CBD 101

Happy V Relief serum was created to address pesky premenstrual symptoms we’ve learned to expect like bloating, cramping, fatigue, inflammation, and anxiety. 

Easy to use, delicious, and with effective dosages of broad-spectrum hemp extract, patented cucumber extract, and chasteberry, Happy V Relief was made with you in mind.

What is CBD?

CBD is just one of many naturally occurring compounds, known as phytocannabinoids, that can be found in cannabis-related plants such as marijuana and industrial hemp plants.

There are two different types of cannabinoids: phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are compounds that come from plant origin, hence the prefix “phyto” which means “relating to plants”. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are produced within the human body, such as anandamide.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a biological system, just like the skeletal or immune system. It’s comprised of cannabinoid receptors, molecules, and their metabolites. It plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis or balance. As scientific learning continues to uncover more about this system, we’ve discovered that it plays a major role in dictating our overall health, sleep quality, mental state, and more.

What’s the difference between CBD and THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main thing that pops into one’s mind when thinking about marijuana or hemp — as it should. It is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, and what gives us the sensation of feeling “high”. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, on the other hand, is a non-toxic, non-psychoactive compound that can be found in both marijuana and industrial hemp. The supplement industry is excited about CBD due to its therapeutic benefits, such as a decrease in chronic inflammation and in the sensation of pain.

Although the two are very similar in chemical structure, they both bind to different receptors within the endocannabinoids system, which is also why THC can get you high and CBD cannot. 

Why take CBD for PMS?

We tend to see many products include cannabidiol in their formulation, claiming that it enhances the benefit of whatever the product is meant to do. But we don’t believe in pseudosciences like anti-aging CBD wrinkle cream or CBD fat burners. 

However, science does prove that CBD helps in specific areas like inflammation and anxiety! This aligns perfectly with the symptoms that arise from PMS, and that we are specifically trying to decrease.

How does CBD work?

Throughout the human body, the endocannabinoid system uses receptors to latch onto both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. The two specific receptors that are responsible for taking in cannabinoids are known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

CB1 receptors are present throughout the body but are mostly located in the brain. Because there are so many CB1 receptors in the brain, it is speculated that CB1 receptors have a direct influence over cognitive functions such as movement, pain, emotions, mood, thinking, appetite, and memory. THC has a strong affinity with these receptors whereas CBD has a weak one, hence why THC can get you “high”. 

But just because research shows that CBD has a weak affinity with the CB1 receptor doesn’t mean that it doesn’t play a vital role in affecting these receptors. 

How CBD affects CB1 Receptors.

CBD’s most well-known function in benefiting the endocannabinoid system (and you) is its ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme called FAAH or fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). FAAH is the main enzyme found in the ECS and is responsible for breaking down anandamide, one of the endocannabinoids the body produces that binds to the CB1 receptor. Remember, CB1 is the same receptor that THC binds to, which is why anandamide is considered the body’s natural THC, or the “bliss molecule”

And although THC can get you that same high, it also isn’t without its negative side effects. People might experience feelings of anxiety, mild hallucinations, dizziness, rapid heart rate, slowed reaction times, and food cravings. Anandamide, on the other hand, is made in the body and appears to exert positive effects on mood, memory, brain function, and pain.

Anandamide is normally rapidly broken down by FAAH. CBD regulates FAAH, which proves that CBD’s primary role is its ability to maintain anandamide levels, thus enhancing anandamide’s beneficial effect in the ECS. CBD also binds weakly to CB1 and CB2 receptors and has a range of activity outside of the ECS that contribute to its health benefits.¹

What other benefits does CBD have for premenstrual syndrome?

CBD is known as a pleiotropic drug, a compound that affects multiple molecular pathways. Scientific studies have pinpointed over 60 methods in which CBD can target:

Relieve Pain

CBD inhibits FAAH, leading to higher levels of anandamide. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid, a cannabinoid made by the body, that can be received by CB1 receptors. When this occurs, the endocannabinoid system sends a signal to the brain that it must lower the sensation of pain.

Reduce Inflammation

CBD inhibits COX enzymes the same way NSAIDs would. COX enzymes are responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation. Reducing the level of prostaglandins in the body helps with reducing PMS symptoms like painful abdominal cramps, muscle contractions, and inflammation.

Reduce feelings of anxiety and stress

CBD may help with reducing the feeling of anxiety and stress by acting on three different receptors – cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1), serotonin receptor (5HT1A), and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1).

How is Broad Spectrum CBD different from CBD Isolate?

CBD Isolate is created by removing all the terpenes (aromatic oils) waxes, and other cannabinoids one would typically find in a full spectrum hemp extract. Broad-spectrum, on the other hand, only removes the THC but leaves in other cannabinoids, waxes, terpenes, and compounds found in the formula. It is though those remaining compounds that one can experience the “entourage effect”.

How to consume CBD Oil.

CBD Oil can be consumed in multiple formats, including liquid capsules, dried powder capsules, oil tinctures, and gummies. We chose to put happy V relief in a tincture serum due to the other ingredients included in the formula. 

How to Use Happy V Relief

Happy V Relief is best taken first thing in the morning, with or without a meal. Just take 1mL, which is easily measured thanks to our calibrated dropper, and leave it under your tongue for 30 seconds. Repeat this twice in order to consume 2mL, or two full droppers, of Happy V relief for one complete serving! Each serving contains 33mg of cannabinoids, 300mg of Patented Cucumber Extract, and 25mg of High Potency Chasteberry. 

Everyone will have different experiences with CBD, so make sure to ease into it: over-consuming CBD won’t speed up benefits. Listen to your body to determine how much is right for you. 

Always consult your primary care physician when starting a new supplement, and feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

Using CBD Safely

Always speak to your primary doctor or OB/GYN before consuming it. If you are on any prescription medications, make sure to consult your physician to understand whether or not CBD can alter the effects of those medications.

Do not consume if you are allergic to any of the ingredients on the supplement panel.

How to properly store Happy V Relief

Happy V Relief uses a matted glass container to keep out sunlight. The best place to leave Happy V Relief is in the refrigerator. It will keep the serum fresh and make it taste even better!

Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Is CBD Legal?

The legality of Hemp-derived CBD products is a gray area. Although CBD products are legal on the federal level when THC content falls below 0.3% per serving, there are still states where CBD is illegal. However, Marijuana-derived cannabidiol products are the opposite, illegal on the federal level and legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved.