What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
The first question asked by someone new in the Cannabis industry, naturally, is “What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?” Cannabidiol is a natural food supplement derived from Cannabis. It is fairly new on the market, it is still under research. A lot of doubt, misinformation and confusion surrounds the atmosphere around CBD.
Cannabidiol oil has been accepted as a means of relaxation, and its popularity is steadily on the increase. The use of CBD hemp oil being very new, there is still much to be learned about its effects. CBD oil’s precise benefits are still a subject that is debatable, but we can confidently state that Cannabidiol is completely safe, and legal to use.
In this article you will read about the benefits of CBD, where it is derived from and its legal status.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
The successful use of Cannabidiol to relax you and induce a calm state of mind has been widely reported. Chemically, it’s strong antioxidant properties has to date been widely ignored by the broader food supplements industry. Note that each individual may react differently to CBD, so it is advisable to research CBD before you use it.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD hemp oil is derived from certain Cannabis varieties known as Hemp. Representing 40% of all Cannabis extracts, it is the second most abundant of 85 chemicals known as Cannabinoids, that are all present in Cannabis plants. Unfortunately, however, the most intoxicating part of Cannabis known as THC, which is responsible for the so-called “high” that brought about its popularity among Marijuana users, is also the most abundant
The stigma that was caused by THC has also stuck to Cannabidiol, even though extracted CBD cannot get you “high” at all. This is largely because of the terminology surrounding CBD. The saying that “a first impression lasts” holds true I the case of Cannabidiol as well.
People should be educated to understand that smoking Hemp that is high in CBD and contains but traces of THC cannot get you high. Neither can CBD hemp oil products, which contain virtually no THC at all. CBD is extracted in oil form. It can sometimes also be found in various concentrations in Hemp oil extracts.
Is Cannabidiol Legal?
Being legal globally, Cannabidiol is a controlled substance only in Canada. Its misunderstood status results largely from misinformation because there is too little known about CBD, and because of its resemblance to THC. The controlled status of CBD was largely due to the fact it was believed that Cannabidiol was a precursor to the formation of THC. Only as recently as the 1980’s did scientists discover that CDB is actually completely unrelated to the formation of THC. CBD has since been declared a legal cannabinoid and is safe to consume in any amount and concentration.
Cannabidiol Definitions
Because of widespread confusion, we would like to explain to you certain terms related to Cannabidiol:
- Cannabis is a flowering plant that consist of three distinct variations, i.e.: Cannabis Ruderalis, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Savita. Strict regulations around Cannabis cultivation exist as a result of it having been used as a recreational drug for the high THC level in certain varieties. However, Cannabis can be utilized for its sturdy fibrous consistency, its richness in nutrients and its medical properties.
- Hemp – Hemp is a Cannabis Sativa Strain that includes the high-growing varieties that are grown specifically for fibre, oil, and seeds that are refined into various products such as fuel, paper, hemp oil, pulp, wax, rope and resin.
- Cannabinoids– A large variety of chemical substances that share similar properties. Most are derived from Cannabis, but some are also artificially created. Some are classified as illegal drugs, while other are well known for their soothing ad relaxing properties.
- CBD– A natural cannabinoid, the second most abundant of Cannabis, although having bee legal for a long time, it still remains in the shadow of THC.
- THC– The most abundant substance in Cannabis. A strongly psychoactive cannabinoid, THC is responsible for getting “high” from smoking marijuana.
- Psychoactive– Meaning that a chemical substance can cross the blood/brain barrier to directly affect the central nervous system. Some of these substances have medical applications (anaesthetics, psychiatric drugs, etc.) while others are used for recreation only. The latter group are addictive and cause dangerous side effects.
- Intoxicating– Meaning that a substance is habit forming, and can cause you to lose control of yourself. Almost all illegal drugs are considered intoxicating, although at a global scale alcohol is considered to be the most intoxicating of all drugs. Intoxication can take place by directly affecting the brain (psychoactive) or by damaging your body (through toxicity, hence the term).
What Makes CBD Different
Even as a new product in a world of a great many supplements, CBD excels as in modern society as naturally calming and soothing, and more properties are being researched. Many people are becoming accustomed to the benefits of CBD products. To find whether you can benefit from these products, we encourage you to do your own research.
CBD vs THC: What is the Difference?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are found naturally in hemp. CBD and THC interact with specific cells mainly in our brains (but also in other organs). These substances are inherently similar, and both have a wide range of applications. Until recently, even scientists believed that CBD and THC were in fact the same substance.
The two substances differ widely enough for THC to be classified as a federally controlled psychotropic drug, while Cannabidiol is considered legal and safe globally. Read under the following few headings simple and objective explanations about the differences between the two substances:
CBD vs THC in Clinical Application
- CBD and THC interact with body cells by activating the cannabinoid receptors. By transmitting signals throughout our bodies, these receptors cause different physiological effects. Some cannabinoids are beneficial to us, while others cause undesirable psychotropic effects in our bodies such as “highs” or depression. Some of these substances cause both. There are as yet no studies that show undesirable effects from Cannabidiol, which is why it is legal worldwide. However, many studies show that CBD causes only desirable effects or no effects at all. Certain studies also show that CBD protects against the negative effects of THC. Note that a whole lot of research on Cannabidiol is still in the pipeline.
- THC, being the first phytocannabinoid discovered, has been much more extensively researched than CBD. THC is strongly psychoactive and because of its ability to alter your behaviour and lose control of what you do it is a popular illegal drug. However, having been shown to be effective as a moderate-strength analgesic, THC has desirable medical applications. It is also a mild pain relief medicine, and can effectively treat symptoms of “serious” diseases such as AIDS and cancer. THC have therefore been legalized for medical purposes. Medical marijuana is safe when prescribed by a doctor and can improve the quality of life for many people suffering from serious and/or chronic diseases.
What Do Scientists Say?
CBD is safer than THC for a number of reasons. Certain studies found a link between THC and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and psychosis. Note however, that this does not prove that THC definitely does cause these conditions.
CBD is considered to have wider applications than THC. Cannabidiol studies began only recently, while THC studies have been more or less completed because of studies on medical marijuana, therefore scientists assume that CBD has a lot still to be discovered.
CBD or THC?
This debate often surfaces in circles of Cannabis users, mainly originating from misinformation. Based on what we know, we state that CBD and THC are too different to compare them directly. THC can be abused while Cannabidiol is safe because of no recreational properties. Many users say that CBD is “useless” because it cannot get them “high.”
THC cannot be labelled as bad when it has so many medical benefits, and you cannot blindly trust CBD because too little of it known. It would be a shame not to explore all the properties of each of these substances, since so many people can benefit from further studies on each of them.
How Does CBD Work?
“How does CBD work?” Well, it’s no surprise that it does work, but many people want to know “how,” and the real reason might surprise you.
To begin with, you should know the basics of what Cannabidiol is, but first be reminded what a cannabinoid is:
What is a Cannabinoid?
In a nutshell cannabinoids substances contained in the Cannabis plant, including Cannabidiol (CBD), THC and a whole lot of others. CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids, meaning that they are derived from plants. Other types of cannabinoids include endocannabinoids (produced in the body) and synthetic cannabinoids manufactured in laboratories. Each type of cannabinoid interacts with the body in a different way.
So how does CBD work with your body?
Our Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System
Surprisingly, there are parts of your body, called cannabinoid receptor sites, specifically made for cannabinoids. They consist if the endocannabinoid system, responsible for various naturally occurring physical and mental processes. This system includes certain specialized cell receptors in the brain and other organs.
These receptors are divided into two types, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly in the brain, liver, kidneys and lungs. CB2 receptors are mainly in the immune system. Cannabinoids actually bind with these receptors to regulate various functions in the body.
What Types of Effects Can Cannabinoids Have on the Body?
There is a wide variety of cannabinoids. Even within phyto-cannabinoid there are wide ranges of compounds & effects that are still being researched. Some cannabinoids co-operate with one or both CB receptors causing various effects. Other cannabinoids, like CBD, have fewer direct effects on the endocannabinoid system.
External vs. Internal Cannabinoids
Endocannabinoid system works mainly with the body’s own internally produced cannabinoids. For example, arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) is thought to regulate several functions.
It is however difficult to distinguish between the clinically desirable and undesirable effects of phyto-cannabinoids, since cannabinoid receptors send a variety of signals that often interconnect to regulate body functions. CB1 receptors send signals that regulate senses, while cannabinoids that co-ordinated with CB2 receptors can at the same time affect responses from your gut ad also your nervous system.
How Does Cannabidiol Work?
CBD is unique as far as cannabinoids go. It does not seem to interact either CB1 or CB2 receptors. So what does it do? Cannabidiol acts as an antagonist of the receptors’ agonists, meaning that it keeps the receptors working optimally, and helps all other cannabinoids, including endocannabinoids, to function correctly.
What Effects Does CBD Have?
Most of CBD’s observed effects are well explained, but scientists are still trying to establish how some effects take place. The most possible explanation is that some interactions still need to be discovered.
Conclusions
Unlike other cannabinoids, Cannabidiol interacts very mildly with the cannabinoid receptors themselves. It either helps other cannabinoids to be better absorbed or stops the effects of whatever makes the receptors work less effectively.
Because CBD’s effects are so indirect, scientists find it difficult to isolate its precise protocol. It seems that so far only the surface on Cannabidiol functioning has been discovered.
Hemp vs Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
Industrial hemp and marijuana come from the same plant, genus of plants, Cannabis. Genus refers to a sub-family of plants, meaning that Cannabis consists of various types of Cannabis within a family (genus).
The Different Growing Varieties of Cannabis
Cannabis-genus include 3 distinct species, i.e. Cannabis Savita, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Sativa is the most common strain of cannabis. Cultivated throughout history for a number of purposes, it is used for the production of seed oil, food, hemp fibre, and even recreation.
Ruderalis is a species native to Russia. It blooms earlier and withstand harsher conditions than the other two. It also has a lower THC level than the other two. Indica was first originated in India and is shorter and bushier than Sativa.
Ruderalis typically has the lowest THC level, Sativa has a higher level of THC than CBD & Indica has a higher level of CBD than it has THC. During the course of history, many different strains have been develop from the original three.
The Power of Artificial Selection
Cannabis was for various reasons, so there are various different species with different properties and uses, depending on the reason for each strain’s existence.
Industrial hemp was cultivated from strains of Sativa to produce minimal levels of THC and are artificially selected taller and sturdier to enable effective use in producing of hemp oil, wax, resin, hemp seed food, animal feed, fuel, cloth, rope, and more.
Medical marijuana was cultivated specifically to maximize Cannabinoid concentration. Ruderalis is almost exclusively grown due to its very small quantities of THC.
Hemp vs Marijuana: So what’s really the Difference?
The biggest difference between industrial hemp and medical marijuana is that industrial hemp is mainly produced Sativa specifically bred to produce the lowest possible concentrations of THC.
Hemp-producing Cannabis has tall, fibrous stalks, are very strong and have very few flowering buds. Marijuana strains are short, bushy, and have high amounts of THC.
While marijuana is bred to maximize THC concentration, industrial hemp always has trace amounts of THC and high amounts of CBD. Industrial hemp’s chemical profile makes it therefore incapable of inducing intoxicating effects.
Industrial Hemp Supplements
Since industrial hemp is naturally rich in Cannabidiol many people turn to industrial hemp products as an alternative to medical marijuana, because contrary to medical marijuana, products made from industrial hemp is safe and legal. They are made according to federal standards and are produced in FDA-registered facilities within the US.
What’s the Difference between CBD Oil from Medical Marijuana and CBD Oil from Industrial Hemp Oil?
You can get Cannabidiol (CBD) products made from industrial hemp as well as medical marijuana. Medical marijuana can contain any level of THC whereas CBD products from industrial hemp contain negligible amounts. Is the Cannabidiol from industrial hemp the same as the CBD from medical marijuana?
Cannabidiol is Still Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol remains unchanged regardless of which plant produces it. The chemical structure remains the same.
What Goes into Cannabidiol Oil?
CBD and CBD oil are not in fact the same thing. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound while CBD hemp oil is a mixture of various natural substances of Cannabis.
Medical Marijuana vs. Industrial Hemp CBD Oil
The main point that Cannabidiol is always CBD, but CBD oil from hemp is not the same as the oil that is extracted from medical marijuana, which can contain any varying amount of THC. Therefore this type of CBD oil is listed a Schedule I drug and not legal in many states in the US and countries worldwide.
Industrial hemp is naturally high in Cannabidiol and contains only traces of THC. The hemp oil produced from it is safe and non-psychotropic.
So, if you are looking for a safe and legal CBD hemp oil product, CBD oil produced from industrial hemp is a great choice, because it’s naturally rich in CBD and has almost no THC.
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