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CBD (cannabidiol) stories have been hitting the newswires like wildfire since the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill passed in December 2018.

Verbiage contained in the new Farm Bill removed hemp’s classification as a schedule one drug to that of an agricultural commodity, opening the floodgates for products containing CBD oil which offers health and wellness opportunities for salons and day spas.  

To understand the magnitude of this change in classification, let’s start with the history of hemp.

  • Cannabis is one of the oldest plants in history, one of the first plants grown on purpose because of its versatility. It was used for food, clothing and shelter, and the oils derived from the plant's seeds were used to light lamps.
  • For 60 years, prior to its prohibition, Cannabis was the 3rd largest pharmaceutical medication prescribed by physicians. Companies like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Parke Davis all had developed medicines containing Cannabis.
  • In 1937, Congress used an obscure name “marijuana” to ban cannabis because it didn’t want push back from the pharmaceutical industry. The paper industry and DuPont Chemical didn’t like competing with cannabis because of its superior properties. Once the pharmaceutical industry found out cannabis was grouped with marijuana and banned from use, it was too late.
  • Hemp and Marijuana are not the same but they are both part of the cannabis family. While Marijuana was mainly known for recreational purposes, Hemp has huge medicinal benefits when used in part as a healthy dietary supplement.

Health Benefits

The medical discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was made in the early 1990s. Fewer than 10% of medical schools actually study literature on ECS in their classes, because it’s that new. That’s why many physicians are hesitant to allow or recommend CBD products. They don’t have the time to research it and pharmaceutical companies are not eager to educate them on products they don’t have to market yet. With increased public demand, the physician’s learning curve will get faster.

  • The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is the greatest neurotransmitter system in the body. Its primary function is to promote Homeostasis (balance in our bodies). It affects mood, memory, motor control, pain perception, appetite, sleep and so much more.
  • Literally considered the engine for balance in our bodies, ECS is connected to all other systems. Endocannabinoid hormones are present in every tissue in our bodies as well.
  • In conditions where your nerves are not functioning well and you’re are experiencing difficulties with pain, anxiety, insomnia, all these things are related to a dysfunction in the endocannabinoid system. ECS affects your immune system which in turn affects your level of inflammation and how your body responds to injury and infection.
  • The composition of the endocannabinoid system consists of two receptors, two hormones and enzymes. CB1 receptors live primarily in the brain and spinal cord; they help control your nervous system function. CB2 receptors are located all over the body concentrated in your immune system.
  • The release of the hormone Anandamide (meaning bliss) causes you to feel blissful. Its function affects pleasure, food intake, sleep, pain relief, anxiety and stress--it acts as a bridge between mind and body. Migraines, Fibromyalgia, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome all caused by a deficiency of Anandamide. When Anandamides are low, pain is high.
  • The 2AG hormone regulates the immune system. It protects your neurons and has an anti-inflammatory function.
  • Enzymes produce and breakdown these hormones.

If Cannabis is so great, why hasn’t Big Pharma taken steps to own it already?

It’s because they were restricted. Due to the prior illegal nature of Hemp, pharmaceutical companies couldn’t conduct studies on the benefits of CBD Oil without damaging relationships with the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Pharmaceutical companies are way behind the supplement industry because they have to go through decades of research before coming out with a product. Their hands have been tied by bureaucracy.  This is why supplemental products containing CBD can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of pharmaceutical drugs. However, this is also why it’s so important to know the facts about CBD products and what to look for before you make a purchase.

CBD Oil and ECS

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an informational paper. It does not promote CBD products as medical cures nor does it take the place of your physician’s advice and or prescribed treatments.

The Endocannabinoid System is fueled by our food supply. Our food supply is not as rich in nutrients as it used to be. CBD supports and mimics the ECS function with phytocannabinoids. CBD Oil is super fuel for ECS, full of linoleic acid and other key omega fatty acids to help rejuvenate the body.

  • CBD can be made from full-spectrum oil or the CBD isolate and any variation in-between. In order to get full health benefits from using CBD products, it is important to use full-spectrum oil.
  • Health Studies surrounding CBD proclaim it to be anti-bacterial which protects neurons, promotes bone growth, and reduces seizures and convulsions. More studies declare CBD can reduce blood sugar levels, suppress muscle spasms, and reduce inflammation.

Receptors impacted by CBD include Opioid receptors which affect pain : Dopamine receptors which affect memory and mood; and Serotonin receptors which affect anxiety and depression.

Full-Spectrum oil contains Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Flavonoids, Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins, and Fatty Acids. Using full-spectrum oils are the key to getting the most benefit from your dietary supplement.

CBD is Safe.

CBD is safe when purchased from a reputable company. There has never been one instance of overdose with CBD. As CBD supports the Endocannabinoid System, it normalizes, putting a flat cap on overactive systems. Using too much is just wasting product.

What to look for when looking for the best in Hemp CBD Oil.

  • Hemp must be from a Certified Organic Source – The Hemp plant acts as a sponge. If soils contain metals, pesticides, or other toxins they will end up in the extracted oils.
  • Must be water soluble and fast acting – Most oils will only provide 6% absorption level. An 80-90 absorption rate along with a fast onset of action (5-15 minutes) is an important factor especially if someone is taking it for pain.
  • Must be Third-Party tested – Ask to see third-party documentation from a known source on the specific branded product, not just CBD products in general.
  • Must be Full-Spectrum Oil – Full-Spectrum CBD Oil provides a full entourage effect with side benefits as opposed to side effects.

CBD as a New Retail Opportunity

Are you ready to blow your retail goals away? Different media sources predict that CBD market growth projections are dramatically higher than expected. Forbes estimates the scales will tip in favor of hemp-derived CBD, entirely eclipsing the cannabis market. Predictions below show CBD to be a fast moving market;

  • Forbes Magazine – predicts 700% growth by 2020. (That’s in less than one year!)
  • Rolling Stones – just predicted that CBD will hit $22 Billion by 2022
  • By 2030. the Hemp Market is predicted to grow to $1 Trillion surpassing Tabaco as an agricultural commodity!

What does this mean for your business?

There is a brief amount of time before momentum will hit in this market. During this time people get educated and will look for places to find superior CBD products. Once consumers commit to a product they will rarely switch.  When considering adding CBD Products to your retail space, do your homework to provide the best products for your guests.

About the Author: Tamara Jercha is a licensed stylist and a distributor and educator for UltraCell CBD Oil. To learn more about UltraCell CBD Oil, visit www.zilis.com/Tamara-CBD . To purchase or find out about retailing UltraCell CBD oil in your salon contact: Tamara@all-waysdesigns.com

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