What is CBD? The Basics and Benefits

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol ( CBD ) is one of over 500 compounds that make up the cannabis Sativa .L plant species. It is fast taking the world by storm as its a great therapeutic and medical treatment that works for millions of people worldwide. In this article, we will be discussing the ins and outs of CBD including what it is, how it works, where it comes from and where to find it. 

 CBD is simply one compound that is found primarily in the cannabis variety known as hemp. It is a phytocannabinoid that is produced in abundance within the flowers of the hemp plant. CBD is extracted from the flowers using a variety of techniques such as solvent extraction using butane, ethanol or CO2. Solventless is extraction is either through ice or heat and pressure. These are just a couple ways CBD is extracted into a concentrate which is further processed or infused into other cannabis products.

Unlike the other primary cannabinoid found in cannabis, THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol ), CBD is not psychoactive and will not cause one to get “high”. When CBD was first discovered in 1940, it was thought to be a precursor to THC until it was correctly identified many years later.

 

How does CBD work?

CBD works differently to other cannabinoids like THC and simply agitates cannabis receptors found in our bodies. These CB1 and CB2 receptors are found throughout our bodies and located in the central nervous and immune systems. It’s known as our endocannabinoid system or ECS for short. Its the system that is responsible for important bodily functions such as movement, mood, memory, appetite and even in charge of your bodies metabolism. The basic function of our ECS is to help balance our bodies and keep it running at optimal condition.

 

How do I use CBD?

 CBD is like taking any nutritional supplement and it depends on the delivery system you choose. You may choose a topical CBD cream for your skin, or drop a tincture under your tongue. There are many ways to use CBD and below we will discuss the most efficient and effective ways to use CBD.

 

1. Smoking or Vaping

 You can smoke dried CBD flower, or vape/dab a concentrate like wax or shatter. Vaping CBD is the most effective way to deliver cannabis as the bio-availability of CBD is around 60%. Vaping is also the quickest way to feel the beneficial effects of CBD almost immediately. Vape cartridges and e-liquids come in a variety of strengths and flavours.

 

2. CBD capsules

 These gel capsules are easy to take and also easy to dose. Capsules come in varieties of strengths and different combinations of other beneficial compounds like terpenes. You may choose a CBD capsule for energy and drive, or choose one for relaxation.

 

3. Edibles

 You may prefer the healthiest way of delivery CBD and that is through edibles like gummies, tinctures or capsules. Eating CBD takes the longest time for the effects to be felt. The reason for this CBD has to go through your digestive system and liver before it enters the bloodstream. The effects can take as long as 1 hour to be felt and may last for up to 5 hours.

 

4. Tinctures and Oils

 Tinctures and Oils may be used as a sublingual treatment under the tongue or topically directly applied to the skin. This method takes a bit longer to be absorbed in the bloodstream, but the effects last for longer.

 

5. CBD Topicals

 Creams and oils are topicals that can be used on your skin which is the largest organ in your body and your ECS. It contains primarily CB2 receptors but also contains many CB1 receptors. The bio-availability of CBD through this method is very low, somewhere around 25% but is still very effective in treating skin conditions or inflamed skin.

 

Benefits of CBD

There have been many claims about the benefits of cannabis. Although CBD is usually marketed as a nutritional supplement or foodstuff in the EU, there are many potential therapeutic and medical benefits. Research over the years has reported that CBD is a key ingredient for treating conditions like acne, eczema and arthritis but also likely to help treat diseases like epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis. The evidence mounting up from peer-reviewed reports suggests that there is a lot of promise in the CBD cannabinoid and many others.

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