The use of CBD in the Military is one of the biggest grey areas in the CBD world. There is no question that cannabidiol (CBD) is the natural wellness product of the year. If you live in the U.S., you might feel that it is practically everywhere nowadays. CBD stores are popping up everywhere, wellness shops, malls, big box stores, and even boutiques. National grocery store chains are beginning to carry CBD topicals. Skincare and beauty companies are starting to infuse CBD into their formulas. It seems like everyone from your co-worker to your grandma is looking to get started in the CBD world. Many are turning to CBD boosters or add-ins for your morning coffee or pre-workout drink.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabinoid family that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant and hemp plant. Scientists have isolated around 108 different types of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD works by interacting with our body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system made up of naturally occurring cannabis-like molecules. These endocannabinoids, as they’re called, work similarly to a neurotransmitter. They shuttle messages throughout the body to help maintain homeostasis or complete balance. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system at two known receptors, CB1 and CB2.
What are the 3 Main Types of CBD?
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is also known as full plant CBD. This type of CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant along with other terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, vitamins, and minerals. Full-spectrum CBD also contains trace amounts of THC. The legal amount of THC in full spectrum products is less than .3%. This is not a large enough amount to flag a drug test. Full-spectrum CBD products allow you to get the plant’s entourage effect. This is the effect of all the goodness of the hemp plant working together within your body.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad Spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD oil. It contains CBD and a wide range of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other vitamins and minerals. Unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD contains no traces of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is is a great product for people that wish to have the entire benefit of a full-spectrum product without any THC.
Isolate CBD
Isolate CBD products contain only CBD. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, then processed to remove all other cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, and minerals. This process creates a fine white powder that is 99% CBD.
What are the benefits of CBD?
CBD is popularly used as a natural remedy for many common ailments.
CBD is known to aid in the relief of joint and muscle discomforts. Some studies have shown that CBD may help reduce discomforts by impacting the endocannabinoid receptor activity, thus reducing inflammation.
Studies have shown that CBD may influence the receptors involved in the release of serotonin. This has the potential to aid in the relief of anxious thoughts and cognitive impairment.
Research on the effects CBD has on sleep ailments is still in its preliminary course. Some people who use CBD for bone, joint, and muscle discomforts also report getting a better night’s sleep. However, there is not enough research to prove whether these patients are sleeping better because of the relief of their discomforts or because CBD directly affects their sleep habits and patterns.
Is CBD legal?
In 2018, The Farm Bill Act was signed into place. This bill made the cultivation and manufacturing of hemp products that host less than .3% THC legal. While the majority of CBD products are derived from the hemp plant, they can also be sourced from the marijuana plant, which contains THC. You will need to check your state and local laws for the regulations on THC or marijuana sourced products.
Is CBD legal in the military?
The United States military currently employs around 1.358 million people. In 2018, CBD oil became federally legal due to the 2018Farm Bill Act. This Act tremendously boosted CBD consumption and manufacturing. However, there was a bill that banned the use of CBD oil for active military.
In July 2020, the House of Representatives amended the bill. This allowed members of the United States Military to consume hemp or products derived from hemp. This amendment only permits military personnel to use or consume CBD oil products within specific guidelines.
Most CBD oil does not contain any Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or contains only .3% or trace amounts. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid compound in marijuana that gets you high. Therefore, pure CBD oil doesn’t have any intoxicating effects on the user.
However, there is a grey area surrounding the rules and regulations of military personnel consuming CBD products. Many CBD products are unregulated, and none are FDA approved. Protect the integrity of drug testing is not an easy task. Selecting a CBD product that has been Third-party tested is always the best way to ensure THC levels and other cannabis compounds of the product at hand.
Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing is the only way to be 100% sure about what is in a specific CBD product. Licensed third-party labs have certain regulatory obligations to meet before they can operate. These labs have state-of-the-art equipment to correctly measure the smallest amount of ingredients in any CBD product. The lab results are known as the COA (Certificate of Analysis). The COA is a report that includes the specific testing results that have been requested by a company for its CBD product. The types of tests that are most important include testing levels of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Pesticides, Residual Solvents, Heavy Metals, Mycotoxins, and Bacteria/Yeast.
Any reputable company will make these Third-Party lab results or COA’s readily available to you. Most generally they are found on a product page, or specifically on a COA page.
Buy the Best Products
Choosing the right CBD products is essential in knowing you are having the best experience with CBD products that are of high quality and safe to take. Products imported from foreign countries should be avoided since they are not subject to federal or state-required testing when they come to the United States. So when in doubt, buy CBD products made in the United States.
Check out our website for the latest CBD products for sale. Whether you need CBD oil, gummies, or topical products, we have what you need.
