The new buzzword! CBD is currently being touted as the cure for just about everything. Pain, anxiety, the common cold, and the eternal war between cats and dogs. If it afflicts us, CBD is the answer. But what is CBD, and what scientific evidence is there? Is this something preppers should consider adding to their natural medicine cabinet?
I’ll discuss those things in this article.
But first, the Disclaimer. We here at tOP aren’t doctors and we don’t give medical advice. Please do your own due diligence and if you’re in immediate distress, proceed to the nearest emergency room. My purpose is to present information. The reader bears sole responsibility with respect to what the reader chooses to do with that information.
So what exactly is CBD?
The acronym is short for cannabidiol. CBD is one of the components of the cannabis plant, aka marijuana. According to Harvard Medical:
“CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a “high” by itself. According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.””
This molecule is not THC, which is the compound in cannabis that causes the high. CBD is thought to interact with receptors in the brain’s endocannabinoid (ECS) system, which is important to CNS development, synaptic plasticity, and brain’s response to various types of insult. The ECS system interacts with a number of receptors in the brain, including but not limited to PPAR and TRP channels. It’s thought that this system’s interactions may underlie various pathologies such as schizophrenia. For those who want to investigate this system and its interactions in-depth, check out this PubMed article.
So what kinds of CBD formulations are available?
Our friends at Cannabiva CBD offer full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and full-isolate products. From their website:
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil: Cannabiva is called a true full spectrum CBD because it’s made using whole plant cannabis extract that’s loaded with essential cannabinoids and terpenes. These phytonutrients work in synergy when they are combined together with the active ingredient CBD making it much more effective than taking just CBD alone. Cannabiva Full Spectrum CBD is made with whole-plant cannabis extract that contains trace amounts of up to 0.3% THC by volume. While it won’t get you high, this one should not be used if you are randomly drug-screened as it could potentially come back positive.
- Broad Spectrum CBD Oil: Contains most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other pharmacologically active compounds that a full spectrum CBD extract contains with one major exception: broad spectrum CBD extracts do not contain THC (0.00%) If you might be drug-tested, this is an undetectable option.
- Pure Isolate CBD Oil: It takes just two simple ingredients to formulate ultra pure Zero High CBD Isolate Oils. First, raw organic cannabis material is radically purified into a pharmaceutical grade extract that’s over 99.77% Cannabidiol (CBD) and 0.00% THC. Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is added to fortify the mix. MCT oil is a powerful natural preservative derived from USDA organic-certified coconuts. It protects the integrity of Zero High CBD and ensures its long-term effectiveness. This product has no THC (0.00%).
Note the THC levels available in the different formulations. This is important if your employer drug tests. Full-spectrum CBD oil could come back positive.
Unfortunately, certain industries require drug testing. I have a friend with severe ongoing pain issues who’s prescribed opioids, and she’s related that she can be drug tested at any time. A positive THC test is one of the criteria that can get her opioids yanked. This is something to be aware of.
So how can we be sure that the CBD we’re buying doesn’t contain THC?
Remember, CBD isn’t FDA-regulated, so it can be difficult to determine, and just because the site says so doesn’t automatically make it so. Some sellers post a laboratory analysis on their site. Another way involves a chemical reaction test called thin-layer chromatography, aka TLC. I’ve done this both in my undergraduate chemistry lab and my own kitchen, and it’s not difficult.
In a nutshell, TLC measures the distance traveled by molecules on a given substrate, in this case, a specially coated plate. Heavier molecules separate out more quickly, while lighter ones travel further along the plate. A developing solution specific to the class of molecule helps us determine the amount of the molecule of interest on the plate. Those interested in the theory can read about it here. A step-by-step overview of the process can be found here.
Why go through this? As noted above, CBD isn’t regulated. Snake oil sales is an old con, and products allegedly containing CBD can be found pretty much everywhere. A few years back, I purchased from a website in my own state that claimed to be the cat’s meow of CBD. It turned out that this couple made their formulations in their kitchen from hemp they’d purchased, so I tested via TLC. It turned out that their products didn’t contain the amount of CBD they claimed. I don’t know if the lack was intentional or a result of poor processing, and to me it wasn’t important. I wasn’t getting what I’d paid for, and TLC plating told the tale.
There are several companies out there offering TLC testing kits for CBD, but again caution is warranted. This is a very trendy thing, and people like to make money on trendy. I purchased my first kit from a fellow I spoke with at some length, and it was a good kit. His angle was selling the consumables at an outrageous price for refills. There was just enough development fluid in the kit for a very limited number of tests. In order to acquire more development fluid from this guy, I had to purchase another kit that contained the fluid, plates, micropipette tips, plastic reaction chambers, and more. So caveat emptor!
It was completely possible to purchase more development fluid from a chemical supply company but they tend to sell in larger quantities. Also, note that development fluid is molecule specific. Not just any fluid will do! Some research is required if you want to make your own kit. On the upshot, potassium permanganate is relatively cheap. You just have to buy in quantity, and it, too, has its hazards. Please do note that chemicals, like food, have a best-by date. If not used by that time, the chemicals may lose potency. Plates ditto.
What do we use CBD for?
According to Healthline, CBD may be useful for chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, some cancer-related side effects, and blood pressure regulation. It may also have neuroprotective properties with applications in MS and epilepsy.
But what does the evidence say?
There is evidence to support the use of CBD for chronic pain and anxiety-including PTSD. CBD may have some applications for depression. There are side effects worth mentioning, as both this study and Mayo Clinic point out. CBD may also be effective in treating uncontrolled focal seizures, although more studies are required.
What about giving CBD to my fur babies?
VetCS lists several studies showing that both cats and dogs can benefit. A systemic review from Cambridge shows a benefit in dogs with osteoarthritis and aggressive dogs. My cats don’t particularly enjoy having a dropper full forced down their throats, but that can be said of any medicine I’ve ever given. The chews might be best crushed into their regular food. My cats refused to touch them.
You can find CBD for your pets here.
Could CBD have a place in your prepper’s medicine cabinet?
Since CBD products are currently easy to acquire and have a vast multitude of uses, you may find that this is a useful addition to your preparedness medical supply.
If you have a family member (human or covered in fur) who deals with chronic pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, or insomnia, you may particularly want to research this further. It could be a very helpful addition to your stockpile when the meds run out.
You can read more of our articles about CBD here to see if the product applies to your family.
What are your thoughts about CBD?
So there it is! CBD has its applications and, when used accordingly, can be effective. It’s important to buy from reputable sellers, however, and TLC testing product from a new seller isn’t a bad idea. It’s also important to shop around since prices and formulations vary considerably. Our friends at Cannabiva can help, and I hope my article has also helped. Good luck and good health!
Have you tried CBD products? Do you have a favorite use for CBD? Have you had good results using it? Share your experiences in the comments.
About Amy Allen
Amy Allen is a professional bookworm and student of Life, the Universe, and Everything. She’s also a Master Gardener with a BS in biology, and has been growing food on her small urban lot since 2010.
I’d say a big hell to the yeah! I’ve been using quality CBD for at least 3 years for sleep & pain (have a physical job). I do extensive health researches for myself & I fought it for years due to the stigma & bashing the FDA did on it (now that we know they are captured & are having a tantrum because they can’t sell their addictive pain meds). I figured if God made the plant & it’s been used medicinally for centuries, there’s something to it.
Find a quality third party tested reputable company (don’t assume google is telling the truth since it’s captured as well). Have you noticed Mayo Clinic has started bashing supplements more & more now? And certainly don’t buy any CBD from a gas station or kiosk in the mall.
It is NOT psychotropic (hallucinogenic) & does not give any high but WILL probably give you a solid night’s sleep & pain may be significantly reduced. It seems to calm my ‘brain wires’ as I call them. My thoughts don’t race if I wake in the middle of the night, I’m able to fall back asleep much better & have less ‘whatchamacallit’ moments! 😉
My testimony is that I started using it while we were breaking up concrete, tearing down & rebuilding our retaining wall. Since I work a physical job & am older, I didn’t figure I’d be able to help with the wall & work but I’m always down for a workout. The morning after the first day of work I had no pain in my hands (imagine picking up & tossing something like 1000 pieces of itty bitty & huge pieces of concrete each day). I was able to complete my usual workout even faster & better too. The icing on the cake was after a few days of using it, I was able to sleep on my stomach with my arms above my shoulders for the first time in 10 years! I was sold on it.
My husband is a naysayer but was pretty surprised at how much I was able to do with the project thanks to the CBD. I wish I’d used it when my kids were home, I would’ve been a bit less uptight! 😉
I do feel calmer & it has helped with staying chill with golf! I have bought hemp oil for my barn kitties & it seemed to help them (half are older & have their arthritic issues) & their fur was just beautiful due to the hemp oil in their moist food.
Do some research & start small. I wouldn’t be sleeping without it to be honest, so that makes it a necessity for me.
Tea tree oil, lavender oil for skin issues, toenail fungus, bug bites, tes tree for cold sores. Oregano oil for toe nail fungus.
In my experience, CBD does absolutely nothing. I have C-PTSD and even the best quality CBD I tried did nothing to help anxiety. I also used it for my cat with cancer and it did not help him either. THC helps me a lot though.
My experience has been that it does not do anything for me or for my various ill cats. tried several different brands, all “Third party tested” blah blah..worthless to me, but if it works for you, good. I have used many different herbs for years, most work, some don’t, you just have to try them and see.
In the state where I live, recreational marijuana is now legal. With a license, a person can also grow a small amount for his or her own use. CBD oil can be made from scraps. Learn to produce your own and you’ll never have to worry about the cost of preps again!
Is CBD the ultimate Cure-All? That’s very much a subjective and personalized opinion.
For me, trying various strengths and methods of delivery, I experienced neither a reduction or improvement with it. Other truly believe its helped. How much of that belief is psychosomatic or not, is a question that eludes answering.
My better half, does believe it has helped with both her anxiety and pain, however, she ended up using a CBD product that also has a low level of THC in the compound, so it’s not strictly speaking pure CBD.
THC, for me is a know go, and not just because my contract with the Pain Clinic’s agreement to take nothing other than what I’m prescribed. For me,, THC causes extreme paranoia and anxiety. It’s not a pleasant experience at all.
Bottom line in my opinion is, if it works for you, that’s great, and by all means make it part of your preps. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t bother because it’s an expensive item to stockpile.
Not only that, but it does have a use-by date. Once that date has passed, efficacy drops. So I totally agree: if it doesn’t work for you, don’t buy it.
Read studies carefully.. notice there is a complete cannabis system inside you as in made from creator.
As for buying.. i am with the make it person if you cant make it oils go rancid over time so the end is nigh.
As for having some hemp and thc version plant seeds it would be silly not to as hemp was pioneers best friend from food to clothes to cordage.
As for thc.. even if you dont partake its highly tradable post shft read ww2 account on stalingrad campaign.. used as pain killer for both sides.
I agree with Namelus – more tools in the toolbox is a good thing, especially if SHTF.
For people with chronic pain, cbd/thc may help if used alone [if nothing else is available ala SHTF], but opioids work better – and NOT in combination with cannabinoids [I couldn’t find the original link to a study that showed that can. makes opioids LESS effective, but here is a 4 year study showing that at best they do not help: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29976328/ ].
For arthritis, CBD works somewhat for me and combination of cbd/thc helps my wife ymmv. Our state has gone to a 3 day opioid policy, so my wife is left with whatever she can get [Is she addicted? maybe, but the pain is real].
Have you looked at kratom? Although I have not used it personally, a relative who has chronic pain endorses its use. At this juncture of time it is a legal substance to acquire.
No. No. No.
If marijuana had done to your family what it has done to mine, you’d feel the same way.
Not even if I was dying.
For those of you that have a Conceal/Carry license, my firearm instructor told us to never think about purchasing anything related to Marijuana.. including CBD. He said any excuse the authorities can use to take away your firearms will be used.
And yes, it can be tracked.
There are plenty of better alternatives you can use, but risking your self protection rights is not something I would gamble with.
How so? But I bet a pain pill prescription is valid?? How would ‘they’ know about any CBD usage??
Or sleeping pill prescription??
Hi Bandit,
Someone is challenging in a federal case the statute concerning the use of marijuana on From 4473 that everyone fills out at their FFL during a firearm purchase. The gist is that it does not list alcohol and of course a buyer could be addicted to same yet no penalty, so why only penalize weed users, medically indicated or not. Food for thought. The outcome will be interesting indeed.
I’ve had good results using it for muscle soreness, headaches and other types of pain. It helps relax me without making me feel groggy or sluggish which is great.