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Medically reviewed by, Russell Braun RPH
CBD oils are catching a lot of press lately, even though cannabidiols were discovered in the 1940’s. Many states have legalized medical marijuana driving more question about how CBD fits in with marijuana.
What exactly is Charlotte’s Web CBD oil and how is it different than regular CBD oil?
Let me begin by saying that I am not affiliated with Charlotte’s Web CBD oil. I am trying to provide answers to common questions so you don’t find yourself spending money on medications prescription or over the counter that may not help you.
#1 Charlotte’s Web CBD is a brand of CBD oil
The makers of Charlotte’s Web reside in Colorado and state that they have a proprietary blend of CBD that comes from careful selection and breeding of cannabinoids. The makers claim the the products come with other beneficial phytocompounds as well.
The ingredients are listed as:
- Hemp oil
- Water
- Cane sugar
- Organic natural flavors
- Sunflower seed oil
- Medium chain triglycerides
They claim there is virtually no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the active component in marijuana that creates the “high” that people experience when they consume marijuana.
#2 Is Charlotte’s Web the same as CBD oil?
Charlotte’s web is the same as other CBD oils. They simply have a specific process they use to extract the CBD from certain strains of cannabis plants. They also claim to have other terpenes and flavonoids that come from the hemp.
There is no way to know for sure that other CBD oils do not contain those same chemicals that are in Charlotte’s Web.
CBD stands for cannabidiol and CBD oil is oil taken from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. There are approximately 113 cannabinoids in hemp cannibis plants.
CBD is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, reported to make up to 40% of the extract taken from the plant.
#3 How much CBD is in Charlotte’s web?
- Full strength contains 10mg hemp extract per 1ml
- Extra strength contains 25mg hemp extract per 1ml
- Original contains 43mg hemp extract per 0.5ml
The manufacturing process of any CBD producer is not being regulated at this time. Therefore, a direct comparison to the amount of CBD oil in Charlotte’s web vs other CBD oils is not possible.
#4 Is CBD oil the same as Marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana are closely related and most people upon visual inspection of the plants would think they are the same. However, they are different, hemp plants contain no more than 0.3% THC. Marijuana by contrast contains 15-20% THC.
By contracts, hemp has a higher concentration of CBD than marijuana.
#5 Is Charlotte’s web CBD oil legal?
Currently the laws are different for Federal vs State.
Federal
Late in 2018 Congress passed the 2018 Farm act. This law removed CBD containing less than 0.3% THC from being a schedule I controlled substance. This made CBD the same as any other agricultural commodity and legal for purchase.
As of 2019 CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is legal nationwide from a federal perspective.
State
States can have laws that are more restrictive than federal. Factors that come into play to determine if CBD is legal in a state include:
- Is it derived from hemp or marijuana
- Is it produced by a state licensed grower
Please check with your state to determine if they have any laws in place that restrict use.
#6 Is hemp oil different than hemp?
Hemp and hemp oil are the same. The oil must be refined from certain parts of the Hemp plant.
Hemp plant
The hemp plant has been used for thousands of years for everything from food, clothing, building material to water purification.
It is one of the most rapidly growing plants known to man which made it always abundant in supply. It can be spun into fibers that make very strong products resulting in the multiple uses.
Hemp oil
Oil make from the seeds of the hemp plant are rich in dietary fats, but do not contain large amounts of cannabinoids.
The leaves and flowers of the hemp plant can be used to obtain oil that is high in cannabinoids and that is what is typically used to make CBD oil.
Many different manufacturer’s make hemp oils similar to the CBD oil market. They all make claims about what hemp oils can do for your health. There are not many studies to prove these claims. One example is Amazons choice is Pure Hemp.
Charlotte’s web claims to extract there CBD from leaves and flowers and then dilute the oils obtained with another carrier oil to produce the product. They also create capsules that have the oil inside.
#7 What does CBD oil do?
The human body has two types of cannabinoid receptors which are part of the endocannabinoid system. They are located in parts of the brain called the hippocampus and the amygdala. Receptors also exist throughout the body in what is called the peripheral nervous system. This gives cannabinoids the wide range of affects that it has been claimed to help with.
- Type 1 (CB1) found more in the brain and nervous system
- Type 2 (CB2) found more as part of immune and peripheral nervous systems
THC is the primary cannabinoid that binds to CB1 & 2 more than CBD does. This is mostly likely the reason it does not produce the feeling of a “high” like THC does.
#8 What is Charlotte’s Web oil used for?
The manufacturer of Charlotte’s Web claim their CBD oil helps with the following:
- Calming
- Increased ability to focus
- Relief from stress
- Reduce inflammation from exercise
- Support healthy sleep cycles
Other CBD oils claim these benefits plus many more including:
- Blood pressure
- Cell changes related to cancer
- Bone density
- Pain perception
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Temperature
- Appetite
- Anxiety
Has it been proven to treat these items?
While you will see claims all over the internet about the uses for CBD oil, the majority of the claims are without hard evidence to back them up. Clinical trials in laboratory animals have shown benefits for a variety of indications.
The studies done in humans have been more case studies of just a few patients. Hard proof comes from studies that have a control group that the did not use CBD oil vs a group that did. Until that type of evidence is provided these claims of efficacy remain just claims.
#9 What are the side effects?
Lack of human studies with a control group makes it hard to determine what the true side effects are. The manufacturer of Charlottes Web states that it is generally well tolerated and safe.
My advice is to consult your doctor and pharmacist. They need to know what you are taking anyway, in my book Prescription for Maximum Savings I explain how everyone needs a medication list. If you take CBD oil, it needs to be on the list of medications. The potential for interaction with other medications could exist and has been shown in some cases.
Don’t be afraid or ashamed if you want to try CBD oil. Your doctor will not judge you or look down upon you, if they do make you feel that way, it is time to get a new doctor.
#10 Will CBD oil show up on a drug test?
The manufacturer of Charlotte’s Web states that like eating too many poppy seeds, Charlotte’s Web could cause you to fail a drug test. It is important to remember that the drug test shows positive when a metabolite of the THC that is in the CBD oil is present in urine.
A metabolite is what your body converts the THC and CBD into so it can eliminate it in the urine. Urine tests are the most common drug tests used.
At normal doses with a product that has the legal limit of less than 0.3% THC you should not have a problem with a drug test. However, the higher the dose of CBD oil used the more probable you could fail a test.
Many jobs require drug testing today and if your livelihood is on the line, then it would pay to be cautious. Ask your employer if they see issues with CBD oil in relation to their drug testing policy. You could also talk to your doctor, see if you can get a “prescription” for the CBD oil. Most employers would see you under the care of a medical doctor and not impose penalties on you in those cases.
The best marijuana home test kit according to an MSN survey of over 1,100 people was the THC Single Panel Drug Test Kit.
Better safe than sorry!
#11 Seizure prevention
Charlotte’s Web got its name from a little girl who had a seizure disorder called Dravet Syndrome. Her seizures could not be resolved with typical prescription medications. As a last ditch effort the girls parents asked doctors if they could try CBD oil to see if it helped. It did, and the rest is history as it became the namesake of the company.
The results were so positive that lead to the drug undergoing a trial where it showed it was effective in treating Dravet Syndrome in pediatric patients.
Since then the company has grown and marketed their product with high standards of quality.
#12 How to use Charlottes Web CBD oil?
CBD oil can be taken straight or by adding drops to beverages such as water or tea. Charlottes Web specifically comes in three strengths, original, full strength and extra strength along with two flavors original and chocolate. The bottle should be shaken gently prior to use. The manufacturer recommends using the dropper to drip 30 to 40 drops into a glass.
Starting out with a smaller dose is probably the best idea. You should make sure that you understand how CBD is affecting you. Check out 5 steps for bullet journaling medication effects to ensure you capture what is happening in your body when you start Charlotte’s Web or any other CBD.
You should give an adequate trial period to determine if the small dose is effective, at least two weeks. If not effect after that maybe trying upping the dose slightly. Going slowly and tracking your progress will be the key to success and preventing side effects.
#13 Lack of regulation
The manufacturer of Charlotte’s Web has taken it upon themselves to get FDA approved regulation for their manufacturing process. While that should be reassuring to would be customers you must remember these products are sold as dietary supplements.
Dietary supplements are regulated differently than conventional prescription and over the counter drugs. Most notably they are not required to be proven safe and effective like drugs are. The only major requirement is that they are not misbranded.
This causes confusion for many people who do not understand that dietary supplements are sold without being proven effective at all!
Do they really contain the amount of CBD they claim?
A study looking at the amount of CBD contained in various products found that the majority didn’t contain the amount of CBD stated on the label. The authors found that 26 percent contained more than the labeled amount and 43 percent contained less.
Should this prevent you from taking CBD?
The bottom line is that there are many CBD products on the market. Make sure you do your research and read reviews before making the choice of which to use. Always talk to your doctor and let your healthcare team know that you plan to take CBD oil and get their input.
More detailed information on CBD oils in general check out a doctors perspective on CBD oils.
Click here to get Dr. Jason Reed’s exclusive list of medication questions you MUST ask your doctor, for FREE!
Share your story!
Have you used Charlottes Web? Likewise, tell us if you have tried any CBD product. How well did either work for you? Please chime in below with your comments and thoughts below.
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Thanks for sharing useful tips for CBD oil.
Glad you found these tips useful!
Good morning
I hope this email finds you well. I would like to contribute a CBD edibles article to your site bestrxforsavings.com. It would be great if you could add my details to the bio along with a link to cbdlifemag.com.
Good morning
I hope this email finds you well. I would like to contribute a CBD edibles article to your site bestrxforsavings.com.
Can you recommend a company where nuts are not processed in the same facility as the CBD. Cross contamination is critical for people with nut allergies. Thanks
Roger,
That is a great question. As with any food or drug you should check with the manufacturer specifically about this. I don’t have a list of CBD products that have claimed to be nut allergy free. I would recommend using the contact us page on the product you think is best and reach out to the manufacturer and ask. If you are dealing with a reputable manufacturer as I note in the article they will have information available to help you make a safe decision. As a third party, I can’t say with certainty that any product does or does not have the potential for cross contamination.
I hope that helps and thanks for reading.