The ABC's of CBD
The pointed leaf plant known as hemp, also commonly referred to as marijuana, are taxonomically speaking the same but from different genus and species. They even look and smell the same. The difference is that hemp plants contain no more than 0.3 percent of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the psychoactive substance found in marijuana which results in an altered state or “high”. By comparison, marijuana typically contains 5 to 20 percent THC. Try as you might…you can't get high on hemp. Hemp is the fiber of the cannabis plant, extracted from the stem and used to make rope, fabrics, and paper. Oils and butters used in skin care products are infused with hemp fibers.
The focus of today’s blog is CBD or cannabidiol. CBD products are compounds derived from hemp or marijuana. For our purposes we will focus solely on CBD products derived from the hemp plant. Hemp-derived CBD is legal at the federal level. State level laws are tricky. In the state of Nebraska Hemp and CBD from hemp is legal. However, marijuana for recreational or medicinal use is still illegal. CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal and non-intoxicating unless you are very sensitive to THC or use large quantities of CBD hemp oil. CBD from hemp can easily be purchased online or in retail stores across the country. As a creator of natural skin care products, it is imperative that we understand the benefits of these products, as well as respect the legality of its use therein.
Many enthusiasts of CBD products swear by the hemp-derived compound’s alleged healing properties. A highlight of notable applications is CBD in skincare. The CBD compound absorption through the layers of the dermis is said to reduce or even eliminate certain maladies. The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. Using CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies. CBD may have beneficial effects on acne due to its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to control the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands. Some studies even suggest that CBD may help with diabetes, neuromuscular ailments, lower blood pressure, substance abuse, and sleep or mental disorders. However, more research in humans is needed.
Regarding hemp-derived CBD skincare products it’s important to note that soap is a “wash off’ product. Keeping in mind that soap goes on the skin and it is almost instantly rinsed off. Handmade soap is gentle and does a fantastic job of conditioning the skin with oils and butters naturally designed to compliment the human skin and not strip it of natural oils. Adding a CBD product to handmade soap just doesn’t make a lot of sense. Your skin simply cannot absorb the properties of CBD in any noticeable fashion. With that being said, I will not be using CBD in soap. I have and will continue to make soap with hemp oil and hemp butter. Hemp oil and hemp butter create a silky and nourishing bar of soap. For the short time soap touches the skin it seems wasteful to incorporate CBD.
Body butters on the other hand are applied to the skin with the intent of absorption. In their standard form, body butters can serve as an all-natural supplement for skincare treatment. CBD body butters, however, add an extra ingredient that can open up a new world of possibilities. Using them can nurture and moisturize the skin even more than other kinds of body butters, thanks to the compound’s fabled healing properties. Those same properties can also affect the rest of the body by entering through the skin. A little CBD can make a massive difference in the effectiveness of this kind of treatment. The downside to CBD infused body butters is the CBD isolate can be quite cost prohibitive. The upside is you only need a little to go a long way. Natural body butter is long lasting, and it takes a minimal amount to make a noticeable difference.
With winter upon us...so too comes the dry, cracked, and ashy skin. Applying a small amount of body butter after the shower can lock in moisture. Body butter glides on silky smooth. After just a few minutes you will see and feel how it absorbs into the skin leaving a supple and nourished glow. Create and elevate your own skin care routine with a bar of 8nfinity Homestead’s Handmade Artisan Soap and finish it off with a layer of creamy body butter. Try or new CBD infused body butter for added excellence.
***DISCLAIMER**
8nfinity Homestead does not make any medicinal claims or cosmetic promises in regard to handmade soap, body butters, or other skin care products. Education is key and we want to share with our consumers the information readily available. There are a number of claims, alleged or otherwise, in the skin care market. We encourage everyone to do their own research. We make zero endorsements or guarantees. All products are for external use only and should be used responsibly. If irritation persists, please discontinue use and contact us right away.