Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived directly from the hemp plant -- a cousin of the marijuana plant – and is fast becoming a widely available, popular, natural choice to address many common ailments. CBD is a phytocannabinoid discovered in the 1940s and is one of over 100 identified cannabinoids found in the hemp plant – a substance which accounts for up to 40% of the hemp plant’s extract.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main cannabinoid that is often associated with marijuana and producing a “high.” However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This quality makes CBD an appealing option for those who want relief without mind-altering affects.
HOW DOES CBD WORKS
Clinical research on CBD has included studies looking at pain, inflammation, anxiety, auto-immunity, and neurological issues. We all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body – and this system may be the most important physiological system involved in maintaining human health. ECS is responsible for the protection of our nerves and the modulation of our immune system. ECS also regulates our biological processes and internal systems during times of stress, illness, and injury -- ultimately enabling our body to return to a state of homeostasis.
CBD, as do all cannabinoids, can produce effects in the body by attaching to cells via receptors in our ECS -- namely, Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). These receptors are located throughout the body, with many located in the brain. The CB1 receptors -- most commonly present in the brain – effect movement, pain, and are our primary psychoactive receptors. CB2 receptors commonly found in the immune system effect how the body reacts to inflammation and pain.
Some might wonder how CBD has so many potential therapeutic benefits – and the biological basis for its wide range of potential medical uses. Part of the explanation lies in CBD’s “promiscuous pharmacology” — in other words, its ability to influence a wide range of receptor systems in the brain and body. So simply put, when someone ingests an edible or put drops of oil under the tongue, plant-derived compounds enter the body, first through the bloodstream and then to the brain. Once arrived, CBD can influence brain activity by interacting with the receptors on your cells.
HOW DOES SOMEONE USE CBD?
Many people use CBD-rich oil in different ways to relieve a variety of symptoms. CBD-based products come in many forms -- capsules, sublingual and vape oils, topical salves that are massaged into skin, edibles, and smokable. Each CBD form (aka delivery method) has unique benefits and efficacy and is a personal decision.
The best way to determine the effect CBD has on an individual is similar to using other holistic substances: start low and slow.Different bodies and different ailments often require different delivery and dosing. Where one person might find relief with 20mg of CBD per day, another may need 40mg daily for relief. While this may seem obvious, consumers frequently overlook an important distinction.
It is therefore very important to note how you feel as you dose. A suggested serving size is generally that – suggested – and serves as a reference point. Practically speaking, it is best to start with a lower dose and increase only as needed until you have obtained the desired relief. The CBD starting dosage will be largely dependent upon one’s physiology, the condition being treated, and the desired effects. Like with many wellness strategies, a little trial and error usually works to determine what is best for you.
QUALITY MATTERS MOST
Using quality oil absolutely matters to your health and wellness. For starters, select an organically grown, pesticide- and solvent-free extract. Make the effort to read product labels to ascertain if the product is third-party lab tested.
When choosing CBD oil, one should understand the difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oil. Broad-spectrum is CBD extract plus carrier oil, such as coconut or grape seed oil. Full-spectrum includes CBD extract, a carrier oil, plus no more than .3% THC, which is beneficial for an entourage effect (which is another way of saying that the more parts of the plant extract you have, the better). Experts agree that an array of cannabinoids and terpenes working together can induce a more powerful effect.
Here are some tips for finding quality CBD products:
·
• First, find out where the hemp has been grown. The source matters. Is it being grown organically, free of pesticides and other chemicals?
·
• Check to see if the product is full-spectrum or whole-plant for best efficacy.
·
• Make sure the product is third-party tested.
·
• How was the CBD oil extracted from the hemp plant? CBD oil manufactured through a CO2 extraction method ensures that Cannabidiol oil maintains its purity throughout the process.
Safe, high-quality CBD products are not hard to find. Stick to official brand sites and avoid those sites, stores, and stories that tout “we sell everything.“ Trusted sites will have (or will make available) background information and third-party lab reports – once again, emphasizing the importance of being an educated consumer.
HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?
Some people notice results as quickly as the same day while others may notice that it takes more time for CBD to build up in their systems.
Once again, it is important to be aware that dosing and delivery do have an impact on individual results.
To illustrate, while smoking hemp may speed delivery, consuming hemp via an edible (which must pass through the body’s digestive system) is slower. The most popular method, which is using a sublingual (i.e., drops under the tongue), enables CBD to enter the body systemically which produces a continual and longer lasting effect.
YOUR WELLNESS MATTERS TO US
At the House of Hemp OBX, we put a high value of our staff’s education and training.
At a time when the CBD market is growing and expanding at such a rapid pace, we make it a priority to remain knowledgeable and updated about products, research, and issues related to hemp and CBD.
Before introducing a new product to our customers, we thoroughly research each company, product, certificate of analysis (COA), label, and lab report.
We pride ourselves in offering an array of high quality, organic, and third-party tested products that you can trust.
harvard health publishing- harvard medical school
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious.
Click here to learn more about this publication.