What the heck is CBD?!
That is a rather common question that has been floating around the past several years, especially with the recent boom of CBD in consumer markets. As of 2018, hemp is now legal to grow across the United States, and as a result, CBD research and production has skyrocketed. You can read our guide on the best cbd for lupus. If you want to learn about CBG click here.
This Product Has Become Extremely Popular and Some People Have No Idea What It Is
However, unfortunately, that boom brought with it a huge amount of misinformation, and lack of public education. So if you aren’t sure what exactly CBD is, don’t worry you aren’t alone. Let’s take a moment to lay out some simple facts, and I’ll try to avoid too many long Latin words.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a shortened form of the word ‘cannabidiol’. It is a compound that exists within the cannabis plant alongside hundreds of others. These compounds are called ‘cannabinoids’. There are well over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, however most people can only name two of them. Today we are only focusing on one.
How Does CBD Work?
Our bodies’ have a system of receptors in them called the ‘endocannabinoid system’. This system reacts to cannabinoids that are introduced into the body, and can affect the body in various ways. This is a totally natural system, and everyone’s body does this. CBD interacts with this system to produce its many and various effects. One thing to note, is that not all cannabinoids affect the mind functions.
How Is CBD Made?
CBD is typically extracted from the cannabis plant in an oil form. The extraction of that oil can differ between manufactures. The most common method is by using a solvent (typically ethanol or butane) to strip away the waxes and other compounds of the plant. It leaves the oil in tact. That oil is then purified and cleaned of all solvent residue, and you are left with the CBD oil extract.
What Is CBD Used For?
CBD is used in a variety of ways. Currently the FDA has approved one form of CBD medically called Epidiolex. Epidiolex is used to treat epilepsy. In addition, studies have shown that CBD can reduce anxiety, treat depression, relieve chronic pain and reduce inflammation, as well as treat insomnia among other things.
However, CBD can also be used by anyone for a wide variety of health reasons. It is non-addictive and totally organic. There is never a drawback for using CBD.
Does CBD Get You High?
The word ‘cannabis’ often comes hand-in-hand with being high in the minds of most people. However, that simply isn’t true. Cannabis in its raw form can indeed get individuals high. However, that is only due to another compound in the cannabis plant called THC. THC is the other famous cannabinoid that most are familiar with.
There Are No Side Effects With CBD
This cannabinoid is the one that induces the ‘high’ sensation. CBD at most will contain 0,3% or less of THC. This means that CBD can not and does not get anyone high. There are no side-effects from taking CBD other than relief from medical issues. It is non-addictive, and poses no measurable negative side effects at all.
Final Thoughts
CBD can, and is, an absolutely amazing compound. The use of cannabis to better the lives of medical patients has existed for thousands of years for good reason. The recent boom of CBD research and availability on the market can only serve as a good thing. However, users should be careful to understand what CBD is and isn’t.
It isn’t a miracle cure, however it can help a wide range of people who suffer from various illnesses. Overall, CBD is great. Hopefully with a bit more public education, millions of Americans can enjoy the safe and organic health benefits of CBD daily.