Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of over 100 naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It occurs in varying amounts based on which cannabis plant it is derived from. Hemp-derived CBD comes from industrial hemp plants, which falls in the family of cannabis sativa.
We understand this is a bit confusing, so let’s dive into it a bit more.
There are two main strains of cannabis within the cannabis family: indica and sativa. The two most well known cannabinoids, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), occur naturally in both strains. THC is psychoactive and is the cannabinoid in marijuana that is responsible for making you feel high.
But what exactly are cannabinoids and how do they work in the body?
Some cannabinoids occur naturally in the body, and are molecules that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are found in cannabis plants and have to be ingested to take effect. When ingested, they interact with the endocannabinoid system and have various effects on the body. When users consume THC, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system causing the feeling of being high.
Hemp plants fall in the family of cannabis sativa and contain negligent amounts of THC — 0.3% or less, and are therefore not considered marijuana. This is an extremely small amount of THC that will not get you high or show up on a drug test. Because of this, recent legislation passed in the past three years made hemp-derived CBD legal in both the UK and the US, allowing consumers to enjoy all the benefits CBD has to offer without any psychoactive side effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) published in 2017 CBD as a safe to use, with no side effects and no risk of addiction.
CBD is a Natural Extract
Because CBD is derived solely from hemp plants, it is considered to be an all-natural extract. When purchasing CBD, it is important to make sure the manufacturer does not damper the product by including chemicals that may be potentially harmful. Look for CBD products that are 100% organic and natural and that are tested by third-party laboratories for quality assurance and transparency.
Because of its all-natural properties, CBD is a highly-valuable plant-extract that allows consumers to enjoy its benefits without having any of the psychoactive effects or the short-term memory loss associated with THC.
What are the benefits of using CBD?
CBD is considered an all-natural supplement that can be used to help maintain your daily lifestyle and support the body’s natural processes.
CBD is also a natural emollient containing antioxidants and the essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6. When applied topically, it helps condition and protect the skin. CBD also is an antioxidant and anti-sebum.
Research is still ongoing about the benefits of CBD on specific conditions such as anxiety and other disorders. However, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, in 2018 for the treatment of two rare forms of balance, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome.
However, this medication is specifically designed to treat these two forms of balance only. It does not mean that all CBD products will help treat balance or reduce its symptoms. It is important to remember that CBD on its own is not intended to treat or cure any medical condition and its effects will vary person to person. It has potential to be greatly effective in maintaining overall health and promoting a general sense of well-being.
CBD is Safe To Use
CBD is considered generally safe and well tolerated by most people and causes little to no side effects. If you experience any abnormal side effects after using CBD, such as dizziness, rashes or digestive issues, stop use immediately. CBD may interfere with certain medications so it’s advised to consult with your doctor before starting any CBD products.
To ensure your CBD products are 100% safe and are of the highest quality, make sure to purchase from a certified distributor or manufacturer. They should assure its products are organic and that the CBD used is extracted using high-quality CO2 extraction. Products should also be tested by third-party laboratories for quality assurance and transparency, and it’s important to avoid CBD products containing any harmful toxins, chemicals or parabens.
CBD is Legal
The ongoing research surrounding hemp-derived CBD has led to the subsequent increase in its popularity and a progressive recognition of the benefits of CBD by governments and organizations around the world if it has 0.3% or less THC (0.2% or less THC in the UK).
In late 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that CBD is safe to use, is not a dangerous and/or addictive and may be effective in helping to treat various diseases and other conditions. However, this is not yet proven and further research is still needed to understand the effects of CBD on specific medical conditions.
2018 was a very progressive year for CBD. In the U.S., the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka the 2018 Farm Bill) removed hemp-derived CBD as a Schedule I substance, making it federally legal to sell and to purchase. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of two types of rare seizure disorders, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome. Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from the Sports Prohibited Drug List.
Sine 2017, legislation legalizing CBD has passed in the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries around the world.
CBD Consumption
In general, the market offers CBD products in three formats: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD. These products undergo different extraction processes to get the end result.
CBD isolate undergoes the most filtration and contains nothing but pure CBD. All other plant extracts have been removed.
Broad-spectrum CBD undergoes a slightly less complex filtration process. It still contains some other minor cannabinoids, but does not contain any THC.
Full spectrum CBD is the least filtered and implies that the end-product contains all other cannabinoids and terpenes in the hemp plant that were extracted with the CBD , including 0.2% THC. However, this is a trace amount of THC that will not get you high or show up on a drug test.
CBD can be consumed in a variety of different formats and dosages. The way to consume CBD varies from person to person and varies based on individual goals. The delivery method of CBD affects how quickly it effects the body as well as what effects it has.
Edibles are a food substance containing CBD and are a delicious and discreet way to get your daily dose. Edibles allow for a 20%-30% absorption rate of CBD in the body. You can find a variety of CBD edibles including gummies, chocolates and lozenges. After consumption, it can take up to two hours to feel the full effects of the CBD.
Oils and tinctures are concentrated forms of CBD that are often placed under the tongue using a dropper and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Pills and capsules are ingested orally and look similar to the vitamins you’d find in a drugstore. They typically contain CBD oil or CBD isolate.
Topicals are CBD-infused oils, creams and lotions that are intended to be used directly on skin, hair or nails. They are a popular way to naturally moisturize and nourish the body and can be also be used as massage oils. Topical CBD products are nontransdermal, meaning they do not enter the bloodstream.
Vaping involves inhaling a vaporized liquid that contains CBD oil. Nicotine is not usually present in CBD e-liquids, though it is possible to mix them together if you choose. Vaping is the quickest way to feel the effects of CBD, with an onset rate of 1-3 minutes.
Whatever product you decide to use, start off with low doses. This will allow you to observe how your body reacts to CBD. Check out our store to see which products are available now!