What is HempWorx?
The makers of the HempWorx claim that their product line delivers health benefits of CBD through topical and ingestible methods of delivery.
According to their website, HempWorx products are created from hemp plants that are organically grown on American farms. They offer a line of oils, topical creams and lotions, pet products, and even coffee, that are all packed with CBD.
HempWorx claims that each product undergoes third-party lab testing to ensure they are safe, effective, and potent. These are certainly a set of practices that sound favorable for the consumer.
In this article, we'll discuss if CBD is really the dietary supplement missing from your daily wellness regimen.
In the next section, you can get some background information on CBD and learn about its purported benefits.
What is CBD and What Does it Do?
By now, you've probably heard the term CBD thrown around. You may even know that it is somehow, at least, related to marijuana. But what exactly is it?
While both hemp and marijuana are obtained from cannabis plants, hemp is only found in the cannabis sativa family. They also differ in both appearance and chemical composition.
Each offers different quantities of key cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the feeling of euphoria that most associate with marijuana use - often totaling 30% of the cannabinoid composition.
Marijuana offers 100x more THC than hemp. You won't experience euphoria or fail a drug test, though you'll get plenty of the most bountiful cannabinoid found in hemp; cannabidiol (CBD).
The mechanisms in which CBD can act to exert its proposed benefits are complex, though it is suspected to interact with receptors in the brain, fat, muscles, and more.
Unlike THC-containing products, those that offer CBD are legal in most states. When supplemented, CBD may improve:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Sleep
- Nausea
- Mood disorders
- Brain function
- Immune function
HempWorx offers a line of various topical and ingestible CBD-containing products, though the company makes no mention of their intended use.
Without providing information as to the potential benefits each product is alleged to provide, determining the efficacy is challenging.
Nonetheless, we've completed a literature review to give you a better idea of the most common uses for CBD, as well as the available support for the cannabinoid's ability to deliver results.
Is There Any Science Backing-Up the Benefits of CBD?
While cannabis plants have been cultivated for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, CBD wasn't discovered until the middle of the 20th century. Thus, THC has been the focus of much of the cannabis research until more recently.
Nonetheless, some studies have investigated some of the effects of topical and ingestible CBD applications.
A recent study polled CBD users to determine the most common reasons for use. They found that more than 60% of responders used CBD for a specific medical condition; the top 3 were pain, anxiety, and depression.
There are various methods of delivering CBD to achieve its alleged benefits. HempWorx offers both oral and topical options.
The benefit of consuming oils and capsules orally is that dosing is more accurate when compared to other methods. Absorption is typically slow, however, and can be extremely variable depending on the individual and the product.
Topical administration is beneficial in those with symptoms localized to a certain area or for individuals wishing to avoid system-wide effects of CBD.
A clinical series found that CBD improved sleep and anxiety. They used doses of 25, 50, or 75mg daily for 3-months.
In pediatric patients, CBD cream improved pain and itching related to a condition that causes skin blistering.
A 2017 review of 43 randomized trials concluded that cannabis-based medicines may be effective in treating chronic pain, though the evidence is limited. They also found that inhaling these medications seemed to be the safest and most effective means.
A review of 35 studies published last summer concluded that most of the available research detailing the benefit of CBD is in the treatment of seizure disorders. Dosing around 15 mg/kg body weight daily seems to be sufficient for this purpose.
This review highlights another important conclusion, however.
Most of the available research is from the last 2-3 years. For example, the chart below was adapted from kalytera and demonstrates CBD research in comparison to cannabis research over a 20-year span.
As you can see, CBD research (grey bars) is on the rise, though it is just a fraction of the number of studies that have investigated cannabis. Image Credit: kalytera.co
While CBD may have the potential to influence a wide variety of health benefits, it is clear more randomized trials are needed.
CBD Safety and Side Effects
CBD is generally safe when used orally or topically, though some side effects are possible.
When consumed orally, the likelihood for it to have whole-body effects is greater. Though this may be necessary for certain conditions, this also increases the potential for a variety of side effects.
For example, some complained of fatigue, drowsiness, and dry eyes at doses ranging from 25-75mg daily in the sleep and anxiety study previously discussed.
A review also noted that inhalation was associated with fewer side effects when compared to orally administered products. Those receiving the latter reported more gastrointestinal symptoms.
The risk for similar effects is lower with topical application, as CBD exerts its effects in a localized manner. Skin irritation and poor absorption are potential downsides of this method of delivery, however.
Though the side effects are often mild, it is still best to speak with a physician before use. If your symptoms are serious enough to seek treatment, you should take steps to first identify their source.
The Cost
HempWorx offers a line of CBD-containing products that are wide-ranging and can be purchased directly from their site. Pricing varies product to product; we'll highlight the major categories here.
CBD Tinctures
Their line of CBD Tinctures contains about 50 servings of CBD oil that can be dissolved under the tongue with a dropper. They are offered in 500, 750, or 1500mg concentrations at 10, 15, or 30mg of CBD per dropper, respectively.
Pricing is $69, $89, or $149 from the lowest to the highest concentration.
CBD Topicals
Creams are similarly priced; $69 for 1oz (80mg total CBD) or $89 for 1.69oz (130mg total CBD). HempWorx recommends rubbing into the affected area no more than 3-4x each day.
CBD for Pets
For your 4-legged friends, HempWorx offers both CBD Tinctures and beef-flavored dog treats.
The CBD oil is bacon flavored, priced at $39, and offers 5mg of CBD per serving. The treats pack in 2.5mg in each cookie.
CBD Bath Bombs and Hair Care
You can soak in 10mg of CBD with each bath bomb. They're offered in four scents (Lavender, Lemongrass, Sea Salt, and Citrus) at $49.
HempWorx also offers a line of topical hair products that include a hair mask, a hair serum, as well as shampoo and conditioner. This line ranges from $39-$69.
CBD Cofee and Gummies
The CBD coffee packs in about 5mg of CBD per serving. The 30-serving pack is $69.
If you're not a coffee drinker, you can take opt for HempWorx's CBD Gummies. Priced at $69 for 45gummies, you'll get 10mg of CBD in each gummy.
Value Packs
If you're looking to save money, opting for one of their Packs is probably the most cost-effective option. For example, the HempWorx Director Pack is priced at $199 for any 4 items.
Though pricey, HempWorx products are backed by a 60-day guarantee. To process your refund, email support@mydailychoice.com. Keep in mind, this requires you to return the entire order to be eligible.
The Takeaway Message
As laws and traditional ways of treating medical conditions continue to evolve, CBD will likely continue to grow in popularity. However, the CBD boom seems to be ahead of the scientific research available at this time.
While HempWorx offers convenience and variety, their product line is expensive. This is a high premium to pay for pricey products that don't have clearly defined benefits.
The upside is finding safe and effective relief for various conditions that would otherwise be managed with riskier options (opioid medications, for example). The downfall would likely relate to a lack of benefits and losing some money.
HempWorx offers both topical and ingestible products. We currently lack clear guidelines that detail the best method of delivery and dosing regimen for most conditions that CBD may improve.
When you combine the lack of strong scientific evidence with the absence of proposed benefits for the HempWorx line, it is challenging to determine if even the products with the highest CBD concentration would be effective.
Available Alternatives
Finding alternative CBD options can be challenging despite it being legal in most states. For example, it is illegal in Idaho, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Some states where it is legal may have various restrictions related to online purchasing or food-related products, whereas others do not.
Thus, it's best to check the laws specific to your state before purchasing.
You should also keep in mind that CBD-containing products aren't strictly regulated as of yet, though FDA regulations are on the horizon.
In the meantime, make sure you're shopping for the most reputable companies.
The Bottom Line
The variety of products HempWorx offers may work in their benefit as they may appeal to a larger number of users. Those unfamiliar with CBD may be more interested in topical formulations, for example.
Some of the many proposed benefits of CBD to have some scientific support, though research surrounding this cannabinoid is a newer phenomenon. Currently, most of the available work focuses on a potential role in seizure disorders.
Thus, much more work is needed to identify the best method of delivery and appropriate dosing for specific conditions.
Depending on the symptoms you wish to treat, CBD may offer a safer alternative to some traditional medical options. It may be less effective and more expensive, however.
If interested in using HempWorx or similar products, check your state's laws and speak with a physician first.
