What Is CBD?
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol which is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant,
more commonly known as marijuana or hemp.
CBD is a natural substance that is used in many products such as oils and edibles to impart a
feeling of relaxation and calmness. Opposed to what you may think, CBD is not a psychoactive
material and will not cause you to get high or hallucinate like THC.
The Cannabis Sativa plant consists of two main compounds: CBD and THC. CBD is the
non-psychoactive portion while THC will cause you to feel euphoric effects.
Normally, CBD will not cause any kind of altered feeling besides relief in stress, anxiety and
pain. According to Dr. June Chin (a leading integrative cannabinoid medicine physician), about
5% of people say they feel a “high” effect after consuming CBD. These are usually the same
people that report similar effects after intaking various painkillers such as Advil or Tylenol.
Just like any other supplement or medicine, you never know how your body may react. We
recommend you advise with a health specialist and do so safely with someone you trust.
How do I know if CBD even works?
Well, as we just established, everyone reacts differently to things they put in their body. But one thing is for sure, your body can and will react to CBD. How can we know that for sure? Well, our bodies actually contain an Endocannabinoid system in them. This is a self-regulating system of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. Just like any other system in our body such as the immune or digestive system. The endocannabinoid system communicates with nearly every system of the body, especially the central nervous system and organs. Basically this means that just like you know that food will sustain your body and give it fuel to function, you know that CBD will enter your body and relieve pain, stress and anxiety.
Is CBD legal to use?
U.S. federal law still classifies cannabis as a controlled substance. However, in December of 2018, congress lifted the prohibition on the hemp plant and signed the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. Hemp-derived CBD is now legal in the U.S.A., unless outlawed by state laws. By this law, CBD products may have no more than 0.3% THC in them. In states where medical and/or recreational marijuana is legal, marijuana-derived CBD may be available as well. The ratio between the two compounds (THC and CBD) vary by product and use.
What are the different kinds of CBD?
You may have heard the terms “Broad Spectrum” and “Full Spectrum” but don’t fully understand what they mean. In short, Full Spectrum CBD contains all of the different compounds in the hemp plant; including THC, terpenes, fatty acids and other cannabinoids. Broad Spectrum CBD still does consist of most of the cannabinoids, terpenes and acids but goes through an extraction process to remove the THC.
Again, hemp-derived CBD products may only contain up to 3% THC so even the full spectrum products won’t make you feel altered by a psychoactive substance. THC, just like all the other cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBC and more), beholds it’s own benefits and can truly help you to deal with certain problems such as sleep apnea, inflammation and nausea.
When looking to try a CBD product for the first time, it is crucial you ask about the full/broad spectrum in order to ensure you will be receiving the correct product for the issues you may be having. For instance, if you are suffering from stress and anxiety - full spectrum may not be the best option for you. Advise with a health specialist and a CBD consultant to find out which product best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.