CBD is short for Cannabidiol, a natural extract (cannabinoid) derived primarily from hemp (cannabis sativa). CBD is one of over a hundred identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant's extract.
There are several different methods of extraction including the use of various solvents such as alcohol. SummaForte™ selected a CBD supplier who uses CO2 extraction, a slightly more expensive process that results in a cleaner, more terpene rich extract than most other processes. It also leaves no negative impact on the environment.
There are three primary types of CBD oil, differentiated by what is included. The most basic form of CBD is “isolate” that, as the designation implies, contains only CBD. Then there’s “broad spectrum” which contains some additional compounds of the hemp plant. Finally, there is “full spectrum” that contains all compounds of the hemp plant including up to .3% THC (so a non-psychoactive amount of THC).
SummaForte’s non-GMO hemp strain used for our broad spectrum CBD has a unique combination of phytocannabinoids and terpenes that can be seen on our Certificate of Analysis and are discussed in the Science section of our website. These various compounds work together to enhance positive health effects through the so-called “entourage effect.”* SummaForte’s broad spectrum CBD oil has less than .3% THC content to meet the legal standard for industrial CBD.
CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids interact with our bodies in a variety of ways including playing key roles in the functioning of the human immune and central nervous systems.* Humans produce what are known as endocannabinoids that are found throughout the body in what is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system controls stress, anxiety levels, and pain perception, and works to maintain balance in your body. Receptors, located throughout your brain, tissues and even skin receive and distribute cannabinoids like CBD that help keep the body in a balanced state known as “homeostasis”.
CBD oil is known for its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system which helps to regulate homeostasis and important physiological processes. Specifically, people tend to use CBD for the following purposes:
To get relief from and speed up recovery after excessive exercise*
To facilitate a sense of calm and focus often associated with a state of homeostasis or balance in the body*
To support better rest and sleep*
To help manage stress and anxiety from everyday activities*
Cannabis is the term that refers to both the hemp and marijuana plants (though often people wrongly associate cannabis only with marijuana). Marijuana is distinguished by its dominant THC cannabinoid that causes the psychoactive “high” effect. Marijuana is most often associated with THC and hemp extract is often associated with CBD, a cannabinoid known more for its general positive impact on health and wellness. To qualify as “legal hemp” under the US 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp biomass may not contain more than .3% THC, the cannabinoid that causes the “high” effect.*
Hemp contains over one hundred compounds, including various flavonoids, aromatic terpenes, and several minor cannabinoids. Each of these compounds has specific health attributes, many of which are still in early stages of study. When combined, these compounds create what scientists refer to as an “entourage effect” by which the therapeutic impact of the entire plant is greater than the sum of its single-molecule parts.
No - CBD from hemp does not produce the psychoactive effect commonly associated with marijuana and its dominant cannabinoid, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors in the brain and body.*
The US government has not established an age limit for CBD. However, SummaForte recommends customers be 18 or older, and individual states might set age limits.
SummaTape consists of the outer cotton/spandex material and an adhesive matrix infused with our CBD and menthol. The outer material is made from premium spandex/cotton fabric (latex free). The adhesive is water-based acrylic. The Kollidon CL-M is an inert material for stabilization which aids with the release of the CBD and menthol from the tape to the skin and helps with bioavailability.* Both the cotton and synthetic materials create elasticity which provides stable support without restricting range of motion like a non-stretch tape. The menthol provides a cooling effect. CBD helps reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, and contributes to a calming energy.*
With proper care, SummaTape may be worn for up to 3-4 days. However, the transfer of menthol and CBD to the skin will mostly be completed after one day of normal wear.
The tape can be applied in many ways, and with different degrees of stretching (and hence lifting of the skin after application). For example, a single strip may be applied in a straight line over the subject area of the skin, or a different shape such as an “X”, “Y” over the specific area may be advisable. Typically, it is recommended that the ends of the tape should not be stretched, but rather just applied with firm pressure. The middle section may be stretched to achieve the desired “skin lifting” effect. If unsure, consult your doctor or physical therapist for advice on how best to apply the tape to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent injury, and promote good circulation and recovery.
Taping should never be used to address clotting. Also, if the kidneys are struggling to handle fluids, it can be dangerous to send more fluid to them (which taping could do). Also, taping any portion of the body during a state of renal insufficiency (reduced blood flow to the kidneys) may create a risk for kidney failure. If you are unsure whether you suffer from renal insufficiency, refrain from using SummaTape and consult your physician.*
