What is CBD?

In the wake of medical marijuana's growing popularity, the question of what CBD is has become increasingly common. Cannabidiol, abbreviated as CBD, is a natural remedy used for many health concerns.

CBD is derived from the cannabis plant through meticulous extraction processes, after which it is often blended with carrier oils like coconut or olive oil to produce non-psychoactive medicinal marijuana variants.

Extensive research into marijuana's effects has unveiled the body's endocannabinoid system, responsible for regulating physiological functions and mood. CBD interacts harmoniously with this system, presenting evident health advantages. The endocannabinoid system is rooted in its association with cannabis, highlighting the profound ties between the system and the plant's properties.

Some concerns about CBD are often misguided. The main being that CBD has the same psychoactive results as marijuana. 

CBD vs. Marijuana: What are the Differences?

Cannabis plants contain 85 distinct compounds, among them Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). While both THC and CBD offer similar benefits in pain and anxiety management, they differ significantly in their psychoactive impact. CBD does not induce the characteristic "high" associated with marijuana usage.

While CBD may contain trace amounts of THC (typically 0.3% or less), these quantities are insufficient to experience any psychoactive effects. In contrast, marijuana boasts a high THC concentration, often exceeding 15%.

Cannabis plants have two distinct classifications: Sativa and Indica. Marijuana belongs to both classifications; however, CBD is in the Sativa or hemp family. Hemp is a versatile plant, used for medicinal purposes to products ranging from clothing to paper. 

Chemical composition, utilization, and structural disparities make cannabidiol and marijuana distinct entities.

Forms of CBD

The predominant form of CBD is in oil-based products, including creams, essential oils, and tinctures. Additionally, you can consume CBD through edibles and vaping, with consistent effectiveness regardless of the use. In the past, cannabidiol was only accessible in alternative medicine, but since the legalization of cannabis in some States, the stigma has gained mainstream acceptance, making CBD products a viable mainstream option. 

Using a whole-plant approach, CBD products contain the entirety of cannabis's compounds, promoting healing effects through what is called the Entourage Effect. The main idea is that the compounds work together to heal the body and in isolation have a lesser effect. 

Health Benefits of CBD

Pain Management - One of the most significant uses of CBD products is chronic pain treatment. Unfortunately, many people live with daily aches and pains for a variety of reasons. Since CBD binds to the receptors in the Endocannabinoid System, the cannabinoid helps the body to balance physiologically.

May Reduce Inflammation - One effective treatment for inflammation is CBD supplementation. The causes of inflammation span from everyday discomfort to conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. The same study showing a reduction in nerve pain also revealed that CBD helps reduce inflammation. 

Possible Anxiety and Depression Relief- Anxiety and depression are common for many people and have devastating effects on mental health and well-being. CBD serves as a natural remedy for combating anxiety and depression. Synthetically derived medications may have serious side effects that could outweigh the health benefits. CBD products provide a great alternative to treating mental health problems.

Could Provide Treatment for Epilepsy - Studies suggest that alternative treatments using CBD liquid in small amounts reduces seizures among epileptic patients, including those afflicted by conditions like Dravet Syndrome.

May Help with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Several studies have shown promising therapeutic benefits of CBD to help reduce symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The neurodegenerative disorder leads to impairing vision, loss of muscle control, and all bodily functions. CBD has significant antioxidant and neurological properties that combat the deteriorating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). Some people report a significant difference in the quality of life when using CBD oil to target multiple sclerosis. 

May Alleviate Cancer-related Symptoms - Research shows CBD may offer relief from appetite loss, nausea, and headaches commonly associated with cancer treatment in people with prostate cancer or breast cancer, for example.

Could Help Prevent Migraines - CBD holds potential in addressing migraines and related conditions linked to clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.

Additional Potential Benefits - The benefits of CBD also help relieve other health concerns, such as:

1. Reduces blood pressure
2. Encourages weight loss
3. Improve sleep quality
4. Helps heart disease
5. Relieves Parkinson’s Disease symptoms

Some Possible Side Effects of CBD

While minimal and not thoroughly studied, anecdotal evidence suggests potential side effects of CBD, including nausea, appetite changes, fatigue, and reduced fertility.

Dosages of CBD

The best advice is to start with a small amount and increase as needed. CBD, available in tinctures and creams, varies in quantities. 

Quality of CBD

You should also review the quality of the CBD. Since CBD isn’t highly regulated, quality can vary. Some things you should look for is CBD from reputable manufacturers, cultivation, and labeling.

Optimal CBD quality hinges on factors such as organic cultivation, employment of safe extraction solvents, and adherence to whole-plant principles. Companies will cut costs by using more toxic solvents, such as propane and butane, to produce CBD oil. Higher grade CBD uses organic, pharmaceutical grade ethanol, to remove the CBD. 

The hemp plant gains nutrients from the soil. If the hemp grows in high-quality soil, using natural fertilizers, and cultivated with the total health of the consumer in mind, the quality of the CBD oil increases. 

Notably, CBD isolates, while gaining traction, may lack the synergistic benefits associated with whole-plant formulations. The reason is that research shows that all the compounds in the hemp plant work together to fight disease and isolating one isn’t as effective. Bottom line, if the CBD oil is too cheap, the effects are not as strong for women’s health or men’s health.  

Conclusion

Cannabis is a fastly-growing industry with multifaceted health benefits. As more individuals turn to CBD for different health concerns, the stigma surrounding CBD has lost its luster because of the efficacy of CBD. 

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