There is a lot of buzz around “CBD” right now and rightly so.

With the hype comes some confusion and misnomers about what “CBD” is and the difference/similarities between hemp and marijuana derived sources.

So what exactly is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and as such in hemp, a subset of the plant cannabis sativa L. Although there are many cannabinoids (over 100) many of us are specifically familiar with delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC - the main psychoactive component in the cannabis plant.

THC is often what we think of when are we talking about cannabis as it is the component in the plant that offers the mind-altering component. However, Cannabidiol (CBD) is the PRIMARY COMPONENT in hemp extract and has NO mind-altering impact.

Industrial hemp IS a subset of the cannabis sativa L plant, but it contains no more than 0.3% THC making it legal for use anywhere in the US as stated as a result of Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm bill.

So will CBD make you high? The answer is no. THC and CBD actually work on different receptors in our bodies all together, not to mention CBD has been shown to mitigate the psychoactive nature of THC in cannabis strains that contain both.

CBD (cannabidiol) works to strengthen the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in our bodies. The ECS is a diverse system that we are just starting to tap into. There are 2 main receptors that we are aware of so far in the ECS system, called CB1 and CB2 receptors and they are found throughout the body. They are located in places like the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells.

Our environment, as well as our fast paced, high anxiety lifestyles have put added stress on our bodies throwing many of us off kilter. CBD (cannabidiol) works on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to help bring us back to a state of equilibrium. Because the ECS system is so wide spread, it has the ability to connect many different systems in the body.

CBD as well as other cannabinoids have been shown to help decrease inflammation and anxiety, regulate appetite and sleep patterns, and boost our natural production of Endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are lipid based retrograde neurotransmitters naturally occurring in our bodies that bind to the receptors in the Endocannabinoid system just like exogenous cannabinoids (THC, CBD, ect.). By using plant based cannabinoids, we are able to boost our bodies natural sources of these neurotransmitters.

Many disease states are caused by inflammation in the gut.

Because the Endocannabinoid System can be found throughout the intestinal tract, the use of CBD can be used to regulate gastrointestinal function. This can play a big roll in intestinal disorders including auto-immune, IBS, Crohn’s, as well as obesity.

As we continue to research the link between the gut-brain axis, we are seeing how dysbiosis as well as inflammation in the gut are linked to several different mental illnesses including depression and anxiety. This is huge step as we previously believed that mental illness was based in the brain. Cannabinoids have been shown not only to help with the symptoms of anxiety and depression, but to help heal at the same time.

CBD has been shown to have a large range of effects that may be therapeutic such as:

Anti-seizure

Antioxidant
Neuroprotective – in several neurodegenerative diseases
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic (ability to remove pain)
Anti-psychotic
Anti-anxiety properties
Anti-emetic (anti-nausea)
Immunosuppressant

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been found in all living beings with a vertebra so it can be a wonderful natural way to help our pets as well.

When specifically buying industrial hemp based CBD products, be sure to look into the sourcing of the hemp, (although this tip is important for anything you are putting into your body). It is important that the grower is paying attention to the soil the hemp plant is growing in.

‘Whole plant’ CBD oil is not necessary and often contains the fibrous parts of the plant (stalk, stem, seed, fan leaves, ect.) that contain little to no actual CBD.

I would suggest looking for a CBD oil that is “full spectrum” which means it contains all the naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, and phytocannabinoids that are found in the plant. Most of the CBD in the hemp plant can be found in the bloom, so it is not necessary to use the whole plant when making high quality CBD oil.

As much as possible, avoid added sugars, trans-fat, GMOs, artificial ingredients or preservatives, as these are not necessary what so ever to make a high quality product.

Look for “organic” or “grown with organic practices” on a company’s site or go to their contact page and ask them what practices they use.

There are many ways to ingest CBD. The most popular ways are through tinctures (oils) that you place under your tongue or added to your favorite drink, vape pens, and edibles/gummies. Each can play its own roll as they enter our system in different ways. You can cook with CBD as well as long as it is low heat and kept under 325 degrees F.

My favorite part about CBD? Because there is no mind altering affects and you can’t over dose, you may not notice the effects of it until you stop taking it. It can be very calming and great for sleep but does not make you sleepy. It works quickly, but it is important to use it regularly to let it build up in your system. Proper dosing takes time and experimenting depending on what you are looking for. Again CBD works with your Endocannabinoid System to help bring you back to a more balanced state, which means it could be doing things for you without you even knowing it!! How cool is that?!

As I live in the state of Ohio, medical marijuana is not yet legal. However under the 2014 Farm Bill we are still allowed to legally buy Industrial Hemp based CBD products which means there is no mind altering affects do to the very low (0.3%) THC.

This is something I am very passionate about and could be a huge help for so many people in a plant based, natural way.

Questions? I would love to answer any you may have as well as suggest companies I truly believe in and trust.

Happy CBDing!!

References

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