice for their unique system and circumstances. Here’s hoping that this article can help you to know what to look for when buying CBD.

Time in the Industry

New companies that manufacture CBD products are popping up daily. The 2014 Farm Bill made it legal to grow and produce a multitude of products with hemp in the United States. This bill also came with a number of restrictions. These restrictions created some barriers for manufacturers. Many of these restrictions were effectively wiped out with the 2018 Farm Bill update, and the floodgates are effectively opening. Some of these new companies offer great products; However we also know that in the US 1 in 3 businesses will fail in the first year. They may have an awesome product, but marketing and managing a team is an entirely different animal to tame. There’s nothing worse than coming to rely on a product for your family and then learning that it’s no longer an option for you! I’m still pretty angry at TGI Friday’s for getting rid of their grilled vegetable sandwich and there was significantly less at stake there, than on the CBD I take daily. So make sure that the company you’re buying from has been in business for a little while.

Product Knowledge

There are a lot of areas that I am not knowledgeable about. Ask me about computers or why your car engine is making a funny sound, and I’ll stare at you blankly. Ask me about CBD, though, and I know some things. You need that knowledge if you’re new to hemp and the compounds it’s made up of.  It’s great to start with a company that you heard about from friends or family, but your needs may be unique from theirs. It is key to call that company and ask them questions. You’ll know pretty quickly if they know what they are talking about or NOT! If it’s the latter, steer clear! You need an knowledgeable company to help you to be an educated consumer.

There’s a tanning salon in my town that’s selling CBD. They have big posters in their window and a cutesy display on their counter. I went in and asked some questions and knew in about 1 minute that the adorable girl working had NO CLUE what she was selling. That’s not only bad business, it’s likely a turn off to people who will try products. It is easy to take CBD but when you do not know which kind or how much you need to take and how to increase in order to see results you can easily get frustrated and deduce that you saw no results…“CBD doesn’t work!” Make sure that the company you’re working with knows the product.

Avoiding Medical Claims

I know I’m a broken record here, but there really is no “one size fits all” with CBD. Can I promise it will heal your <insert problem here>? No, I can’t. No one can. If they promise a specific medical result, that’s not only unethical – it’s potentially predatory. Many people see a real benefit from CBD, once they have determined the right product and serving size and are taking it consistently. “Many” doesn’t mean everyone. I’ve told people directly that I don’t think that they will see what they are looking for from CBD, which is not an easy thing to say. I’ve also told people that I thought they would see a real benefit and they didn’t. At the end of the day, every system is unique and each person will see varying results with CBD. If the company that you are working with tells you anything other than that, find a new company.

Customer Service

As the CBD market grows, it can be easy to find multiple companies selling the same products.  When that happens, the key difference will be the service. Look for customer reviews and check out their return policy. If your initial choice isn’t a great fit, make sure that the company you’re working with will, at a minimum, swap it out for another product. Be sure to ask if all sales are individual or if you’re signing up for a monthly subscription program? There’s certainly nothing wrong with subscriptions – I get my vitamins like clockwork and that’s pretty convenient; but they can get us into trouble sometimes. I like those meal subscription services. They do pile up quickly and I tend to forget to cancel a week. This results in lots and lots of cooking and freezing meals. Oops. Make sure that you have some flexibility and are fully aware of the cost if you do go the subscription route.

Product Options

I like to buy as many products as I can from one source. I blame Amazon for spoiling me, but it’s reality. If I can find one source I trust, I stick with them. The same should be true for CBD. I give cannabidiol to my dog and two cats, my son, and my husband. We use a variety of products from tincture to e-liquid and salves and there is a real value in being able to get them from one place. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to CBD, so when a company has a variety of options, it means that I have a better chance of finding my best fit without having to look to another source.

Clear Labeling & Descriptions

CBD is one of the more than 80 different compounds in hemp and marijuana plants. Many CBD products that you buy contain all of those compounds, while others are strictly the isolated CBD. You should know that from a clear label and product description. We go into greater detail in another blog…see more. The amount of CBD in a product should not be a guessing game. While some manufacturers do call it different things (Hemp Extract, Phytocannabinoid Blend, Phytocannabinoid Rich Oil to name a few,) you should always see the total milligrams of that active CBD on the product label.  You should also know that test data is available and be able receive that detail when you ask for it. That test data will show you that what you want is in there, and what you want to avoid (think high THC, pesticides, heavy metals) is not present. If the label and description aren’t clear, and you can’t get the detail you need from Customer Service, take a pass.

Cost

The old adage “you get what you pay for” is true here to a point.  You want to be looking at the cost per milligram of CBD. That cost per milligram will be higher on things like gummies and chocolate because of the other ingredients. Some manufacturers have a perceived brand value and will charge more per milligram, but you should otherwise see fairly close pricing for the same type of CBD. It’s important to compare apples to apples – a CBD isolate product will not be the same cost as a full-spectrum, but if you’re looking at two 1000 mg bottles of full-spectrum tincture (even if those bottles are different sizes!), they should be fairly close in price.  If not, ask why and steer clear of both overpriced and under priced products.

These are exciting times, where we as consumers have more access to information than anyone who came before us.  We can take control of our own health and well-being and that of our families. Was it Spiderman that said “With great power comes great responsibility?” I may have my superheroes mixed up, but you get the point. Making smart choices about what we put in and on our bodies is definitely a great responsibility – here’s hoping that this article has helped lift that burden, if even a little bit.

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