Cannabidiol or CBD has achieved a substantial following in the marketplace, with many users touting its efficacy. One alleged benefit of CBD that creates a buzz is improved sleep, which is a strong reason why people want to try it.

The usual forms of CBD that are popular among buyers are CBD-infused gummy bears and CBD oil capsules or tincture. As trends go, manufacturers get creative by making CBD pillows that target individuals suffering from poor or deprived sleep.

Consumer reports

A Consumer Report survey conducted recently revealed that 10% of Americans have used CBD products to improve their sleep. However, many of the respondents are yet to try CBD pillows, which in itself has an interesting concept.

In a study showcased in the journal Medicines, 409 respondents with insomnia initially rated their condition at 6.6 on average, with ten being the most severe. They were then treated with CBD in different combustion methods. The average rating after treatment went down to only 2.2, a significant decrease from the start.

However, there are still many questions regarding CBD for sleep, including the dosage, route, and timing. The effect of CBD in the sleep pattern of an individual also varies on a case-to-case basis.

Recent studies show that cannabis compounds can interact with the endocannabinoid system, or the receptors in the body, which include the brain. It is suggested that CBD affects the sleep and wake cycles due to one of these said receptors.

The CBD Pillow

The CBD pillow, the new addition to a broad range of cannabidiol products, works through micro-encapsulation. It is the process of capturing microscopic CBD particles into capsules that protect the substance from oxidation, evaporation, and contamination. It can only be released via friction, specifically your head on the pillow.

The released CBD is then supposed to be taken up through skin and hair follicle absorption. By theory, more CBD can be released if you are more restless when sleeping.

As of writing, two companies have started marketing the micro-encapsulated CBD pillow, namely Brookstone and CBD Pillow.

How it helps

Cannabidiol is one of the most popular cannabis derivatives, taken from the source plant Cannabis sativa L. that also produces marijuana. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance that causes psychoactive effects for cannabis users. However, CBD has little to no THC content, which makes it non-intoxicating.

CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which then prompts several physiological reactions, including appetite, pain, and mood.

CBD Pillow VP of Content said the pillow is made to release CBD micro-doses for many days to help the user sustain a healthy nighttime routine. It also aims to introduce CBD and its number of alleged benefits, which includes sleep.

The prominent issue, however, is that most pieces of evidence are anecdotal. There aren’t many studies and research that offer solid proof regarding CBD’s benefits. The FDA is yet to present a framework for the use and sale of CBD, which industry players feel should be hastened so that more people can try cannabidiol for themselves.

Some 800 dogs have started the 975-mile journey with their mushers to conquer the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Sunday. Four-time winner Lance Mackey made news when he revealed giving CBD oil to his dogs against head veterinarian’s advice.

Mackey declined the suggestion, citing cannabidiol being excluded in the banned substances list found on the competition’s rulebook.

Enhancing recovery times

Lance Mackey, currently in fifth place at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, revealed to the Anchorage Daily News that he has been giving his race dogs cannabidiol oil to improve their performance and recovery times.

Iditarod head veterinarian Stuart Nelson has discouraged the use of CBD oil for competing dogs. Still, Mackey went against advice, saying there is nothing in the race’s rule book that mentions CBD oil as a banned substance.

Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a derivative of Cannabis sativa L., which is also the source plant for marijuana, an addictive substance containing high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compound. On the other hand, CBD is non-intoxicating due to a shallow THC content that causes the high.

CBD for pets has become a famous market currently, with owners praising its health and wellness benefits for animals. It is commonly used to manage pain and treat seizures, among others, despite the federal government’s lack of official standards for the said substance.

Mackey, a cancer survivor, considered getting medical marijuana treatment throughout his four-year consecutive victories from 2007. However, Iditarod barred marijuana use by 2010. He reasoned the other mushers were jealous of his wins; that’s why the ban was enforced.

In 2011, a year after the marijuana ban, Mackey bags his fourth consecutive championship.

CBD oil for pets

CBD oil has gained popularity over recent years for being a miracle remedy for many illnesses. Users have been lauding its efficacy to health conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, anxiety and more.

CBD manufacturers have entered the market successfully, producing a variety of products like lotions, gummies, tinctures, and others. CBD pet products have also found a great reception from owners who are curious about cannabidiol for pets.

Cannabidiol-based products for pets are mostly in the form of treats or oil. They are said to deliver promising results for alleviating pain and anxiety. However, there aren’t many studies to solidify the effectiveness of these items.

Pet experts advise that it’s best to consult with the veterinarian about the pet’s specific condition and evaluate whether CBD oil can be one of the viable options to improve their well-being.

About Iditarod

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race started on Sunday, with Paige Drobney, a Pennsylvania native from Cantwell Alaska, taking the lead last Wednesday. She was the first to leave among the mushers at the Ophir checkpoint.

The first to reach McGrath checkpoint was Jessie Royer who received handmade items as a token for the milestone.

The oldest musher to enter the race, Jim Lanier, 79 years old and a retired pathologist, withdrew from Iditarod last Tuesday at Rainy Pass for his well-being amid the virus outbreak.

The Finnish Food Authority has ordered shops to stop the sale of several cannabis-derived CBD or cannabidiol products. The agency cited that the products do not have the right authorization to be marketed as a foodstuff.

Cannabinoid extracts are considered novel foods in the EU, according to the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA). Substances classified as such cannot be sold without a novel-food authorization. Additionally, CBD cannot be promoted using medical claims.

CBD in Finland

CBD-containing dietary supplements have been marketed across Finland in several health food stores, yet CBD oil is classified as a medicine by FIMEA. CBD or cannabis light as it is often called does not have the psychoactive component in marijuana, which is the tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

Hamppumaa (translated as Hempland), a Finnish company manufacturing hemp product, plans to file a case against the Finnish Food Authority. It cites the decision of the agency to pull out the brand’s Sana CBD products off the marketplace as the main reason.

Finnish citizens may also encounter a legal gray area when ordering cannabidiol products online. FIMEA has given caution to CBD buyers using any online platform to buy their favorites since there is still a lot to be learned about the legalities.

CBD oil is a compound derived from cannabis, which is widespread across the US and Europe as a therapeutic cure-all against stress, pain, and other medical conditions. The CBD industry is now regarded as a high-value market amounting to billions of euros.

The World Health Organization recognizes the non-addictive property of cannabidiol and its potential to be included in the treatment regimen for drug addiction.

More on CBD

While CBD has amassed a considerable following over the past few years, there is still much confusion over the substance. It is closely related to marijuana, which is the addictive substance derived from the same plant species as hemp-derived CBD, Cannabis sativa L. The main difference is that CBD oil has minimal amounts of THC, while marijuana exceeds the legal THC limits.

Despite initial hesitation, many users have found CBD products to be somewhat effective in alleviating or curing several health issues with varying degrees of severity. Some of the common alleged therapeutic benefits include reduction of pain, anxiety and stress and promotion of sleep. It is also said to work for persons who have multiple sclerosis, cancer and more.

There are few pieces of evidence and studies about CBD, but many countries all over the world, particularly the US and Europe, are set on discovering more about the compound. However, consumers are warned to be careful about their purchase, because the industry is still troubled by unclear regulations.

As of writing, the only available CBD-incorporated medication legally sold in Finland is Sativex, an oral spray to treat muscle spasms that multiple sclerosis patients manifest. Other medical applications of CBD are handled on a case-to-case basis by FIMEA.