What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis and hemp plants, the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD works primarily within a widespread regulatory system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS contains a number of cannabinoid receptors and receptor subgroups.
Each receptor and receptor subgroup can be activated either by the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, or cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. CBD primarily works with two cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. However, unlike THC, CBD does not directly bind to these receptors. This is why CBD is not psychoactive.
Instead of binding to the receptors, CBD simply stimulates the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids to activate the receptors. This encourages them to do more of what they normally do. CBD also works with the serotonin system.
What is CBD Oil?
After CBD is derived, it can be made into many different products, including oil. CBD typically will be mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT. CBD oil has numerous health and medicinal benefits, which we will go over shortly.
RELATED: The Underlying Difference Between Hemp Oil and CBD Oil
Hemp CBD vs. Cannabis CBD
At the molecular level, hemp-derived CBD and cannabis-derived CBD are virtually the same thing. However, the two compounds have a few key differences, both in the way they affect users and their legal status.
Hemp-derived CBD typically comes from industrial hemp plants that are very low in THC. On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD can come from virtually any strain of cannabis, which often can have a much higher level of THC. Cannabis-derived CBD often contains upward of 20 percent THC, while hemp-derived CBD only contains 0.3 to 1.5 percent.
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Because cannabis-derived CBD contains THC, it still will be psychoactive. This can produce several unwanted side effects, most commonly: anxiety and paranoia. In addition, THC consumption also is commonly associated with increased appetite, blood pressure, and heart rate. While THC has many health benefits, many consumers prefer a non-psychoactive product. In fact, CBD actually often is used to mitigate the side effects of THC.
Health Benefits of CBD
Initial studies have shown hemp-derived CBD offers numerous health and medicinal benefits, including:
- Antiemetic (reduces nausea and vomiting)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antipsychotic
- Anticonvulsant (suppresses seizure activity)
- Anti-tumoral/anti-cancer
- Antidepressant
- Anxiolytic (combats anxiety)
- Analgesic (relieves pain)
RELATED: The 8 CBD Benefits That Will Blow Your Mind
Popular Uses for CBD
CBD is becoming a popular alternative therapy, used to aid in the treatment of a multitude of health conditions, such as epilepsy, cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Multiple Sclerosis. CBD also can be used simply to help maintain overall health.
There are also a number of companies also have specially formulated CBD for pets. For people with pets suffering from health conditions such as arthritis, Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), and cancer, CBD can be incredibly beneficial. All of the same medicinal properties that CBD offers to humans translate to animals as well.
Legal Status of CBD
Cannabis-derived CBD still is considered illegal at the federal level, though state laws vary, due to the THC content. So, before purchasing a cannabis-derived CBD product, make sure you check your local laws. Generally speaking, in states where cannabis is legal, cannabis-derived CBD is as well.
On the other hand, hemp-derived CBD, provided it is sourced from industrial hemp grown overseas, is legal for importation and consumption in all 50 states.
RELATED: Is CBD Hemp Oil Legal in All 50 States?
How to Choose a Quality CBD Product
When it comes to CBD, not all products are created equal. There are several things you should take into consideration before purchasing your CBD.
The first thing to consider is the CBD’s source. As mentioned previously, to be completely legal, the CBD must be derived from industrial hemp plants grown overseas. The hemp also should be grown organically, free from pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals.
Industrial hemp is what is known as a ‘bioaccumulator’. That means it absorbs nutrients and chemicals present in the soil around it. So, if the hemp is not grown organically, any chemicals used can end up in the final product.
RELATED: Are You Using Organic CBD Oil?
Another important factor to consider, is how the CBD is derived. Ideally, you should look for a product that uses an extraction method with little to no heat or potentially harmful solvents. Heat can destroy the nutrients and medicinal benefits, rendering the final product virtually useless. Solvents can be very dangerous, especially because they often end up in the final product.
The best extraction method is carbon dioxide. In this method, no heat or additional chemicals are used. CO2 allows the CBD’s integrity to remain intact and offer as many benefits as possible.
→ For more information on how to choose a high-quality CBD product, click here.
Conclusion
Hemp-derived CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide numerous health and medicinal benefits. Many studies have shown CBD helps with a number of health conditions. It has become a popular alternative therapy, for humans and animals alike.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22625422
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php
https://hempmedspx.com/about-hemp-stalk-oil/
https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cannabis-oil-vs-hemp-oil>
https://merryjane.com/culture/hemp-cbd-oil-marijuana-cbd-oil-differences
