In the UK and US, it is only relatively recently that CBD products have been made available, thanks to the US Farm Bill, which has allowed farmers to begin producing hemp on an industrial scale. From here, those in the industry have been able to swiftly start research and trials, to expand the world’s knowledge of the cannabinoids and their benefits.
While research remains in its infancy, leaps and bounds have been made in how we understand the bodies endocannabinoid system, and the effect it has on mood, appetite, the immune system and more. The future for CBD products is looking strong and to find out a little more, we’ve teamed up with ElleVet advisory board member, Steven Cital to discuss his professional views on CBD and his hopes for the future. We have also included questions asked by you, which we hope will help you to better understand CBD and what it’s used for.
Stephen, whose goal is to educate both medical professionals and the public, has spent the last few years building a strong reputation as an expert on the use of cannabinoids.
Hi Stephen, thank you for taking some time to talk to us. You are a leading specialist on the safe and effective use of Cannabinoids, and we have compiled a few questions that ElleVance’s customers have sent us for you.
When did you first hear of CBD and what compelled you to begin studying it?
I first starting hearing about general cannabinoid use about seven years ago. I then started seeing use, so started investigating the legitimacy of the molecules for my patients in a more serious fashion in 2016. Once I started reading some of the pre-clinical data, I knew I was on to something that has huge potential that we have been ignoring for decades!
What has the rise in awareness of CBD products meant for the industry?
The interest in the industry had been good in the sense of normalising the discussion of cannabinoids but has also unfortunately given rise to less than credible characters and companies making miracle claims without the data to back it up. Despite taunts and even threats, I have really tried to make it my mission to get out accurate information. Everything I say when educating on the topic, you can be assured I have a scientific reference to back it up.
How do hemp products help with sleeping – are they the same as CBD?
This is a fantastic question, with many physiological complexities to understand. If I were to break it down, I would say that our body has a number of naturally occurring molecules known as endocannabinoids that help regulate several different physiologic functions and responses (i.e. appetite, our response to stress, immune response, etc.) including sleep cycles.
I believe we all understand in this day in age we have so many triggers that can interrupt our bodies normal responses to things such as medications, general stress and environmental factors that can disrupt normal endocannabinoid production and function. Supporting our bodies with plant-based molecules, known as phytocannabinoids, might be the best option for some individuals to help naturally bring our bodies back into homeostasis-which includes normal sleep cycles.
These plant-based molecules have a very similar structure to the endocannabinoids our bodies create, making them an excellent option to try. It must also be noted that besides the homeostatic properties, these molecules appear to have other therapeutic benefits that can address other issues that may interrupt sleep.
On the current market, what are your favourite trends/products?
I have always been a “Western” minded practitioner and seeing my own evolution into more natural methods has opened my eyes to not only the potential of plant-based supplements but also the efficacy I see every day in patients. I keep reminding myself that Mother Nature has been doing things a lot longer than any of us. It’s about time we listen to her and utilise what the plant has provided, without trying to leave our human mark on what has already been working for aeons.
What do you see in the future for CBD research and products?
As this industry evolves, I expect to see more research on different phytocannabinoids and their therapeutic use for many different conditions. I believe we will see specific phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in various concentrations for very specific conditions and more research confirming the already known safety of these molecules.
In your opinion, what are the biggest limitations facing the industry currently?
In my opinion, I believe our biggest limitations are not only the slow pace of regulations catching up to the pace of the industry and science, having to educate medical professionals on the safe and effective use of phytocannabinoids, and also the public.
What’s your advice for someone who is looking to give CBD a try?
For anyone wanting to try CBD, I would urge them to utilise a company that is willing to give you a Certificate of Analysis and has some data showing safety and dosing. Also, an efficacy study and has full traceability of all the supplies used to produce their product. I would also urge them to consider a complete spectrum product that has as many of the molecules maintained in the product as the plant naturally produces. Researchers have already found that broad and complete spectrum products work better than isolate products by stimulating the “entourage effect”.
Thank you for speaking with us, Stephen!
ElleVance Sciences prides itself on its continued research into full-spectrum CBD and CBDA products. If you are interested in CBD oil or more research and articles, take a look at our website or follow us on social media.
