With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD has become an amazing alternative for natural wellness and relief but what's it really all about? We have put together a basic introduction to this amazing compound for those who may be curious about learning more.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, which is one of many compounds produced by the Cannabis plant. Cannabis contains over 100+ phytocannabinoids which have been found to have a direct effect on the body through cannabinoid receptors in our cells. The body naturally produces endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood and everyday experience. (More about your ECS below!)
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is extracted and separated from specific varieties of the cannabis plant. It is the second most abundant compound in cannabis, typically representing up to 40% of its extracts. CBD is a compound that can be found in both intoxicating cannabis (marijuana) and non-intoxicating cannabis (hemp). Most legal CBD products that you will find on the market will be extracts from hemp which contain less than .03% THC.
HOW CBD WORKS WITH YOUR BODY
Only discovered in the last 40 years, our body’s endocannabinoid system was found to be directly involved in the processes that keep our bodies balanced day to day, including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, memory, immune system functions, and inflammation control. Essentially, the system helps to manage homeostasis, balancing our body’s natural rhythms and essentially helping to heal itself. This ECS is made up of receptors that are located in the brain and nervous systems throughout the body.
The body creates its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, to help support this regulatory system. CBD is one of the compounds that supplement these naturally created endocannabinoids to keep the receptors working at optimal capacity. In other words, CBD acts as a kick-starter to help the functions of the body’s central regulatory system.
A FEW CBD FACTS
So wait, I’m confused...what’s the difference between Cannabis, Hemp and Marijuana? Hemp and Marijuana are both varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis (Sativa to be specific). Cannabis contains a variety of different compounds called phytocannabinoids. The most dominant ones are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both cannabinoids have shown to provide profound benefits to the human body. However, THC induces intoxicating effects (gets the user “stoned”), while CBD does not produce feelings of intoxication. THC is famous and comes from Marijuana. When comparing Hemp vs Marijuana, this is a huge distinction; while Hemp contains a very low concentration of THC (0.3% or less), Marijuana is abundant in THC with concentrations between 10% to 40%. We like to think of Hemp as the humble cousin of Marijuana. It can contain an abundant amount of CBD, whose psychotropic properties are nearly non-existent and whose benefits on the body are quite impressive. CBD has awesome anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve stress and anxiety, manages pain, and even helps with sleep by battling insomnia. Will CBD oil get me stoned? The short answer is No. Properly produced CBD oil from hemp does not contain THC in high enough concentrations to cause a high or stoned feeling. How long does CBD Oil take to work? There are several important factors that come into play when determining the onset time of various methods of administration of CBD oil. Some of these variables are related to CBD itself, and others are related to how the human body reacts to CBD. Because of unique genetics, no two people react to CBD in the same way. The onset time of inhaled CBD is virtually instantaneous. The onset time of edibles and capsules can range anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. And the onset time of tinctures can take up to 20 minutes. These figures are to be considered general guidelines and will vary from person to person. We recommend sticking with one product and giving it a good 30 days to determine how it is affecting you. Is CBD Oil legal? Yes. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Hemp (including the phytocannabinoid CBD found within it) was legalized on a federal level.
Will CBD make me drowsy?
CBD has what is called biphasic properties, which means that CBD may have different effects depending on the dosage. Taken in nominal doses, CBD is unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, taken in higher doses, there is the potential that it could cause drowsiness.
*An example of a substance with biphasic properties is alcohol. If consumed in small quantities, it may be used as a stimulant so you become more energized. If consumed in larger quantities, it becomes a depressant and you become more sleepy.
Are there any side effects CBD?
There have been very few side effects associated with CBD. The most commonly reported issues include dry mouth, upset stomach or diarrhea. The only other side effect of CBD is a possible decrease in your liver’s ability to process other medications. Grapefruit has been known to do the same thing so if your particular medication has a grapefruit warning, you may want to look more closely. We always recommend you talk to your physician about whether CBD is right for your specific condition.