Whether it was from a friend or through social
media, you’ve probably heard about CBD and its potential health benefits.
Over the last several years, CBD has exploded as
one of our generation’s most popular topics in the world of health and
wellness. As such, it’s generated a lot of buzz from the community, as well as
questions from cannabis users and non-cannabis users alike.
If you’re looking to gain a deeper understanding of
CBD, and how it can potentially impact your health and wellness, you’ll find
the answers to your questions and more in this comprehensive guide.
CBD 101: What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a natural compound produced in the Cannabis plant, along with more than 100 other active
compounds, including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis compound
responsible for the plant’s mind-altering effects.
Unlike THC, CBD will not induce mind-altering
effects or “get you high”, and can actually counteract these effects, which can
sometimes be undesirable to some users.
Because of this, CBD is regulated more leniently
compared to THC, which has helped stimulate its growing popularity in recent
years.
CBD can be derived from either hemp or marijuana,
however, they are viewed very differently under the law. While hemp and
marijuana are merely terms that refer to different varieties of cannabis, they
are used as legal terms under federal law.
Hemp refers to varieties of cannabis that
contain less than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the intoxicating compound in
Cannabis. Marijuana, on the other hand, refers to varieties of Cannabis with
more than 0.3% THC.
Currently, Cannabis, including marijuana, is
classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act and is federally
illegal.
Hemp was previously included in this
classification; however, under the Agricultural Act of 2018, commonly known as
the “2018 Farm Bill”, hemp and hemp-derived
products, including hemp-derived CBD, were legalized.
How Does CBD Work?
Within the body of all humans and nearly every
animal, there is a physiological system known as the Endocannabinoid System
(ECS).
The ECS contains a series of cannabinoid receptors,
known as CB1 and CB2 receptors, that can be stimulated by cannabinoids like CBD
and spreads throughout the body, in the: brain, organs, connective tissues,
glands, and immune cells.
Collectively, the receptors in the ECS form an an internal communication system that serves as an integral health function and
helps regulate the body’s homeostasis (the balance and stability of the body’s
internal environment, within and across numerous biological systems).
Commonly Reported Benefits of CBD
While the legalities of discussing the potential clinical benefits of CBD are
tricky, to say CBD is helpful is more than an understatement.
Dozens of scientific researchers have studied CBD
as a potential treatment for numerous conditions and have discovered dozens of
ways CBD can help maintain a healthy body system.
In addition to medical research, thousands and
thousands of people who use CBD have reported that it helped alleviate numerous
conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Mood management
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
As a natural way to find relief, CBD is
non-addictive and does not come with negative side effects of other methods.
Go and view some of these products specifically for these mentioned conditions :
Different Types of CBD: Isolate, Broad
Spectrum, and Full Spectrum
There are several different types of CBD in various
products: CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum CBD and Full Spectrum CBD.
Understanding the difference between the three, and
which type is used in a CBD product, is important for all CBD users to
understand.
So what’s the difference between full-spectrum,
broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD?
To produce either of the three types of CBD, the
first step is to extract the raw contents from the plant.
It’s important to note that CBD, THC, and cannabinoids
for that matter, are not the only compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Within
Cannabis there are hundreds of benefit-rich compounds including:
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found in many plants and are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors of different cannabis varieties. By activating different senses and receptors in the body, terpenes can deliver unique benefits, which are enhanced when combined with cannabinoids like CBD
- Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamins A, C, E and
complex Bs (thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin) are found in full-spectrum
oil along with iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc.
- Protein & Essential Fats: 20 amino acids,
9 of which are essential, are also in full-spectrum CBD. Omega 3 and 6
promote heart health are included. Hemp oil also happens to be full of protein that repairs and builds tissue.
When these compounds are combined with cannabinoids
like CBD and other cannabinoids, they deliver enhanced effects, which is
commonly known as “The Entourage Effect.”
To produce each of the different types of CBD, a
cannabis extract undergoes several refining processes that strip away some or
all of these compounds and thus diminishing the entourage effect.
CBD Isolate is produced by isolating CBD and
stripping all other compounds and substances from the extract. This results in
a pure CBD extract.
Full Spectrum CBD is produced by extracting the the whole plant extract, which will include CBD, all other cannabinoids found in
the plant, including THC, and other plant compounds such as:
Broad Spectrum CBD is a bit of a mix between both
CBD isolate and Full Spectrum CBD. Similar to Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum
CBD is produced by extracting all
Common Ways to Use CBD
The versatility of CBD allows it to be used in many
different ways. Some of the most popular ways include:
1.
CBD Vape Pens and E-Liquids
CBD vape products are available in a variety of
forms, including vape oils, e-liquids, vape pens, and cartridges. CBD vape
products are one of the most effective methods to use CBD, because by
vaporizing CBD, a higher bioavailability of CBD is delivered to the body, more
quickly and more effectively than if it had gone through the body’s digestive
tract.
2.
CBD Oil Tinctures
CBD Tinctures are made by extracting cannabinoids
from the hemp plant, then infusing the cannabinoids with a liquid solvent, such
as alcohol or apple cider vinegar.
As a liquid concentrate, CBD tinctures are
administered sublingually under the tongue,
Because of its use of use and fast-acting relief, CBD oil tinctures are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the many benefits of CBD. Below is an example of a popular full spectrum CBD oil tincture you may recognize from leading CBD brand, CBD Sky:
3.
CBD Capsules
While vaporizing CBD provides higher
bioavailability and CBD tinctures provide quicker results, CBD capsules offer a
consumption method that most are already used to.
CBD Capsules can come in many different forms with
different casings and concentrations, which allows discreet ease of use, and
accurate dosing. With capsules, you don’t have to deal with the stigma of vaping
or the uninviting flavors of tinctures, but, of course, capsules do have their
downfalls.
4.
CBD Topicals
CBD Topicals are applied topically to the skin,
where the natural, therapeutic properties of CBD have shown to help alleviate
inflammation, discoloration, and numerous skin disorders and conditions. CBD
topicals come in a variety of different forms including lotions, creams,
cleansers, salves, roll-ons, and more.
5.
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles, which are essentially CBD-infused food
products like gummies or CBD cupcakes, are a popular and easy way to enjoy CBD
because the CBD is added right into something you’re already consuming.
Common
CBD FAQs for Beginners:
Is
CBD Legal?
Unlike other phytocannabinoids like
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is completely non-intoxicating. This allows CBD
to deliver the therapeutic properties of the Cannabis plant, without inducing
the mind-altering effects associated with “getting high.”
When extracted from Hemp (a classification of
Cannabis that contains a very low amount of THC and is grown primarily for
industrial purposes), CBD is legal to use in the United States,
under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Does
CBD Get You High?
Cannabidiol (CBD), is one of many cannabinoids
produced in cannabis, and while
every cannabinoid is derived from the same
plant, they each have unique properties.
The cannabinoid that has been confirmed as the
primary source of the cannabis plant’s unique ability to induce mind-altering
properties are known as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC activates these effects by binding directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our Endocannabinoid System. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to the receptors directly, and can even interfere with the bond THC has with the receptors.
How
Much CBD Should I Take?
Due to the variety of different factors that can affect how CBD will interact with the body, such as your body’s chemical composition, your weight, your history with other medications, and more, there is no specific way to answer this question.
Source and credit to : https://cbdguide.io/what-is-cbd/
GreenLeaf Insights is not a medical site and would encourage you to consult with a physician regarding the use of CBD for medical purposes
