Given the increase in medical cannabis legalization across the World, it’s certainly no surprise that CBD has seen a meteoric rise in both use and popularity. And given the fact that a few of its success stories have been covered by the likes of CNN, Forbes, and USA Today, millions have started to seriously turn onto this all-natural, 100% plant-based therapy.

In terms with what exactly CBD is….its not easy – especially if you’re a complete newcomer to the world of cannabis. Is it marijuana? Is it hemp? (And what’s the difference between the two, if there is any?) Is it safe to use? Is it effective? Is it legal?

CBD is a natural and wonderfully powerful medicinal tool that thousands upon thousands of people are using on a daily basis, and we’re here to help make sure that you understand how it works so that you can get the most out of its therapeutic potential.

What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?

CBD is a 100% naturally-occurring compound (called a cannabinoid) mostly within the cannabis plant. Dozens of other cannabinoids (such as THCV, CBC, CBG, etc) exist and have been identified in cannabis, which all have different properties. In fact, THC and CBD make up to be 90% of the total cannabinoid content studied in the marijuana plant.

It’s generally regarded that CBD and THC are the most important active marijuana components, at least with regard to the effects that they have on the human body. But keep in mind there are major differences between these two compounds — primarily the fact that one of them (CBD) does not get you high.

Through a extraction processes, the essential oils of the full hemp plant are separated. Different methods yield different types of raw concentrates such as Crude, RSO(Rick Simpson Oil), CO2, Distillate & Isolate Crystalline. These different CBD characteristics differ by potency, purity, lipids, full spectrum, etc.

Is CBD Marijuana?

CBD is simply an active chemical compound of the marijuana plant, it wouldn’t be correct to say that “CBD is marijuana” – it’s just a part of it.

What are the Effects of CBD?

Effects of CBD are 100% therapeutic in nature – it produces no psychoactive or intoxicating effects whatsoever.

People who take CBD on a day-to-day basis generally will find relief from a medical condition. While a lot of individuals use it to entirely to replace over-the-counter or prescription drugs, it is (usually) fine to take along with other medications as well, without the risk of serious side effects or contraindications.

  • Anxiety
  • Inflammation
  • Skin repair, dry skin, moisturize
  • Arthritis
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

 

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is the human body’s very own “internal” cannabis system. It includes a network of neurotransmitters and receptors that are virtually identical to the active compounds found in marijuana. These compounds work together with cell and tissue types all throughout the body to help mediate, regulate, and control things like inflammation, the pain and immune response systems, neurogenesis (new cell production), apoptosis (programmed cell death), and even psychological behavior and response.

In fact, the naturally-occurring neurotransmitters and receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system are so widespread throughout the body that doctors have labeled it as perhaps the most “central component of the health and healing of every human being.” The only reason we haven’t heard much about it over the years is because it’s only recently been discovered – in the 1990’s to be exact, by famous Israeli scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam.

What are the Health Benefits of CBD?

CBD interacts on a cellular level with essentially every system in the human body, the health benefits are truly endless. In fact, in the more than 20,000 published scientific studies involving cannabinoids (cited below in an article released by NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), it has been documented that CBD oil may have potential to help treat:

  • Cancer – Related Symptoms
  • Seizures / Epilespy
  • Anxiety / Depression
  • Insomnia (and other Sleep disorders)
  • Pain / Inflammation
  • Diabetes
  • Neuropathy
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Arthritis
  • Spasticity / Muscle Spasms
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • PTSD
  • Stress

By no means a complete list – like we mentioned earlier, the simple fact that CBD oil interacts with endocannabinoids and their receptors in every cell and tissue type in the body, truly does give it the potential to be an all-encompassing therapy for any range of medical issues.

How does CBD Work?

Cannabinoids [like CBD] are responsible for homeostatic regulation on every level of biological life from the sub-cellular, to the organism, and perhaps to the community and beyond.

However, disruptions in the endocannabinoid/receptor ratio can (and do) arise when the body experiences sickness or other “malfunctions,” of course can come in any range of forms, including physical injury, disease, tissue inflammation, and so on. When there are not enough endocannabinoids present in the body to bind to their corresponding CB-1 and CB-2 receptors (and thereby carry out their role of maintaining whole-body homeostasis), CBD oil can restore the natural cannabinoid/receptor ratio, and thus return the affected system(s) back to proper homeostatic health.

Industrial hemp is considered legal plant when the cannabis plant is less than 0.3% THC by weight. All other forms of cannabis are referred to as marijuana.

Legalities generally are legal for sale and use. But the industry is still considered unregulated. As this new industry starts to regulate, most companies are operating without supervision. Producing a nightmare situation for business, local citizens & local authorities. From hemp flowers to citizens failing drug tests, there are many uncertainties in the landscape of CBD. Most states its legal to buy but is it legal to produce? This is why it is important to buy from a company that produces in a regulated state.

Does CBD Oil Make Me High?

NO! Since cannabidiol is not known to interact significantly with CB-1 receptors in the brain, its effects in terms of psychoactivity are negligible.

CBD interacts both directly and indirectly with CB-2 receptors in other parts of the body, including organ systems, the immune system, the pain response system, and even the hormonal system which is crucial in terms of regulating all aspects of our health.

Its important not to confuse the terms “psychoactive” with “intoxicating.” Cannabidiol has been shown to have great results on symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and even psychosis and schizophrenia, so “technically” speaking it does possess a psychoactive influence on brain behavior. The key word to use, then, rather than “non-psychoactive” is “non-intoxicating.”

Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?

No! Scientists, physicians, and patients alike have all known this for years, but the World Health Organization’s definitive proclamation at last year’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence essentially verified the information.

How to Use CBD Oil

There are many ways to consume CBD. Just to list a few:

  • Tincture Drops (Sublingual)
  • Capsule Form
  • Food & Drinks
  • Topically
  • Vape
  • Smoke

Final Thoughts About CBD and Cannabis

We certainly hope this article has been both engaging and informative, and has answered many (if not all) of the questions you had about CBD oil, where it comes from, how it’s used, how it differs from marijuana, and whether or not it’s actually safe (and/or legal).

And of course, we only expect it to gain more popularity as clinical research continues to filter into the industry, and doctors become more and more accustomed to the cannabinoid’s far-reaching therapeutic effects.