CBD has become the hype these days, but unfortunately people know little about it. We’re going to use this short guide to help you know everything you need to know about CBD.
WHAT IS CBD AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM CANNABIS?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most popular ingredients in marijuana. Although it is an active ingredient in Cannabis, CBD by itself does not produce a “high” effect.
It offers therapeutic benefits in various ways. European research carried out on CBD shows that it has strong anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, antipsychotic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties.
WHAT IS HEMP?
Hemp has been one of the oldest cultivated plants on earth for over 10,000 years. Not only was it used as a food source, but was also used to make rope, cloth, paper, and sail cloth.
Although Hemp and Cannabis are of the same Sativa genus, they are radically opposed. The main difference between these two is the THC content. THC is the compound that people who use Cannabis look for to “get high”. Hemp contains 0.3% THC on average, which is not enough to achieve “high” effects.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The Endocannabinoid System, or SEC, is a cell signaling system in our body. A lot of research is still underway, but they are thought to play a role in the regulation of sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. Whether you use cannabis or not, you therefore have a cannabinoid endo system made to interact with Cannabis.
The cannabinoids made by the plant are called Phyto Cannabinoids while those made by our body are Endo Cannabinoids.
OTHER CANNABINOIDS
Cannabinoids are the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Hemp is made up of a wide variety of cannabinoids, with the most common substance CBD as well as minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, CBN, and THC (less than 0.3%).
Cannabinoids are divided into two categories: non-psychoactive and psychoactive.
In non-psychoactive cannabinoids:
Studies show that CBD, CBDA is known to relieve anxiety, seizures, depression, inflammation, and used as a nausea sedative, sleep aid, and muscle relaxant.
Studies show that CBG, CBGA is analgesic, muscle relaxant, anti-erythemic analgesic, digestive aid, gastric.
Studies show that CBC, CBCA is an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, it treats acid reflux, is used as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant.
The point is, most cannabinoids don’t have that “high” effect that is usually associated with them. THC is the only cannabinoid that is sure to have intoxicating effects.
