Everything You Need to Know About CBD
From skincare to pharmaceuticals to cocktails, CBD seems to be everywhere we go. There is currently a range of products available containing Cannabidiol (CBD) that we can integrate into our health and well-being routines. As its popularity continues to grow, so does research, the industry’s perspective, and consumers’ awareness. Yet, there is still a lot to discover.
While CBD is one of the most researched cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, apart from THC and terpenes, there is still a lot that we don’t know about its benefits. We gathered all you need to know about CBD to understand what it does and how it can help a plethora of pathologies and symptoms.
This is what we know.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most known active chemical compound found in the cannabis plant’s flower resin and is commonly found in hemp and marijuana plants.
Hemp-derived CBD comes from industrial hemp plants. These plants tend to differ in their appearance; hemp plants are skinny and have narrow foliage. Under U.S. law, a hemp plant must contain no more than 0.3% THC
Marijuana-derived CBD is extracted from cannabis plants with thick, dense foliage and flowers that are generally grown for their psychoactive properties. The U.S. law defines marijuana plants as those which contain more than 0.3% THC. While most marijuana plants contain THC as the predominant cannabinoid, many marijuana strains are also rich in CBD.
Whether CBD comes from hemp or marijuana, it remains identical on a molecular level.
It should also be noted that the human body produces a biologically similar substance to CBD that comes from cannabis. There are receptors in the human brain that are very specific to CBD.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t produce the euphoria or lethargy caused by THC and is considered as a potentially safe, nonaddictive substance that offers users relief from a variety of symptoms and conditions. CBD is used to treat pain, reduce anxiety, promote healing, and stimulate appetite and sleep. Preliminary research even suggests that CBD may be a disease-fighting substance, including for use against cancer.
THC AND CBD
In the past, CBD was considered a minor cannabinoid compared to THC. We now know that CBD is as beneficial and versatile as THC in addressing many hard-to-manage conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, cancer, antibiotic-resistant infections, alcoholism, PTSD, and neurological disorders.
One of CBD’s most exciting aspects is its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that may help treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and all neurodegenerative-related diseases.
Both THC and CBD have a more significant synergistic effect together, as opposed to taken alone. Research indicates the combinations of other cannabinoids and terpenes with CBD may enhance CBD’s medicinal benefits. This synergy is known as “the entourage effect” and may increase CBD’s clinical efficiency.
How does CBD work?
One of the main ways cannabinoids impact our bodies is by mimicking and increasing the effects of the compounds called “endogenous cannabinoids.” These “endocannabinoids” are part of the “endocannabinoid system.”
The endocannabinoid system regulates a wide range of physiological processes that affect our mood, energy level, intestinal strength, immune active blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, pain, stress, hunger, and more.
Live cannabis plants need to go through the process of decarboxylation (applied heat) to activate its phytocannabinoids. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), which comes from cannabigerol acid, turns into CBD through heat application and later dries. When heat is applied, CBDa loses its carboxylate group in water vapor and carbon dioxide, becoming CBD.
CBD has boomed in popularity over the past several years, with everyone from elderly grandparents to parents of special needs children expressing an interest in CBD. It is sometimes mistakenly described as being “non-psychoactive”; however, this not entirely true.
By definition, “psychoactive” means “affecting the mind or behavior.” Since CBD has been shown to reduce and relieve anxiety, depression, and even psychosis, it must possess “mind-altering” effects to some extent. Therefore, it is much more accurate to say that CBD is non-intoxicating or non-euphoric, as opposed to saying that it does not have psychoactive properties.
Unlike THC, which binds directly to the body’s CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, CBD influences the ECS differently and even helps prevent THC stimulation by blocking them. Thus, CBD may prevent endocannabinoids from being broken down. It is also believed that CBD influences non-cannabinoid receptors to promote therapeutic action in the body.
What is CBD good for?
Research suggests that CBD has anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic properties; thus, serving as a potential treatment for neuro-inflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea, and anxiety and schizophrenia, respectively.
Many patients use CBD for a wide range of relief symptoms like stress, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, chronic and acute pain, inflammation, and even insomnia. Yet, CBD isn’t a panacea and shouldn’t be deemed as such.
CBD into Consideration. How are Trulieve CBD products different?
CBD operates on 60 different molecular pathways, affecting serotonin receptors, the immune system, and vanilloid receptors. Without a doubt, it is changing the way people look into therapeutic options. However, more research is still needed to unlock its full potential.
Read Also: You, Me, and CBD
Trulieve cultivates and crafts a top-shelf selection of medical cannabis and low-THC/high-CBD cannabis products using the most advanced cultivation techniques, tracking each plant from seed to sale to ensure complete purity and a safe alternative to pain relief. Trulieve is committed to excellence in producing quality products that meet or exceed the requirements and expectations of our patients. When it comes to CBD, Trulieve offers various products that have strict compliance with government regulations and CHMP certification requirements. We strive to bring you the relief you need in a product you can trust.
Our Trulieve CBD Products available are:
As always, while most products containing CBD are considered safe, we recommend you consult with your primary physician to add CBD or any medication to your routine.
Produced in partnership MMJ Knowledge
This information is not intended as medical advice, it is for educational purposes only. As always with medical conditions and symptoms, please consult with your doctor for personalized medical advice. The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References:
O’Shaughnessy’s News Service. 2011. “Medical Hemp: The Story to Date.” O’Shaughnessy’s The Journal of Cannabis in the Clinical Practice 7.
Sulak, D (2020,) Chapter 3. CBD and CBDA. Medical Cannabis Core Curriculum. healer.com
Werner, W. (Jan. 20, 2020) CBD: understanding how CBD works with our bodies. Medical Cannabis Network. https://www.healtheuropa.eu/cbd-understanding-how-cbd-works-with-our-bodies/96718/
