What is CBD?
Cannabis plants house more than 113 cannabinoids, among which the two of them are most prominent, CBD-cannabidiol and THC-Tetrahydrocannabinol. While both cannabinoids open up a world of therapeutic benefits, CBD is a noble one, and THC brings euphoria and intoxication often attributed to marijuana.
Though the research on CBD is in its infancy, there is strong evidence that it provides a holistic solution to many ailments, from treating pain and inflammation to anxiety and stress disorders to epileptic seizures and nausea.
What is CBD, and what are its benefits and side effects? Read more to find out!
A little About CBD
CBD oil is derived from the cannabis species, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis sativa, primarily used to make marijuana. It is a health beneficial cannabinoid that does not entail psychoactive effects. Simply put, if you separate CBD from the marijuana the CBD will have no psychoactive properties despite belonging to marijuana. On the other hand, the THC presence in CBD can induce euphoria since it is that psychoactive part of the cannabis.
If we speak of CBD’s benefits, it can alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and improve appetite and much more.
CBD can also support the treatment of certain types of epilepsy. There is an FDA-approved medication called Epidiolex to treat some specific types of epileptic seizures.
It is worth noting that CBD oil comprises CBD and a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil. These carrier oils make sure that you get more CBD into your bloodstream by increasing its bioavailability.
Types Of CBD
Depending on the chemical profile of the CBD oil, there are three different CBD varieties:
Full Spectrum CBD
The full-spectrum CBD oil comprises all the chemicals present in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, the THC in this CBD type is not enough to cause intoxication.
Apart from that, full-spectrum CBD oil is deemed the best among all due to its “entourage effect. ” It is a phenomenon suggesting that overall CBD benefits get a boost from the combined effect of the cannabis chemicals.
Broad-Spectrum CBD:
If you do not want to experience THC’s effects, the broad spectrum CBD is best. It lacks THC only but has most of the phytochemicals of cannabis. This CBD oil also provides synergistic effects but in low intensity.
CBD Isolate:
CBD isolate is the purest form since it contains no brother chemical of cannabis. It is best for those who want to enjoy CBD without any other phytochemicals.
How does CBD work?
Your body has an in-built cell signaling system known as the endocannabinoid system. This system consists of three different elements. That is:
Endocannabinoid- Naturally producing chemicals that interact with receptors to trigger a function in the body
Receptors- The cell signalers that are present across the body, brain, and skin to perform the specific task
Enzymes- The bond breaker destroys the endocannabinoids after they complete their task.
When your body’s internal functions get out of balance, the endocannabinoids interact with receptors to regulate those functions. As endocannabinoids are produced within your body, cannabinoids are produced by the cannabis plant and consumed to control the body functions.
Simply put, cannabinoids (the same as endocannabinoids) engage with cannabinoid receptors to cause responses in the body. It is worth noting that the human body creates two receptors that are:
CB1 receptors: These receptors are present all across the body, especially in the brain. Mobility, pain, emotions, temperament, cognition, hunger stimulation, learning, and other processes are all coordinated ny CB1.
CB2 receptors: these receptors are more abundant in the immune system. They have an impact on inflammatory and pain responses.
If we speak of CBD’s working in particular with receptors, THC binds to CB1 receptors. In contrast, CBD activates them, causing the body to create cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) instead of engaging with them. In other words, it multiplys the endocannbiniod prodcution instead of engaging with them.
Health Benefits of CBD
CBD can benefit you in several ways. As per a 2018 report, the CBD oil can help with:
· Persistent pain
· Arthritis and joint pain and inflammation
· Anxiety and sleep disorders
· Migraine and cluster headaches
· Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
· Multiple sclerosis (ms)
· Stomach distress
· Nausea
· Cancer or melanoma
· Asthma and other lung conditions
· Epileptic seizures and other seizure disorders
· Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
Caution:
CBD oil might increase the activity of liver enzymes that can lead to liver toxicity. As a result, Individuals with liver illness must talk to their doctor before consuming CBD oil. They should administer it with precautions. It’s a good idea to check your liver enzyme levels in your blood on a regular schedule.
Moreover, If you’re expecting or nursing, don’t consume CBD oil. Due to the possible dangers to a baby’s growth, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges expecting mothers to avoid cannabis. CBD does cross through the placenta, despite its consequences being unknown. In addition, the FDA also does not approve cannabis use during pregnancy.
The legal status of CBD
However, the legislation has now been clarified and the use of the CBD in cosmetics is legal in the European Union. Many cannabis entrepreneurs in Europe have marketed their products as foods. The European Union’s Novel Food Regulation has long defined the role of the CBD in Europe.
The Takeaway?
CBD is a highly sought-after component of cannabis owing to its number of therapeutic benefits. While research on CBD’s health benefits is in its early stages, people have been using cannabis for centuries.
With the recent legalization of CBD and hemp-derived products, people are more interested in cannabinoids. And for that reason, there are several CBD products available in the market with mislabeled information.
So it is your responsibility to check for third-party tested and non-toxic CBD products. And above all, it is always a wise decision to talk to your healthcare expert before starting CBD. A medical expert can better guide you about the correct dosage and potential side effects of CBD.
If you are looking for quality CBD products that are completely free from toxic chemicals then look check out our wide range of products on kannastar.com.