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IT'S EVERYWHERE! CBD is available in seemingly all retail locations and, of course, online. I've even spotted CBD products of dubious quality in places as unlikely as gas stations – yikes! You've un- doubtedly met dog owners who are giving CBD treats to their pets. And, your grandmother, your co-worker, and your neigh- bor's child may be using CBD in various forms to deal with pain, anxiety, insomnia, skin disorders, seizures, and much, much more. From oils to capsules to foods to topicals, the buzz is all about CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, along with THC is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not have the same psychoactive punch. Meaning: It does not get you high. So, how does CBD deliver therapeutic benefi ts? Understanding the endocannabinoid system Step one is understanding that we all (including our furry friends) have an endocannabinoid system, which is respon- sible for balance and homeostasis. It's like a master control system. And, while our bodies make their own endocannabi- noids, we may all have a varying endocannabinoid (EC) tone according to cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo. Multiple factors including lifestyle choices and genetic predisposition infl uence this so-called EC tone. The difference between marijuana and hemp Think of Cannabis sativa as the mother plant. Both hemp (with- out THC) and marijuana (with THC) are cannabis. You can extract CBD from both hemp and marijuana. It's the hemp-derived CBD, however, that you're seeing everywhere. CBD & the holistic approach CBD is the most well-studied of the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. You've likely heard the phenomenal story about Charlotte Figi and how cannabis signifi cantly reduced her seizures. It was CBD that worked its magic. This cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant is the ulti- mate anti-infl ammatory agent. Giv- en that infl ammation is the basis of the vast majority of chronic disease in the Western world, CBD is poised to be a welcome addition to your home remedies. Pain, anxiety, and insomnia are the primary reasons why people self-med- icate with cannabis. Why? Because it can work. Consider this: When CBD is integrated with other healing modali- ties such as an anti-infl ammatory food plan, meditation, and yoga, it's super- charged. Bottom line: CBD works bet- ter as a partner. Rather than a bandage approach, layering various healing modalities with CBD can optimize your health and wellness. Think of CBD as a spec- tacular supplement to your holistic healing toolbox. Selecting hemp-derived CBD products Navigating the CBD products on the market can seem a daunting task. Doing your research and asking the right ques- tions is crucial. Where and how is the hemp grown? What extraction method is used to make the product? What about third-party lab testing? In this evolving world of CBD, the re- sponsibility is with you to know the facts and demand quality products. CBD producers will respond to what discerning cus- tomers expect in the marketplace. Laura Lagano MS, RDN, CDN is an integrative clinical nutri- tionist, based in Hoboken, NJ, author of The CBD Oil Mira- cle published by St. Martin's Press available March 2019, and co-founder of the Holistic Cannabis Academy, a cannabis train- ing certifi cation program. Visit holisticcannabisacademy.com A new partner in your toolbox By Laura Lagano healthy living HOLISTIC HEALING & CBD October/November 2018 15