What is CBD and how does it work in the body?
CBD is like the new cure-all solution at the moment, and it may rightly be so.
People who have used CBD, are coming out with so many testimonies about its wonders.
But to the uninformed and uninitiated, CBD is still a piece of mystery. There are questions and a cloud of confusion hanging over CBD and its uses.
In this article, we are going to answer some of these pressing questions people are asking, like...
And so much more.
It's going to be exciting, so, let’s dive in!
The other one is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC.
Cannabinoids are a group of plant compounds found in cannabis, from where they got their name.
Humans also produce cannabinoids called endocannabinoids in other words, internally produced cannabinoids.
These endocannabinoids act as signaling molecules in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Plant cannabinoids from cannabis, including THC and CBD are able to interact with the ECS. This is how they are able to cause many of their physiological responses.
Now, let’s talk about the ECS.
It uses a system of receptors, enzymes and neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) to influence many activities in the body, including:
Scientists are still working to unravel more things about the The ECS and how it works.
The ECS uses two receptors; cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), to work.
Both of them are distributed in vital areas of the body, where they work to influence cell functions and activities.
CB1 is found mostly in the central nervous system, especially in brain cells,
While CB2 is found more in the peripheral nervous system, and in immune cells.
CBD and THC interact with these receptors in different ways to produce some of their effects.
THC causes highness by activating CB1 receptors in the brain, stimulating the pleasure points of the brain.
THC can also bind to CB2 receptors.
When THC binds to CB2, it can induce pain relief, stop inflammations, and increase appetite.
Meanwhile, CBD does not alter the mind or get you high when you take it.
CBD is known to counter and cushion the psychoactive effects of THC.
Whereas THC binds directly to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD exerts its influence without binding directly to these receptors.
CBD influences the ECS by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids which makes them stay longer making their effects far more reaching and longer-lasting..
CBD also activates the production of the endocannabinoids, especially the one known as Anandamide.
Hemp plants have very high quantities of CBD compared to THC; this makes them very ideal for use in treating ailments in people who may be concerned about the “high” caused by CBD oils rich in THC.
The legally acceptable concentration of THC in CBD products used as supplements in the United States is 0.3 percent.
What this means is that to be on the good side of the law, you should be certain of the source of the CBD you are buying, and the percentage of THC it contains.
The THC concentration in the CBD product you use as a supplement should be 0.3 percent or less.
However, some people may experience severe to mild symptoms like dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue, especially when using CBD for the first time.
If you are going to start using CBD, it is advised that you speak with your doctor before you begin.
CBD use is not advised for pregnant women and for people who use blood thinners, as CBD affects the ECS which is found to play some roles in fertility and reproduction, and may affect the fetus.
CBD raises the blood level of blood thinners such as Coumadin, so, if you are already on this medication, you should speak with your doctor before trying out CBD.
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits and uses of CBD.
A lot of people swear that CBD works. However, there limited scientific studies and tests in humans presently to support most of the claims of the wonders of CBD
Most of the existing studies have been done on animals, and the results do show that CBD has so many therapeutic potentials.
As CBD and medical use of Cannabis is getting legalized all over the world, scientists have increased efforts to learn more about CBD and how it works in the human body.
Here are some of the ways CBD is used to treat health problems.
CBD does this by modulating the ECS which regulates inflammation.
By reducing inflammation and modulating neural signaling through the ECS, CBD is able to induce pain relief.
Studies in rats showed that rats fed with CBD-infused food showed little pain when surgical incisions were made on them.
Sativex, a spray drug made by combining THC and CBD, is approved and used to treat pains associated with Multiple Sclerosis in the United Kingdom.
Sativex has also been shown to be effective in treating pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies show that CBD probably enhances the effects of serotonin by activating the receptors that work with the serotonin-signaling system.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known to influence mood and cause mind relaxation and calmness.
A study carried out in Brazil and published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry showed that at a specific dose of about 300mg, CBD effectively reduced anxiety and calmed volunteers who took CBD orally before participating in a public speaking test.
Studies in rats also showed that CBD has antidepressant effects that are similar to imipramine, a drug used in treating depression.
What this means is that CBD oil can be used in the management of seizures and other complications of epilepsy, especially these rare forms of epilepsy.
Epidolex is the first cannabis-derived drug that has been approved by the FDA.
What this means is that the dosage that works for you may not be the same for another person, so you have to determine what works for you and then stick with it.
So, what’s the best way or the best form of CBD to take?
The answer is that it depends solely on you, your reasons for taking CBD, and what you are looking for, from taking it
Are you looking for a quick release and fast relief for your muscle pain?
Or you want to quell anxiety, calm your mood, and relax with the help of CBD?
Any of these could be your goal.
Some CBD products like vaping juice, get delivered and distributed faster in the body, which means quicker results.
However, the effect wears off faster too.
CBD tinctures and oils , take time to get distributed in the body but their effects last much, much longer.
Results from tinctures and oil can last for up to 4 hours after using them compared to vaping juice which lasts no longer than 2 hours after use..
You may also apply CBD topically in the form of ointments and creams to throbbing muscles and painful joints for quick relief, if you don't like the edibles.
Isolate is the purest form of CBD. It is 100 percent CBD extract and does not contain other cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum contains CBD as well as all the other cannabinoids and terpenoids found naturally in the Cannabis plant, including low quantities of THC.
Broad-spectrum contains CBD as well as a number of other cannabinoids naturally present in the cannabis plant but does not contain THC.
It is believed that full-spectrum CBD is more effective than isolate due to the entourage or ensemble effect, a theory which states that the combination of the different cannabinoid compounds may work in synergy to boost the health benefits of cannabinoids.
Well, they are not.
Here’s the difference.
Hemp oil is obtained from the seeds of industrial hemp. They are rich in unsaturated fat and antioxidants which are healthy to your body.
Hemp oil can be used for a number of purposes, including topically for skin treatment and as a supplement and food additive, however, hemp oil does not contain CBD.
So, if CBD is what you are looking for, then hemp oil is out of the question.
CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the flowers, leaves, buds, and the stem of the same industrial hemp plant, which has very high quantities of CBD and very low quantities of THC.
You may take CBD oil orally or work it into balms and creams for topical use.
CBD oil is made by mixing CBD with a carrier oil. Coconut oil and olive oil are often used for this.
CBD tinctures on the hand are made by soaking cannabis in alcohol and water.
THC is a fat-soluble compound which means that the by-products of its metabolism can easily build up in fat tissues over a long period, and could easily be detected during drug tests.
If you are concerned about this, there are two things you can do.
Always read the labels of the CBD product you want to buy, and visit the website of the retailers to learn more about them, before making purchases.
This will save you from a lot of trouble.
In the United States, it gets a little messy.
CBD derived from hemp and has 0.3 percent or less of THC is legal on the federal level. They are categorized under food supplements.
However, this same CBD may be still illegal under some state laws. So you will need to verify what the law in your state says about CBD and the uses.
Also, marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but legal under some state laws.
So, before you travel with CBD products you should check what the law says where you are traveling to, as well as what it says in your state.
Also, you should keep in mind that legal CBD is categorized under food supplements by the FDA.
And because of this, the FDA does not closely regulate it with the same iron-fist as it does prescription and non-prescription drugs.
What this means is that you will need to do your due diligence before buying CBD products, as quality may be compromised by the makers.
Ensure you get your CBD from reputable sources who are true to exactly what they advertise.
It has some magnificent health benefits, from relieving pains, anxiety and depression, to treating insomnia, epilepsy, managing nausea, and fighting inflammation,
However , you will need to do your due diligence when using CBD, so you don't get into trouble with the law.
Also, before you jump into the CBD lifestyle, ensure you seek the advice of your doctor.
Did you find this enjoyable?
That's so cool...
Now, share it and spread the word to your friends on social media.
And if you want to have fun with us, follow us on twitter.
People who have used CBD, are coming out with so many testimonies about its wonders.
But to the uninformed and uninitiated, CBD is still a piece of mystery. There are questions and a cloud of confusion hanging over CBD and its uses.
In this article, we are going to answer some of these pressing questions people are asking, like...
- What is CBD?
- Is CBD safe?
- Is CBD legal?
- How does CBD work in the human body?
- Can CBD show in a drug test?
- Can CBD get me high?
- What is the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?
- What is the difference between CBD and THC?
And so much more.
It's going to be exciting, so, let’s dive in!
What exactly is CBD?
CBD short for cannabidiol is one of the two main cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant.The other one is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC.
Cannabinoids are a group of plant compounds found in cannabis, from where they got their name.
Humans also produce cannabinoids called endocannabinoids in other words, internally produced cannabinoids.
These endocannabinoids act as signaling molecules in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Plant cannabinoids from cannabis, including THC and CBD are able to interact with the ECS. This is how they are able to cause many of their physiological responses.
Now, let’s talk about the ECS.
The Endocannabinoid System
The ECS is a complex cell signaling pathway in the body and was recently discovered in 1992.It uses a system of receptors, enzymes and neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) to influence many activities in the body, including:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Stress
- Inflammation
- Reproduction and fertility
- Immune response
- Pain
Scientists are still working to unravel more things about the The ECS and how it works.
The ECS uses two receptors; cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), to work.
Both of them are distributed in vital areas of the body, where they work to influence cell functions and activities.
CB1 is found mostly in the central nervous system, especially in brain cells,
While CB2 is found more in the peripheral nervous system, and in immune cells.
CBD and THC interact with these receptors in different ways to produce some of their effects.
CBD vs THC
THC is psychoactive; it affects and alters the way the brain functions. It is the major culprit for the “high” experienced by marijuana users.THC causes highness by activating CB1 receptors in the brain, stimulating the pleasure points of the brain.
THC can also bind to CB2 receptors.
When THC binds to CB2, it can induce pain relief, stop inflammations, and increase appetite.
Meanwhile, CBD does not alter the mind or get you high when you take it.
CBD is known to counter and cushion the psychoactive effects of THC.
Whereas THC binds directly to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD exerts its influence without binding directly to these receptors.
CBD influences the ECS by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids which makes them stay longer making their effects far more reaching and longer-lasting..
CBD also activates the production of the endocannabinoids, especially the one known as Anandamide.
Sources of legal CBD
Legal CBD is the one extracted from industrial hemp plants.Hemp plants have very high quantities of CBD compared to THC; this makes them very ideal for use in treating ailments in people who may be concerned about the “high” caused by CBD oils rich in THC.
The legally acceptable concentration of THC in CBD products used as supplements in the United States is 0.3 percent.
What this means is that to be on the good side of the law, you should be certain of the source of the CBD you are buying, and the percentage of THC it contains.
The THC concentration in the CBD product you use as a supplement should be 0.3 percent or less.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is generally well tolerated by the body, and does not make you high,.However, some people may experience severe to mild symptoms like dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue, especially when using CBD for the first time.
If you are going to start using CBD, it is advised that you speak with your doctor before you begin.
CBD use is not advised for pregnant women and for people who use blood thinners, as CBD affects the ECS which is found to play some roles in fertility and reproduction, and may affect the fetus.
CBD raises the blood level of blood thinners such as Coumadin, so, if you are already on this medication, you should speak with your doctor before trying out CBD.
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits and uses of CBD.
CBD health benefits and uses
CBD is used to treat a number of ailments, especially pains, anxiety, and a host of other annoying health challenges.A lot of people swear that CBD works. However, there limited scientific studies and tests in humans presently to support most of the claims of the wonders of CBD
Most of the existing studies have been done on animals, and the results do show that CBD has so many therapeutic potentials.
As CBD and medical use of Cannabis is getting legalized all over the world, scientists have increased efforts to learn more about CBD and how it works in the human body.
Here are some of the ways CBD is used to treat health problems.
1. Pain relief
CBD is used in relieving pains, both muscular and nerve pains.CBD does this by modulating the ECS which regulates inflammation.
By reducing inflammation and modulating neural signaling through the ECS, CBD is able to induce pain relief.
Studies in rats showed that rats fed with CBD-infused food showed little pain when surgical incisions were made on them.
Sativex, a spray drug made by combining THC and CBD, is approved and used to treat pains associated with Multiple Sclerosis in the United Kingdom.
Sativex has also been shown to be effective in treating pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Anxiety and Depression relief
CBD is anxiolytic, which means that it is anti-anxiety and can help people relax, stay in a good mood, be calm, happy, and free of worries.Studies show that CBD probably enhances the effects of serotonin by activating the receptors that work with the serotonin-signaling system.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter known to influence mood and cause mind relaxation and calmness.
A study carried out in Brazil and published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry showed that at a specific dose of about 300mg, CBD effectively reduced anxiety and calmed volunteers who took CBD orally before participating in a public speaking test.
Studies in rats also showed that CBD has antidepressant effects that are similar to imipramine, a drug used in treating depression.
3. Epilepsy treatment
The FDA recently approved a CBD-based drug, Epidiolex for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, that occur in children, and do not respond to existing epilepsy drugs.What this means is that CBD oil can be used in the management of seizures and other complications of epilepsy, especially these rare forms of epilepsy.
Epidolex is the first cannabis-derived drug that has been approved by the FDA.
Other potential uses of CBD
CBD has shown potential in many studies for use in the treatment of a number of ailments, including:- Relief from chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea
- Treatment of acne and other skin problems because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improvement of heart health and blood pressure modulation.
- Activation of immune cells.
- Shrinkage of tumors.
- Prevention of Diabetes incidence.
What's the right CBD dosage?
There's no defined dosage for CBD, Leonard Lienow, the author of “CBD Healing Without the High” and a foremost authority in CBD and its therapeutic uses, advised CBD new users to start with small doses and gradually increase their dosage levels, until they find the optimal dosage that gives them the best results with minimal side effects.What this means is that the dosage that works for you may not be the same for another person, so you have to determine what works for you and then stick with it.
What's the best way to take CBD?
CBD products come in various forms, including tinctures, oil, gummies, vaping juice, CBD ointment and creams, capsules and edibles, etc.So, what’s the best way or the best form of CBD to take?
The answer is that it depends solely on you, your reasons for taking CBD, and what you are looking for, from taking it
Are you looking for a quick release and fast relief for your muscle pain?
Or you want to quell anxiety, calm your mood, and relax with the help of CBD?
Any of these could be your goal.
Some CBD products like vaping juice, get delivered and distributed faster in the body, which means quicker results.
However, the effect wears off faster too.
CBD tinctures and oils , take time to get distributed in the body but their effects last much, much longer.
Results from tinctures and oil can last for up to 4 hours after using them compared to vaping juice which lasts no longer than 2 hours after use..
You may also apply CBD topically in the form of ointments and creams to throbbing muscles and painful joints for quick relief, if you don't like the edibles.
Types of CBD
You might probably see these words being thrown around in CBD communities- Isolate
- Full-spectrum
- …and Broad spectrum
Isolate is the purest form of CBD. It is 100 percent CBD extract and does not contain other cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum contains CBD as well as all the other cannabinoids and terpenoids found naturally in the Cannabis plant, including low quantities of THC.
Broad-spectrum contains CBD as well as a number of other cannabinoids naturally present in the cannabis plant but does not contain THC.
It is believed that full-spectrum CBD is more effective than isolate due to the entourage or ensemble effect, a theory which states that the combination of the different cannabinoid compounds may work in synergy to boost the health benefits of cannabinoids.
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?
When shopping for CBD, you may come across hemp seed oil and CBD oil and you might think both are the same.Well, they are not.
Here’s the difference.
Hemp oil is obtained from the seeds of industrial hemp. They are rich in unsaturated fat and antioxidants which are healthy to your body.
Hemp oil can be used for a number of purposes, including topically for skin treatment and as a supplement and food additive, however, hemp oil does not contain CBD.
So, if CBD is what you are looking for, then hemp oil is out of the question.
CBD oil, on the other hand, is made from the flowers, leaves, buds, and the stem of the same industrial hemp plant, which has very high quantities of CBD and very low quantities of THC.
You may take CBD oil orally or work it into balms and creams for topical use.
CBD oils vs Tinctures
The difference between CBD oil and CBD tincture is the medium which is used as the carrier.CBD oil is made by mixing CBD with a carrier oil. Coconut oil and olive oil are often used for this.
CBD tinctures on the hand are made by soaking cannabis in alcohol and water.
Will CBD show up on drug test?
Some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC which could show up in a drug test as a result of continuous use of CBD.THC is a fat-soluble compound which means that the by-products of its metabolism can easily build up in fat tissues over a long period, and could easily be detected during drug tests.
If you are concerned about this, there are two things you can do.
- Ensure you only buy your CBD products from only approved and reputable brands, and that the CBD product you buy is third-party tested.
- The other thing you can do is to not take or stop taking CBD.
Always read the labels of the CBD product you want to buy, and visit the website of the retailers to learn more about them, before making purchases.
This will save you from a lot of trouble.
Is CBD legal?
In Canada, medical and recreational use of CBD is legal, however, you can't grow your own cannabis, you have to get your CBD products from approved retailers only.In the United States, it gets a little messy.
CBD derived from hemp and has 0.3 percent or less of THC is legal on the federal level. They are categorized under food supplements.
However, this same CBD may be still illegal under some state laws. So you will need to verify what the law in your state says about CBD and the uses.
Also, marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but legal under some state laws.
So, before you travel with CBD products you should check what the law says where you are traveling to, as well as what it says in your state.
Also, you should keep in mind that legal CBD is categorized under food supplements by the FDA.
And because of this, the FDA does not closely regulate it with the same iron-fist as it does prescription and non-prescription drugs.
What this means is that you will need to do your due diligence before buying CBD products, as quality may be compromised by the makers.
Ensure you get your CBD from reputable sources who are true to exactly what they advertise.
Wrapping up.
As you can see, CBD packs a lot of punch as a food supplement.It has some magnificent health benefits, from relieving pains, anxiety and depression, to treating insomnia, epilepsy, managing nausea, and fighting inflammation,
However , you will need to do your due diligence when using CBD, so you don't get into trouble with the law.
Also, before you jump into the CBD lifestyle, ensure you seek the advice of your doctor.
Did you find this enjoyable?
That's so cool...
Now, share it and spread the word to your friends on social media.
And if you want to have fun with us, follow us on twitter.
