CBD Guide – An Overview of Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is an active compound extracted from cannabis plant. It is one of more than 100 phytocannabinoids found in that particular plant. Following a substantial amount of research and scientific study, CBD has gained a massive popularity among people all around the world. The numerous health benefits that CBD offers make it appealing to the health and wellness communities. CBD has found its way into a wide range of products including: tinctures, capsules, gummies, balms, vape, and even cosmetics. It also has gained popularity among the pet owners who are trying CBD on their pets to treat a multitude of health conditions. Keep reading our CBD guide to make yourself a well-informed consumer of CBD.
In this CBD guide we will help you know everything that you need to be informed about before starting to use CBD products. Hope this guide to CBD will help you understand how to use CBD products safely and effectively. We will cover a wide range of health benefits that CBD offers along with guiding you to become a well-informed consumer.
CBD Guide: What is CBD?
Here in this part of the CBD guide we will discuss CBD briefly. Cannabidiol, in short CBD, is one of more than 400 chemical compounds found in cannabis plant. It is one of the active ingredients found in leaves and flowers. CBD can be derived from both the hemp and marijuana plant. Both the hemp and marijuana are two different versions of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant.
Hemp is naturally higher in CBD and it has a very little amount of THC which is 33% less than that in the least potent marijuana. So, it’s not possible for hemp to make its user high. On the other hand, Marijuana is lower in CBD and is very high in the level of THC. Even some varieties or selective breeding of marijuana can contain at a range of 10 to 30 percent of THC, or even higher.
Have a look at our blog: CBD from hemp vs CBD from marijuana to find more about these plants and the difference between the CBD oil extracted from them.
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in our body. This interaction is responsible for the numerous health benefits that we can get from using it. Each of the organisms has its own endocannabinoid system. It is responsible for keeping the body in homeostasis or in balance.
CBD is considered to be the most plentiful cannabinoid followed by the major psychoactive compound-THC. Along with CBD and THC, cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, and CBN make the cannabinoid profile heavier.
The Endocannabinoid System in Brief
The endocannabinoid system in short ECS consists of a number of receptors called endocannabinoids. CBD binds with these receptors and interacts with the ECS.These receptors are responsible for intracellular activities. The primary role of the endocannabinoid system in the body is keeping the organs safe from damage and inflammation.
To remain healthy, we have to keep balance of everything from body temperature, blood pressure to the pH levels in blood. You might be surprised to know the effect of the endocannabinoid system in our body. Question may arise, how can the ECS keep the body in balance? Simply put, there is no straight answer to your question. It is a complicated process which uses the cellular feedback mechanism to keep the body in homeostasis. It works by tuning up the process when they are too low and suppressing them when they are too high.
Here in this part of the CBD guide, we will use the “read receipts” of text messages as an example to explain how the ECS works.
When you send a text message with information like where to meet you in the afternoon, you get a notification that ensures the recipient has received and read the message. This lets you know that you do not need to send another message containing the same information to the recipient.
The ECS works the same way as it sends notification to the sender cell. Sounds confusing, right? For instance, suppose, a cell has sent a message to another one. The ECS will notify the sender cell that the message is received and the purpose is understood. The endocannabinoid system is designed to improve the internal communication within the body to maintain control over homeostasis
Where is the ECS Found?
In this part of the CBD guide we will discuss where the endocannabinoid system is located. Although the endocannabinoid system can be found all over the body, mostly it is found in the central nervous system and the immune systems. The ECS plays an important role in the regulation of our nervous system. This is a reason why CBD can be helpful in the treatment of conditions like anxiety and epilepsy. It is also an important component of the immune system, which is why CBD can be used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
The two types of endocannabinoids are Cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type-2 (CB2).
1. Cannabinoid Receptor Type-1 (CB1)
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the brain. These receptors are responsible for controlling the secretion of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. As a result, the cannabinoid receptor type 1 or the CB1 plays an indispensable role in regulating mood, memory, sexual functions, and cognitive behavior. People experience the psychoactive effects of THC due to the activation of CB1 receptors in the spinal cord and brain and the release of serotonin neurotransmitters.
2. Cannabinoid Receptor Type-2 (CB2)
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 or the CB2 receptors are located at the peripheral tissues including the skin, muscles and the immune cells. They regulate the secretion of cytokines which is also known as the messenger molecules. Cytokines are thought to send messages around the body to other immune cells. As a result of this effect, CB2 receptors boost the immune system during infection and cancer. This effect also helps alleviate inflammation and promote autophagy.
About Cannabis Plant
Cannabis indica and Cannabis Sativa are two of the types of cannabis plants cultivated for human consumption. Cannabis Sativa plants are taller in height. They produce more fiber. Cannabis Indica plants are shorter and bushier and less suitable for farming. But this plant is widely used to produce medical marijuana.
CBD Guide: Hemp vs Marijuana
In this part of the CBD guide we will discuss the primary differences between hemp and marijuana. Marijuana contains a higher level of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the major psychoactive compound that is used for medicinal and recreational purposes. It is responsible for making its user feel high or euphoric.
In the USA, marijuana is considered as a Class 1 controlled substance at the federal level. In some states it is considered legal for the use of medicinal purposes. Even some states legalized it up to the scale of recreational uses.
Hemp and marijuana are not the same. To some extent, hemp contains some cannabinoids. This plant produces a negligible amount of THC. In order to be cultivated legally, hemp needs to contain no more than 0.3% of THC. Hemp is also grown industrially for its use in textile and building materials. Since the most industrial hemp cultivated contains a lower amount of CBD and terpenes, it can not be a desirable source of CBD oil.
While some companies use the industrial hemp to produce CBD products, high quality products are produced from phytocannabinoid rich hemp. This type of hemp contains ten times the amount of cannabidiol and a negligible amount of THC. Therefore, it does not create the euphoric effect.
Types of CBD oil
Now in this part of the CBD guide, we will discuss the various types of CBD oil that are available in the market.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
This type of CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids along with a wide range of terpenes and flavonoids. This type of products contain THC which is lower than 0.3%. Although the products contain a trace amount of THC it does not create the euphoric effects.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum CBD oil is similar to the full spectrum CBD oil. Only this type of CBD oil is THC free. Companies often remove THC from their products and market them as the broad spectrum CBD oil. You can get all the benefits of cannabinoids except for THC. This type of CBD product is considered safe for those who are sensitive to THC.
CBD Isolate
Some CBD companies take an extra step to make 99+% pure CBD. This type of CBD products contain no other cannabinoids but only CBD. All other cannabinoids are removed and it is suitable for those who are sensitive to other cannabinoids.
Does CBD Oil Create an Euphoric Effect?
The answer is no. CBD should not induce the high feeling if it is produced properly. CBD products should contain less than 0.3% THC which is not enough to produce the euphoric effect. THC interacts with certain receptors in the body. This interaction changes the brain chemistry and induces mind altering effects. CBD does not interact with these receptors. Moreover, CBD is thought to prevent the receptors from interacting with THC. As a result using CBD can help you alleviate the side effects of THC.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD is considered a safe drug. But like all other medications CBD may cause side effects, especially when taken at a very high dosage. The side effects caused by CBD are mild and may last for 2 to 4 hours after the consumption. Diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite, changes in weight are some of the most common side effects encountered by its users. If you experience any of these side effects consult with your doctor immediately.
Forms of CBD Oil
In this part of the CBD guide we will discuss a few forms of CBD oil available in the market. After the legalization CBD has found its way into a wide range of forms including tinctures, capsules, gummies, vape, and many more.
CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures usually come in a glass bottle with a dropper in it. It is applied in the sublingual area. You just put a few drops under your tongue and wait for a moment. It starts working rapidly. CBD applied under your tongue reaches out to the bloodstream via the blood vessels in that particular area. If you are looking for a fast acting method of ingesting CBD, tinctures are for you. They are convenient to use and work faster than many other delivery methods of CBD. People who are taking CBD for anxiety and chronic pain can use tinctures as it provides instant relief.
CBD Capsules
CBD infused capsules are ingested like the traditional supplements. These come in a bottle with capsules filled with golden oil. CBD capsules take some time to work. If you are looking for fast relief it is not for you. CBD infused capsules have to pass through the inevitable digestive process before reaching the bloodstream. If you are looking for a steady and long lasting effect, CBD capsules are good to go with.
CBD Vape Oil
There are two types of CBD vape oil. One is pre-filled oil cartridges and the other one is vape juice used in e-cigarettes. Vaping CBD is the fastest working method of taking CBD. When you vape, alveoli in your lungs absorb CBD. Thus CBD finds its path to reach the bloodstream almost instantly. People who are looking for instant relief from anxiety, stress, and chronic pain can use CBD vape to get the best out of cannabidiol oil.
Health Benefits of CBD
For the past few years, CBD has gained a massive popularity among people all around the world. Scientific research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD can be used to treat a multitude of health conditions including inflammation, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, skin conditions, cancer, and many more. Here in this part of the CBD guide we will discuss a few of the health benefits of CBD.
CBD for Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD make it useful in the treatment of a variety of health conditions. Chronic inflammation may lead to many other diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, anxiety, depression, arthritis and many more. CBD helps alleviate inflammation and reduces the risk of developing inflammatory diseases.
CBD for Anxiety
Nutritional deficiencies, traumatic events, chronic stress, side effects of medication etc. are some of the causes why a person may suffer from anxiety. The diversity in the potential causes of anxiety makes it difficult to treat.
CBD may help people with a multitude of anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. CBD is also found to help with anxiety induced insomnia. In a 2011 study, a group of patients suffering from social anxiety disorder were given 400mg of CBD and the other group of people were given a placebo. Researchers found that patients who took CBD experienced less anxiety than the other who were given a placebo.
CBD for Pain Management
As a natural approach to pain relief, CBD gained popularity among the people who are suffering from many kinds of chronic pain. People who are suffering from chronic pain like fibromyalgia and oncological pain use CBD as the standard medication fails to provide relief. On the other hand, pain medications come with a lot of side effects. Conversely, CBD may help alleviate pain without experiencing any side effects. This is quite a reason why the use of CBD for pain management is increasing.
The most common types of chronic pain include:
- Oncological Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Costochondritis
- Low back pain
- Migraines
It is still unclear how CBD alleviates pain. But CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system which is a complex process of cell to cell communication. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for a variety of bodily functions including mood, memory functions in the brain, and the sensation of pain. CBD binds with the two major endocannabinoids (CB1 and CB2) and helps reduce pain.
Takeaway
It’s our success if you have learnt something reading this CBD guide. We have tried to educate you as in brief as possible. Research on CBD to unveil more new health benefits is going on. Although there is still so much to know about the safety and efficacy of CBD oil, scientific research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD is an effective drug.
However, you have to be patient while trying CBD to help treat your health complications. In some people, CBD works in no time. On the other hand, some people may not see difference even after using for a week. There can be many reasons why CBD oil is not working for you. But, do not get frustrated with this amazing natural substance. Give it some time to build up in your body. Shuffle between different dosages, change your consumption method, or try another product. Once you can attune all these factors, you should get the benefits of cannabidiol.
