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If you’re new to CBD and want to know more, check out the article explaining CBD and how it helps common medical conditions such as stress, anxiety, and pain, covering CBD legality and the different forms available.
Over the last few years, so many different CBD brands have appeared online, it’s challenging to know which one to choose. The legal loophole of marketing CBD as a hemp product devoid of THC, the potent psychoactive element common to recreational and medical cannabis, is what has attracted so many startups to the industry.
And why not? If the product is legitimate and better than the opioids pushed by big pharma, CBD medication should be encouraged.
However, the use of cannabinoids as a solution to the opioid epidemic is slow in forthcoming. Mainstream medicine, influenced heavily by pharmaceutical companies. So much so, they do not want to replace their money-makers with a product with intense competition that allows easy entrants.
The flip side is that CBD brands marketing their products as hemp derivatives are reticent about stating their medical benefits. Product descriptions appear careful to an extreme about describing health aid, relying heavily on customer user ratings and testimony.
Furthermore, CBD brands are transparent about their production processes, aiming for organic status. A side-track effort to at least show their products doesn’t cause further damage with contaminants and dangerous fertilizers.
Medical cannabis brands, however, are subject to FDA and health authority scrutiny. For companies to gain medical legitimacy, they detail the exact content of their products, including terpene profiles, and the medical conditions they treat with research to back their claims.
Cannabis medication is available in states that have legalized medical cannabis, in contradiction to federal law.
So far, the only medical cannabis company to gain FDA approval is GW Pharmaceuticals, producing Epidiolex for treating seizure disorders.
However, the lines blur as more medical cannabis brands cross over to provide CBD products with low THC levels coming close to FDA requirements by marketing their products as hemp.
A reminder about the legal status of hemp products
If you live in the US, CBD from Hemp with a THC content of 0.3% or below is federally legal but restricted in some states. CBD derived from cannabis plants with a THC content of 0.4%, or more are federally illegal but legal in some states.
But there should be no misunderstanding. Hemp and cannabis plants are the same species, legally differentiated by their THC content.
As CBD from hemp is legal, the FDA does not regulate its consumption or commercial use.
As with many supplements, it’s crucial to purchase CBD from a reputable brand, and not one that is vague about their cannabinoid content and ingredients.
The truth about CBD contamination and organic production
Modern farm production often uses pesticides to ward off parasites and disease. What’s more, they add hormones and make genetic modifications to their seeds giving higher production yields. Furthermore, their production techniques alter the size and taste of the produce.
Cannabis and hemp production is no exception. That’s why there is an outcry for organic produce not only in supermarkets but now taking hold in the CBD industry.
Actual organic status without genetic manipulation is rare, and any brand claiming otherwise should be regarded with questionable skepticism unless officially certified.
However, it is perfectly reasonable to demand hemp and cannabis products are free of pesticides, hormone growth additives, and cultivation with natural organic fertilizers.
Most hemp cultivators for CBD brands understand the need for transparency and natural ingredients and comply with public demand for organic farming methods.
Realistically, genetic manipulation is here to stay, and the genie will not go back in the bottle.
It wouldn’t be out of order to state that most hemp and cannabis seeds have genetic manipulation. Hybrid strains are created with preferred cannabinoid content and terpene profiles for specific recreational and medical needs.
CBD brands with professional medical research
Since 2018 CBD has become a commodity, with expert marketing brand and price strategies separating brands to achieve market share.
The vast majority of CBD brands promise the same, with organically grown products and independent lab tests.
Few, however, are backed with medical research, and even less are in a position to legitimately claim any medical benefits, which remain vague when reading their product descriptions.
If CBD brands were to make medical claims, they would be subject to FDA scrutiny.
However, medical cannabis brands are transparent about their cannabinoid content and state the exact terpene profile. Further still, the medical conditions they are used for are list on their websites. They’re able to do this as they are consistent in using the same hybrid strains to produce each harvest.
CBD brands without terpene breakdowns in product descriptions are more likely to use different hybrids for each extraction batch. The terpene profile may well be different with each production cycle.
That’s why there is a significant difference between medical cannabis brands and entrepreneurial brands, the latter taking advantage of loopholes in the laws surrounding the sale of CBD as a supplement.
How to choose the right CBD brand?
The best way to verify the quality and claims of CBD products is to check the full transparency of ingredients, including a detailed terpene profile.
Many brands offer a certificate of analysis that examines contaminant content, purity, and element potency. Additionally, labs provide peace of mind exposing pesticides, heavy metals, and fungi.
However, labs will not verify the therapeutic effect. Only a specialist doctor in CBD treatment or a medical cannabis brand backed with years of established research can advise on products suitable for specific medical conditions.
Relying solely on a few social media and customer ratings touting efficacy is not wise. Such reviews aren’t always legitimate and may not be trustworthy unless verified or in overwhelming numbers.
The best recommendation for CBD quality and suitability is a certificate of analysis by a reputable independent lab or purchasing from a medical cannabis brand backed with years of verified medical research.
For complete peace of mind, always seek advice from a qualified medical professional that is an expert with medical cannabis therapy and CBD products.
A qualified doctor can prescribe the right brand, form, and dosage suited to your individual needs.
5 CBD Brands for treating anxiety in older patients
As pioneers in medical cannabis research, Tikun has blazed the trail in developing CBD products to relieve anxiety and pain.
The brand belongs to an elite group of medical cannabis producers who have undergone 15 plus years of study in developing cannabis products to treat numerous medical conditions.
Tikun’s research was carried out in cooperation with the forefather of cannabis research Professor Raphael Mechoulam.
Avidekel is a full-spectrum cannabis strain used to produce CBD tincture, vape oil, and topical cream. It is exceptionally effective in relieving anxiety and other ailments.
A higher concentration of CBD increases serotonin levels that help alleviate stress throughout the body. The THC content is Avidekel is less than 1% and unlikely to get you high, other than calming your mood.
Tikun provides a complete breakdown of its Avidekel terpene profile, explaining each terpene’s aroma, together with the medical condition the cannabinoid and terpene profile is suited.
The information is in stark contrast to other CBD brands and grounded in extensive medical knowledge and experience.
Due to Tikun’s extensive library of published medical research, Avidikel’s health benefits are documented with the following:
- Elevates energy levels
- Reduces stress, agitation, and anxiety
- Improves symptoms of depression
- Reduces rage attacks
- Acts as a sleep aid
- Helps digestive problems
- Reduces seizures
- Reduces inflammation
- Improve airflow to the lungs
- Prevents memory loss
- Slows the spread of infection and cancer cells
- Relief of Autism symptoms
- Relief in pain related to MS
Type: An Indica-dominant hybrid strain that helps stabilize the nerves.
CBD: 16-19% – 600Mg / 30Ml bottle
THC: <1% (Avidekel is a cannabis product as it has a THC content above 0.3%)
Available as a Tincture, Vape, Topicals, and more.
| Terpenes | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beta-Myrcene | 60% |
| Alpha-Pinene | 17% |
| Limonene | 8% |
| Beta-Pinene | 6% |
| Guaiol | 5% |
| Other | 4% |
Avidekel is available online, in Europe, Israel, and throughout California, with distribution soon throughout the US, in states where cannabis is legal.
The Stanley brothers developed the CBD brand Charlotte’s Web to treat seizures related to Dravet syndrome.
Originally named Hippie’s Disappointment and later rebranded Charlotte’s Web, the CBD was used to treat Charlotte Figi, from Colorado, who suffered throughout her life with extreme epileptic seizures.
Charlotte sustained in the region 300 attacks per week at the peak of her condition, eventually reduced to two or three per month. Charlotte passed in on April 7, 2020, after being hospitalized with pneumonia and resulting complications.
Charlotte’s Web has helped thousands of families, many of whom moved to Colorado to gain access to CBD treatment.
The brand has well-earned a reputation in its ability to help sufferers of seizures, stress, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and other autoimmune conditions.
Due to the laws governing CBD products in the US, the Charlotte’s Web brand relies on customer testimony regarding its medicinal benefits.
As a full-spectrum hemp extract, Charlotte’s Web includes CBD (Cannabidiol), CBC, CBG, and other beneficial phytocannabinoids. What’s more, it is available in a variety of strengths from 500-1800Mg and container sizes.
Flavors include Lemon Twist, Orange Blossom, Mint-Chocolate. Also, the products come in an array of forms such as oil, gummies, and capsules, infused with additional ingredients such as Ginger Turmeric and Melatonin.
Charlotte’s Web is available online and throughout the US.
Find Out More About Charlotte’s Web
One of the earlier pioneers in cannabinoid products, NuLeaf has been producing full-spectrum organic extracts since 2014.
Unlike other CBD brands, NuLeaf does not rely on additives and only uses natural cannabinoids and terpenes derived from organically grown hemp plants.
The company has a colossal amount of positive user reviews with over 20,000 testimonies with 5-star ratings regarding the medicinal benefits of their extracts, a number in which is hard to argue.
Their full spectrum range includes cannabinoids, CBD, CBC, Delta 8 THC (a less potent form of THC), CBG, CBN, and various beneficial terpenes.
What’s more, their products are certified independently as being free from pesticides and other contaminants such as herbicides, fungi, mold, mycotoxins, and heavy metals.
Among a small class of quality hemp farmers, NuLeaf cultivates their hemp plants organically in Colorado, controlling the ecosystem with consistent strains farming and production techniques.
Furthermore, all their products are ISO certified in strict regulatory conditions.
NuLeaf CBD products are available as full-spectrum oil, softgel capsules, and balms. Most notable is NuLeaf focused extraction techniques that separate each product to separate cannabinoid compounds.
Their products relieve specific health conditions, relieving stress, treating anxiety, as a sleep aid, and help with pain relief.
Besides being medically directed and suitable for relieving an array of symptoms, the extracts are available in different potencies ranging from 300mg, 900mg, 1800mg, 3000mg, and 6000mg.
NuLeaf is available online and throughout the US.
Lazarus is a CBD brand in complete transparency about its operations, critical when selecting a reputable CBD supplier. Farmed in Central Oregon, they supply organic non-GMO hemp with USDA Organic certification, a rare accreditation among CBD brands.
Lazarus control cultivation on their three farms, from seed to harvesting, managing extraction, packaging, and delivery. The only process falling outside the purview of their control is Third-Party testing, which is as it should be.
Founded in 2014 before the onslaught of wannabe CBD entrepreneurs that have flooded the US market, like the production of its products, the company has grown naturally from a fledgling operation to today’s stellar organization.
Most notable is the Lazarus Assistance Program, whose aim is to lower the price of CBD, making it more accessible to the masses.
Lazarus has an upfront approach to recommending its products for specific health conditions. If you visit their website, an AI questionnaire will walk you through a series of questions intended to find CBD product solutions for specific health issues.
The company’s products relieve stress & anxiety, help with sleep, reduces aches in muscles and joints, helps with general wellness, focus & energy, aid skin conditions and problems related to digestion.
Among the more creative producers, Lazarus CBD products are available as tinctures, softgels, balms, skin lotions, and edibles such as flavored tarts.
Lazarus is available online and throughout the US.
For the last review of select CBD brands, Joy organics is remarkable, considering it’s only been around since 2018. A relatively new brand, Joy achieved USDA Certified Organic Full & Broad Spectrum CBD Tinctures. Quite an achievement and hurdle many CBD brands do not claim.
Organic certification means their seeds are natural and not genetically modified, and their farming processes and extraction techniques are devoid of chemical fertilizers and additives.
Joy Smith, the co-founder, started as a CBD user with first-hand experience of the trials and tribulations in finding quality CBD that was effective in treating her medical condition.
After doing her due diligence to understand and solve the complex issues surrounding the production of organic CBD from a user perspective, Joy founded a company that has set a benchmark for transparency.
The business sets the highest standard in manufacturing, quality, and testing, with a prime directive to ensure all processes meet USDA organic status.
A family business, Joy Organics, is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a second operational center in Austin Tx, run by her daughter Danielle.
Products include Full and Broad-Spectrum tinctures, salves, gummies, softgels, energy drinks, bath bombs, creams, and even supplements for pets.
Joy Organics is available online.
Find Out More About Joy Organics
For more about CBD products and medical cannabis, check out the Clicked.ink section on medical innovation.
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