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CBD Education

At Desert Flower CBD and Wellness, we have dedicated ourselves to providing up to date and accurate information on CBD therapy. We have a video library on a variety of topics, and we maintain a reference book on chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, arthritis and much more. Customers are welcome to take handouts with them.

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The Story of CBD

What’s All the Hubbub About CBD? CBD seems to be everywhere these days: at the corner gas station, in grocery and retail stores, and all over the internet.  It’s become a multi-billion-dollar industry, reaching every area of the wellness market.  But what is CBD exactly? First, a little history.  

 

Cannabis is the plant family that includes both marijuana and industrial hemp.  The difference is that marijuana contains high levels of THC (the stuff that gets you high) while hemp contains high levels of CBD and very low levels of THC, less than 0.3%.  When our country was founded, hemp was commonly grown to be made into paper and cloth.  This ended in 1937 with the Marihuana Tax Act, which classified hemp as a Schedule 1 drug.  Some 80 years later, Congress passed the Farm Bill, which President Trump signed into law in December of 2018.  This removed hemp from the drug list and designated it as an agricultural crop, just like corn and soybeans.  This has led to much needed research on CBD, including clinical studies.  The FDA is in the process of creating guidelines and regulations for the sale of CBD. 

 

In 2018 they approved the sale of Epidiolex, a cannabis derived medicine for the treatment of epilepsy in children. So how does CBD work?  All mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which regulates many of the other systems in the body: Digestive, circulatory, endocrine, respiratory etc.  There are cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, although they are primarily in the brain (CB1 receptors) and in the immune system (CB2 receptors).  CBD enhances the body’s own production of endocannabinoids. 

That’s why it appears to have an effect on many different maladies such as anxiety, pain and inflammation.  Not all people react to CBD in the same way.  Some require a very small amount, while others may need a higher dose.  Everyone needs to find their own good place, and there is no such thing as an overdose.  It’s always a good idea to speak with your health care professional before starting a CBD regimen. CBD typically comes in the form of a topical ointment or an ingestible tincture.  It’s also available as capsules, gummies, and water-soluble liposomes. 

 

Here’s what you should look for in selecting a CBD product:

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1.  Look at the label.  It should be labelled as a dietary supplement and have the FDA disclaimer.  It will state the total amount of CBD (in milligrams) in the bottle as well as the serving size and list any additional ingredients. Look for the U.S. Hemp Authority certification seal.
 

2.  Look for third-party testing.  This is independent testing in addition to the manufacturer’s testing.  You want to be sure that the amount of CBD stated on the bottle is the amount you are getting, and that it is free from pesticides and chemicals.  Most reputable CBD products have a QR code on the bottle which can be scanned to get the Certificate of Analysis.

 

3.  Look for a lot number.  Reputable manufacturers include a lot number in the event that there is a recall on the product.

 

4.   Beware of exaggerated claims.  Any product that claims to cure a disease is not legit.  Be cautious of products that are bargain priced.  Producing CBD is an expensive process, and you get what you pay for.An excellent resource for more information is available at Realm of Caring, www.theroc.us.  They are a non-profit 501c3 organization focusing on CBD research and education.  They offer online orientation, guidelines, and access to their Research Library. 

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CBD and Chronic Pain

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that 50 million Americans have chronic pain.  Of these, 20 million have pain severe enough to limit life and work activities. Pain becomes a vicious cycle of decreased mobility, social limitations, depression, and possible addiction to opioids.​Chronic pain is more than “I have a pain.”  Over time, it leads to inflammation, spasms, immobility, eating disorders, irritability, and sleep disruption. Current drugs treat only the pain, not the whole person.  Many narcotics have serious side effects and don’t help with healing.  Higher and higher dosages may be required, and cognitive impairment is common. 

 

A different approach to pain relief is cannabidiol (CBD) therapy.  CBD acts on the body’s own endocannabinoid system to regulate pain sensitivity.  In the peripheral nervous system, CBD modulates the excitability of the nerves that sense pain.  In the central nervous system, it modulates the parts of the brain that respond to painful stimuli.   By bringing the endocannabinoid system back to health, CBD may be able to relieve pain and promote balance across all systems of the body.  In addition, CBD can ease opioid withdrawal symptoms as you reduce your dependence on them. Determining whether or not CBD is right for your health situation is a discussion for you and your doctor.  

 

However, CBD has been proven effective in treating chronic pain. At Desert Flower CBD and Wellness in Prescott Valley, we specialize in CDB education.  We carry full spectrum CBD by Elixinol and Charlotte’s Web, and both are certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority.

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CBD For Sleep

CBD for Better ZZZ’s!  Can CBD oil help with sleep?  There are several different issues that may impact your sleep: Physical discomfort, anxiety or stress for example.  Sleep is a complex neurological phenomenon.  Your conscious mind may be “turned off” but there are many processes still going on in the brain.

 

There are two categories of sleep, REM and non-REM.  REM is the phase of sleep that occurs when your brain is busy processing the events of the day and recreating certain themes or emotions as dreams.​CBD functions in many different areas of the brain.  One of the primary benefits of CBD is boosting the activity of inhibitory neurons which modulate emotional stimulation, allowing you to “wind down.”  It also reduces inflammation which is one of the primary causes of pain. 

 

Regular usage of CBD oil can help manage these issues and promote better sleep.  If you’re physically uncomfortable, try relaxing your muscles before bed with a topical hemp oil massage.  A soothing cup of decaffeinated CBD tea can help end your day on a peaceful note.​At Desert Flower CBD and Wellness, we carry a full line of CBD oil, capsules, liposomes, powder packets, balm and tea.  All products are lab tested and independently verified to guarantee the highest purity and potency.

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CBD For Anxiety

Believe it or not, anxiety is a natural healthy feeling, and an important part of our evolutionary defense system.  The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that produces emotional responses to sensory stimuli, and it receives this information before we are consciously aware of it.  The emotions it produces are based on memories rather than logical responses.  Thus, whenever a certain stimulus is associated with a negative memory, the hypothalamus produces feelings of fear and apprehension. When the situation is resolved, serotonin is released to produce feelings of relief and happiness.

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How does CBD help with anxiety?  CB1 receptors are the most abundant receptors in the human brain.  They control the rate that neurotransmitters flow into and out of cells.  CBD acts on the CB1 receptors to carry neurotransmitters into and out of the cells more quickly.  A main component of anxiety is that the body doesn’t produce enough serotonin, so the alarm center of the brain goes into overdrive for no apparent reason.  CBD mimics the effect of serotonin as a natural calming agent in the brain.  It inhibits the brain’s center for fear and discomfort, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.

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Researchers are just beginning to understand the full potential of CBD for brain health.  As we learn more about it, more people may be helped.  Desert Flower CBD and Wellness in Prescott Valley specializes in education and quality CBD products from Elixinol and Charlotte’s Web.

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CBD and Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common malady in this country.  A diet high in fats and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to this condition, which increases the risk of developing heart disease.  It is symptomless, so many people do not realize they have it. 

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Statin drugs are commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol, but they often have serious side effects such as muscle pain, liver damage, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.  More and more research has been done to show that CBD could be helpful in lowering cholesterol.  CBD is high in both omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids which help to regulate cholesterol.  In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and calming properties of CBD may reduce inflammation and cell death associated with heart disease.

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Determining whether or not CBD is right for your health situation is a discussion for you and your doctor.  However CBD does show promise in the treatment of high cholesterol.

Desert Flower CBD and Wellness in Prescott Valley specializes in CBD education and quality products from Elixinol and Charlotte’s Web.

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CBD and Digestive Health

In the last century, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has become a more common condition, affecting many individuals around the world.  Symptoms include stomach aches, frequent bowel movements and diarrhea to the point where individuals plan their life around the schedule of their gut.  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is more severe and includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  The current treatments for IBS and IBD entail the use of a host of drugs which may or may not be effective and could carry risks when used long-term.

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Researchers have begun to study the effects of cannabinoids (CBD) as an alternative.  CBD is a natural compound that recalibrates your body’s own endocannabinoid system.  It has been shown to build up the immune system, fight infection, and reduce inflammation.  These all play a part in reducing the symptoms of IBS and IBD.

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At Desert Flower CBD and Wellness, we specialize in educating the public about the potential benefits of CBD therapy.  We now carry a 900 mg. tincture developed by a renowned gastroenterologist and powered by Elixinol.  This high-potency tincture is specially formulated for digestive health and is available in natural and cinnamint flavors.  All of our CBD products are lab tested and independently verified to guarantee the highest purity and quality.

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CBD for Dogs and Cats

CBD for Your Furry Friends! Every mammal, including your dog and cat, is born with a fully functioning endocannabinoid system, or ECS.  This is a key component to the health and well being of all mammals.  Regulating the ECS with CBD can have a profound effect on anxiety, pain and inflammation.  Just like their human friends, dogs and cats often suffer from these ailments and age-related illnesses.  Many people with aging pets have found that the anti-inflammatory potency of CBD, coupled with its pain-relieving ability and calming effects reintroduces vigor into the life of their dog or cat.

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Desert Flower CBD and Wellness has a complete line of CBD products for dogs, cats and small mammals:  Crunchy and soft-chew dog treats, hemp oil, liposomes, and ointment.  We provide dosage guidelines based on the animal’s age, weight, and the severity of the illness. Your furry friends are part of your family. Keep them healthy with CBD products that can provide positive results for people and pets.

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