What does CBD stand for? CBD stands for cannabidiol – the second most common cannabinoid found in cannabis.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most common cannabinoid. CBD is not the same as THC – it does not cause you to feel ‘high’ like THC does.
To set things straight, CBD Oil is not exactly “dagga oil” aka cannabis oil, in fact, a CBD Oil or ‘tincture’ is produced by mixing a CBD extract from a cannabis plant into a base, such as MCT or Hemp Seed Oil. The CBD Oil can be held under the tongue for 60-90 seconds for faster absorption (directly into the bloodstream).
A sublingual absorption provides a faster effect than absorption via the stomach (i.e. taking a CBD Capsule) where the ingredients must first pass through the liver before entering the circulation. This route will have a longer duration of action – which suits many people.
The Oil can be used sublingually under the tongue or swallowed directly – either diluted or undiluted.
This requires an understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a system within the body whose receptors (CB1 and CB2) have a great impact on our health and well-being.
CB1 receptors are predominantly found in the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) and are associated with emotions, mood, appetite, coordination, movement, and pain. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system and throughout tissues of the spleen and tonsils. They may also occur in the brain.
CBD influences these receptors through numerous mechanisms of action causing various physiological effects in the body. One way it affects your ECS is by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme, which breaks down anandamide. Anandamide produces a calming effect and assists in relieving sensations of pain.
Consequently, by blocking the FAAH enzyme that breaks it down, CBD can help treat anxiety and pain challenges.
Try to keep the CBD Oil/tincture under your tongue for 30 – 60 seconds. The longer you can hold it there, usually the better it will be absorbed.
No. As mentioned before, THC is the psychotoxic cannabinoid that makes you ‘high.’ In contrast, CBD does not have any psychotoxic properties.
While many CBD Oils, particularly full-spectrum products, can contain larger amounts of THC, a pure, Isolate CBD product contains only CBD and, by law, all CBD products must contain no more than 0.001 per cent THC – all our products adhere to these regulations.
NOT MORE THAN 0,001 PER CENT THC:
Legal CBD products contain no more than 0,001 per cent THC in South Africa and are generally derived from hemp plants rather than marijuana plants (as is ours). If a product contains more than 0,001 per cent THC, avoid it.
CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS (COA):
A COA is a document created by a third-party testing facility that verifies a product’s specifications, including its components and concentration. Ensure that the company has a COA for their products that is readily available on request. RETHINK products all have a COA.
NO UNVERIFIED CLAIMS
CBD Oil has many remarkable benefits. However, it cannot be claimed that it cures, ‘treats’ or mitigates any disease. If you come across any company that makes these kinds of claims, think twice.
CAN YOU FIND THE COMPANY ON THE INTERNET?
One way to tell if a company is legitimate is by doing an online search – do they have a comprehensive website that answers all your questions, and a way for customers to connect with the company for support?
UNDERSTAND THE BASICS OF CBD – Know that CBD works in many different ways to support your body’s endocannabinoid system and bring about a sense of balance.
There are many health benefits, however, ensure that the product you use ticks all the Quality control boxes (3rd party endorsements, COA and it meets the regulations here in SA).
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT – Do you care more about price, taste, ease of use, or immediacy of effects?
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT FORMAT – CBD Oils, Capsules, on-the-go Shots, and Teas are all options to consider. There are even Dermaceuticals (Creams and Lotions) to apply to your skin containing CBD. Choose the one that acts as fast as you would like! Alternatively, take a combination of products and ‘layer’ how you use them. However, never exceed the daily maximum dosage of 20 mg CBD a day.
FIND A REPUTABLE BRAND – Are they available at reputable retail Pharmacies and Health stores?
BUY IT AND BEGIN! – You have done your homework and can feel confident that what you are taking is of excellent quality.
Yes, but it might not pass customs! CBD Oil is not yet legal in all countries; while some countries exist in a relative grey area, such as France, in other countries, including Australia and China, CBD Oil is illegal.
CBD Hemp Oil is made from hemp while CBD Cannabis Oil is made from marijuana plants. CBD Hemp Oil will contain little, to no THC. CBD Cannabis Oil can contain significantly more THC than CBD Hemp Oil.
CBD Cannabis Oil can contain an equal amount of THC to CBD.
Hemp Oil is the name given to any Oil extracted from the hemp plant; CBD Oil is an Oil containing high amounts of CBD, made from either the hemp or the cannabis plant.
While much CBD Oil is also Hemp Oil, not all Hemp Oil is CBD Oil; Hemp Seed Oil is made from the seeds of the hemp plant and contains negligible to no Cannabinoids.
CBD is safe to use in high doses. CBD is highly unlikely to cause a fatal overdose. However, it is possible to take too much CBD. A consequence of taking too much CBD is the increased chance of unwanted side effects like lethargy or drowsiness.
People, who have not responded well to conventional treatments, are finding that CBD is useful for many conditions. New ailments which CBD can help manage are being discovered every day.
However, the most common uses of CBD are for the relief of minor symptoms related to pain and inflammation, restlessness, sleeplessness, and anxiousness. Many people also use CBD to simply improve their general well-being.
No. In South Africa, CBD is a Health Supplement.
You may purchase CBD without a prescription. However, your doctor might recommend it and prescribe it to you.
This is where the RETHINK ‘NAPPI-code’ becomes useful, and there is a chance you could claim from your Medical Aid (See below).
The health benefits of CBD have generally been embraced by so many medical practitioners. Hence, your doctor may want to prescribe you a RETHINK Daily Oil or a RETHINK Daily Capsule product for you.
Our RETHINK Oils and Capsules are endorsed by the CRI (Cannabis Research Institute) and they are all NAPPI-coded. In other words, you can request your Pharmacist to try and claim it from your Medical Aid. Sometimes your fund may require that your Doctor prescribe it, therefore, check with your specific Medical Aid.
Whether they will pay for it depends on various things – like whether you have comprehensive cover for everyday medicines, savings available, etc. You will need to contact your medical insurance providers and ask. But this is great news, as you could possibly take CBD without having to personally pay for it.
If it complies with the current legislation, then yes! It is imperative that the product contains no more than 0,001 per cent THC and meets the following criteria:
It contains a maximum daily dose of 20 mg cannabidiol (CBD) with an accepted low-risk claim or health claim which only refers to:
Can’t find what you’re looking for under the Frequently Asked Questions?
If you have any other questions, please contact us on care@releafpharmaceuticals.co.za
Our team of professionals – which includes qualified pharmacists who are specialists on the topic of CBD – will get back to you as soon as possible.