Beginners Guide To CBD
- 1. Cannabidiol (CBD) is perhaps best known for its potential to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, particularly in children. The cannabinoid is also gaining a significant amount of attention for its wide array of other therapeutic and lifestyle benefits. But, what exactly is CBD and how does it work? Not only that, how is it different from the more well-known cannabinoid, THC? If you’re researching CBD, sifting through all of the available information to separate the facts from misconceptions can seem overwhelming.
- 2. What is CBD? Researchers have discovered that more than 400 different compounds exist within the cannabis plant. Among the more important ones are known as cannabinoids, of which there are more than 60 and counting. Cannabinoids are specific compounds produced by the cannabis plant that interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body. When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids bind to endocannabinoid system receptors — this has a number of effects. The endocannabinoid system—part of the nervous system—is associated with mechanisms in the body that are responsible for regulating a number of different functions including appetite, mood, pain, memory and much more. Cannabinoids aren't necessarily only found outside of the body to be ingested. In fact, they are actually produced naturally in the human body, just in a different form. As such, cannabinoids shouldn't really be looked at as a foreign substance at all.
- 3. Where CBD is Found? As already mentioned, CBD is naturally found in the seeds, stalk and flowers of cannabis plants. Since CBD is present in high quantities in the plant, it is easily extracted using various extraction techniques. In fact, CBD is among the more prevalent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant in addition to THC. CBD can be found in both hemp and marijuana cannabis plants. The main difference between the two is the level of THC. While marijuana contains high levels of THC, hemp only has trace amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid. The CBD that is naturally found in hemp is legal in the U.S. while CBD from marijuana is illegal.
- 4. CBD Derived from Hemp vs. Marijuana Not all CBD is created equal, but there is often some confusion between CBD that is derived from hemp versus that is derived from marijuana. It's important for consumers looking to buy CBD to understand the difference between the two in terms of its legality and efficacy before making a purchase. To make the distinction between the two, it helps to gain an understanding of hemp and marijuana, both of which come from the cannabis sativa L plant species. Hemp plants have been around for decades and are typically used for the production of all sorts of different commercial products. It's a legal product that's widely available on many store shelves. This plant is usually tall and thin, and is predominantly grown for its durable fiber. On the other hand, marijuana is a shorter and wider plant that is mainly grown for its flowers and buds. This plant is typically grown specifically to be smoked for recreational purposes or for cannabinoid extraction.
- 5. Difference Between CBD and THC CBD and THC are the two main compounds found in the cannabis plant. Both compounds can offer important health benefits to the body. Scientists have long known that THC is responsible for giving recreational users the "high" that they want. But until recently, not nearly as much has been known about the effects of CBD. The biggest difference between THC and CBD is their psychological effects on the brain. As already mentioned, THC is what gets a person high. CBD does not have any psychoactive medical benefits. THC's euphoric effects are a result of the cannabinoid binding to CB1 (cannabinoid 1) and CB2 (cannabinoid 2) receptors, predominantly located in the brain.
- 6. Health Benefits of CBD There's a reason why CBD oil has gained in popularity over the recent past: it offers plenty of health benefits. Here are some benefits that CBD has been found to have, according to scientific studies. Relieves Pain: while many people are often prescribed NSAIDs for pain relief as a result of a variety of different ailments and injuries, CBD oil has been found to offer pain relief the natural way. Studies have shown that cannabinoids (including CBD oil) can alleviate pain by slowing down the transmission of neurons along pain pathways. CBD oil can also inhibit inflammation in joints that is often a source of pain in patients with arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Reduces Anxiety: CBD oil has a calming effect when taken in proper doses. Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that can have debilitating effects on a person's life. While it is typically treated with pharmaceutical medication, these drugs don't come without a few side effects including drowsiness and agitation. Some of them can even become addictive.
- 7. Health Benefits of CBD Helps Combat Cancer: The suggestion that something as simple and natural as CBD oil may help to fight cancer is a huge one. Research has shown that this cannabidiol may be able to slow the growth of cancerous tumors and potentially stop them altogether. Relieves Nausea: While many of the health benefits of CBD oil have only recently been discovered, some others have long been known. In fact, cannabis has been used to alleviate nausea and vomiting for centuries. More recent studies have shown that low doses of cannabinoids like CBD suppress toxin-induced nausea and vomiting. Treats Seizures: Perhaps one of the more well-known benefits of CBD oil is its ability to significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Many children who suffer from epilepsy and other seizure-inducing disorders have already found great relief from their seizures thanks to cannabinoids like CBD.
- 8. Health Benefits of CBD Reduces the Incidence of Diabetes: Studies have discovered that CBD oil may have the ability to drastically lower the incidence of diabetes thanks to its impact on glucose, insulin and insulin resistance. Researchers also found an association between CBD use and smaller waist circumferences, an important factor in developing diabetes. Improves Cardiovascular Health: Recent studies have linked CBD with a number of benefits for the cardiovascular and circulatory system including lowering high blood pressure, an important factor in heart attacks and strokes. Research points to the possibility that CBD may be a natural and effective treatment protocol for high blood pressure. Minimizes Acne: Over 9% of the American population suffers from acne, a common skin condition that can be exacerbated by poor diet, genetics, bacteria and an overproduction of sebum.
- 9. CBD Oil for Pets The benefits of CBD on the human body are tough to argue against based on the ongoing research on this cannabinoid, but how can it help pets? In fact, CBD can be as beneficial to pets as their human counterparts because they also have an endocannabinoid system. Pet owners typically give CBD oil to their furry friends to: a. Reduce anxiety b. Promote relaxation in nervous pets c. Treat epilepsy d. Improve skin issues e. Reduce pain, particularly in aging animals