results. Recent studies have shown CBD is beneficial for teenage social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder in adults, and public speaking anxiety. It seems like it is best taken with fat containing meals and taken in the morning if targeting anxiety.


CBD has been shown to improve sleep and reduce insomnia survey scores. This would be better taken in the evening with a meal. Anxiety and insomnia are two condi- tions that may respond poorly to THC, some report feeling more anxious or more trouble falling asleep when using THC. It is important to discuss your particular case with a qualified physician that is educated in CBD, this is how serving size and safety can be determined.


One of the most researched and signifi- cant benefits CBD has to offer is its reduc- tion in seizure activity. Pharmaceutical CBD has been proven to treat various seizure dis- orders. At the very least it offers a possibility to reduce other anti-seizure medicines when used synergistically. This can significantly improve one's quality of life.


Consumer Updates


CBD has been a popular discussion in the media, therefore products are flooding the market. Companies are selling CBD drinks, candies, oils, creams, and whatever else one can imagine. Kids, pets, elderly, and everyone else is trying CBD. CBD is being sold online, in vape stores, gas stations, and CBD stores. The quality is a spectrum. Like any health fad, there are going to be capitalistic companies looking to maximize their profit which leads to an inferior product. A 2017 consumer report showed CBD products were, more often than not, to be under-labeled, over-labeled, or incorrectly labelled. This illustrates a de- ficiency of product testing across the board. The most dangerous scenario is when someone thinks they are taking just CBD but they are getting some THC in the mix as well. This is dangerous because THC has more side-effects than CBD, but also can cause someone to fail a drug test. Some CBD products are marketed correctly as ‘full-spectrum’, which means they contain the full spectrum of medical compounds in


the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. These products may not have enough THC in them to cause someone to feel psy- chological changes, but it may be enough to test positive on a drug test.


Also, many CBD products may not be


clean. Traditionally, herbalists used alcohol as a solvent to extract medicinal com- pounds from a plant. Today companies use strong solvents such as hexane and ethyl acetate (nail polish remover) to extract higher percentages, which creates a dirtier but more profitable product. There must be a certificate of analysis proving the purity of any product for consideration.


CBD legality in America is currently


not clear. It had been considered a food product (not a supplement or medica- tion), that was generally regarded as safe. However, a pharmaceutical company that has a patent on a synthetic CBD under the prescription name ‘Epidiolex’ backed by the FDA, found in a study that their product may increase liver enzymes. As of 11/25/19, the FDA is warning consumers CBD is not generally regarded as safe. This needs to be investigated and questioned appropriately for a few reasons. First off, Epidiolex is not a natural CBD, it is a synthetic analog which costs $400+ for 1 fluid ounce. Secondly, there are many pub- lished studies involving human volunteers, primates, or mice that showed no changes in blood biomarkers. Some of these stud- ies were single high doses, other studies were over several months. To date, there are no CBD-related overdoses or deaths. Hopefully, CBD will be further studied with humans in a clinical setting to better standardize CBD products.


In conclusion, good quality CBD


products have a balancing effect on the nervous system with many potential benefits. They are considered safe when used appropriately under the guidance of a physician. CBD is different than medici- nal cannabis and THC, it should not cause one to feel ‘high’. If you are considering CBD therapy, please contact us or a quali- fied healthcare practitioner.


tsachsmd.com 30 Natural Nutmeg - March 2020


Dr. Nick Edgerton is a Naturopathic Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist prac- ticing with Collaborative Natural Health Partners with an interest in functional car- diology, nutrigenomics, and gastrointesti- nal disharmonies. Dr. Edgerton is accept- ing new patients at the Manchester, West Hartford, and Columbia office locations. See ad on page 20.


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