It’s all the rage, there’s all sorts of buzz about it, indeed CBD products seem to be popping up everywhere, from legal cannabis retailers, to health food stores to pet shops. But what is CBD? How does it work? Are all CBD products equal? I’ll be looking at those first three questions in this article. In Part 2 we’ll discuss several bestselling CBD products, how you should go about choosing a CBD product or regimen and who should and shouldn’t be using CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is the second most abundant active chemical compound (or cannabinoid) in the Cannabis family of plants, of which the two most well known members are Cannabis, and Hemp. Unlike THC, which is the chemical responsible for the “high” associated with Cannabis, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means that there is no sense of euphoria, no impairment.
Repeated studies done on the negative effects of large daily doses of CBD on healthy adults have found it to be very safe, with little to no risk of addiction or overdose, even over extended periods of use.
While the lack of negative data against CBD is impressive, the research results on what CBD does do is even more so. CBD had been found to be helpful in the treatment of a host of conditions ranging from epilepsy, seizures, and cancer to arthritis, depression, migraines, anxiety, and joint pain.
How Does it Work?
CBD (and THC) work on the body by means of a system known as your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system, or E.C.S, is a wide-ranging system of receptors and enzymes which affects nearly every aspect of your health and wellness. Cannabinoid receptors have been found in our cardiovascular system, in immune cells in the bloodstream, on nearly every brain cell, all along the spinal chord, and even on our skin. The (relatively recent) discovery of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors shines a light on the long, deep and rich relationship between human wellness and cannabinoids.
The E.C.S uses cannabinoids produced within our own bodies (endo=internal) in order to regulate your homeostasis, or your internal balance. That system can be boosted through the use of phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids derived from plants, such as THC, CBD, and other less abundant cannabinoids. A properly balanced E.C.S can help regulate sleep, memory, mood, appetite, pain, anxiety and much more.
Are All CBD Products Equal?
CBD comes from two primary sources; the large- flowering, resinous Cannabis plant and the leafier, more fibrous Hemp plant. Regardless of which plant type it comes from, the cbd molecule is identical. Put simply, CBD is CBD no matter where it comes from.
Does that mean that all CBD products are equal? No it doesn’t. A number of factors can contribute to the quality of your CBD product. The quality of your product will effect your CBD experience, and it’s ability to do what you need it to do.
Contamination is an issue with some CBD products. For example, due to the heavy mining and loose agricultural laws in China, several CBD products derived from Chinese industrial hemp have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals. Always look for CBD products derived from regulated sources, preferably those that have been tested by third party labs.
While CBD is CBD regardless of it’s source, CBD is more abundant in Cannabis plants, and the Cannabis plant has a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes (the aromatic chemicals which give plants their taste, smell, and which are so beneficial in aroma therapy) beyond THC and CBD. This complex interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes is known as the Entourage Effect and it has been shown to increase the effectiveness of Cannabinoids like THC and CBD. While Hemp also has trace amounts of THC, other cannabinoids and terpenes, their concentrations are far lower.
So, while CBD products derived from hemp can be beneficial, especially for those who choose to stay away from THC entirely, most users would do best with a full spectrum cannabis-derived CBD product tested by an independent laboratory and purchased from a legal retail location.
I hope that this article has given you a basic understanding of what CBD is, how it works and the differences between Cannabis derived CBD and that derived from Hemp. In Part 2 of the series: CBD and Me, we’ll look at several bestselling CBD products, how to choose a CBD product or regimen that’s right for you, and who should and shouldn’t be using CBD.I hope that this article has given you a basic understanding of what CBD is, how it works and the differences between Cannabis derived CBD and that derived from Hemp. In Part 2 of the series: CBD and Me, we’ll look at several bestselling CBD products, how to choose a CBD product or regimen that’s right for you, and who should and shouldn’t be using CBD.
GoldnGrows 