CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, and it is a very potent phytochemical found inside the female cannabis plants.
It is one of over 60 healing compounds found in the marijuana plant. This chemical, like THC, is also a cannabinoid that attaches to receptors on your body’s cells.
They work to create a more enhanced endocannabinoid system. Because CBD and THC are so prevalent in marijuana plants, they are also studied very frequently.
What is CBD (Cannabidoil):
CBD hasn’t received much attention over the years by the medical industry, or anyone for that matter, due to marijuana becoming so popular for the psychedelic journey it takes you on. Needless to say, THC in marijuana stole the show.
Due to the need to grow marijuana that was considered very strong medicinally, there has been greater focus on THC, and less on CBD. Over time, CBD was completely overlooked and left out of the picture, so many people lost out on the opportunity to experience its medical benefits. But now CBD is making a comeback with researchers taking a greater, special interest in it as an effective form of treatment.
For those looking for a non-psychoactive way to enjoy the benefits of the cannabis plant, CBD oil may be the solution. CBD oil is made from cannabis plants with high concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD). This can include both marijuana and hemp plants since both are types of cannabis plants.
Is CBD Oil Marijuana
Most states (and countries) do not consider CBD oil to be marijuana. This is mainly because CBD is non-psychotropic. This quality means it will not get its users high.
Another reason that CBD oil is not considered marijuana is that it is typically made from hemp rather than marijuana plants. Hemp plants are ideal for CBD oil because they rarely develop tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making them undesirable for many recreational users. They also have high amounts of CBD.
In some recreational states, however, CBD oil is made from low-THC marijuana plants, instead of hemp. However, because the oils still contain high amounts of CBD and very low amounts of THC, they are still called CBD oils. Whether a CBD oil is made from a marijuana or a hemp variety of cannabis it still has beneficial effects on the body.
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Understanding CBD
CBD is just one of more than 85 cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant. It is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in marijuana, and the most prevalent one in hemp. Research is suggesting that other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN may also have health benefits for the human body as well. On its own, CBD has many potential benefits, some mirroring the benefits of THC. These include reducing nausea and PTSD, as well as treating migraines and inflammation. For those seeking the medical benefits of marijuana, without any risk of being high, CBD oil provides a practical solution.
A brief history of CBD
When compared to marijuana, CBD has a relatively short history. The compound was first mentioned in the 19th century when England’s Queen Victoria reportedly used it to treat her menstrual cramps. However, the medicinal benefits of the compound were ignored when compared to the mind-altering effects of THC. Once marijuana became popular among the general population in the early 20th century, THC became the prevalent cannabinoid.
It was only after marijuana was prohibited that people began to reconsider CBD. In the 1980’s, new medical studies suggested that CBD could be used to treat a variety of ailments. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that people began to pay attention. In 1998, a British company began to research the idea further, growing cannabis for its CBD research. Their animal-based studies were promising, leading to the increased cultivation of high CBD/low THC strains of marijuana.
CBD oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil
It is important to point out that CBD oil and Hemp Seed oil are not the same things. Many health enthusiasts are familiar with the benefits of hemp, via hemp seeds, hemp milk, and hemp seed oil. This similar health food product provides significant benefits, such as being a protein source, providing essential oils, and fortifying the body with vitamins and minerals. However, it is not the same as CBD oil.
CBD and other cannabinoids (such as THC) develop during the lifetime of a cannabis plant. It is not something that cannabis is ‘born with.’ It requires careful growing and curing. It’s also not guaranteed – as a plant that is poorly grown or harvested will not have high levels of cannabinoids.
As a rule, hemp seed oil does not provide the same medical benefits as CBD oil. Since cannabinoids are derived from mature cannabis plants, their seeds cannot have CBD (or THC). However, it is not uncommon for CBD oil to be sold in a blend that includes hemp seed oil.
How CBD works
One unique difference between THC and CBD is that CBD does not bind to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors on your cells like THC does. Another way of saying it is the CBD molecule does not align, and therefore, it has a different effect on your body’s cells.
CBD is a tricky chemical when it comes to the way it functions. We still have a long way to go in understanding the way marijuana impacts the human system, and learning more about how CBD works isn’t quite a piece of cake to explain. CBD can be quite challenging to understand at first, due to it having varying influences over different parts of the body in one go. This makes it difficult to provide a detailed understanding of the process it undergoes.
One thing that makes CBD effective is its ability to cut off certain fatty-acids that would otherwise destroy the cannabinoid anandamide in your body. Since the anandamide will remain intact, the CBD can now enhance the amount of chemicals in your body. Various feelings, emotions and experiences such as pain, appetite, pleasure, and sleep are controlled by anandamide.
CBD is considered a negative modulator for THC, which basically means it cancels out a portion of the psychedelic effects of THC. CBD actually obstructs some of the brain’s CB1 receptors, so THC is prevented from having its usual impact. CBD reduces your appetite while THC does the exact opposite of this.
You do not get high off of CBD
CBD is a close relative to THC, and these two substances make up only two of over 85 various cannabinoids within the marijuana plant. THC has a different effect than CBD on your body because CBD is not psychoactive. So, you will not experience altered perceptions from CBD, as you would from THC. Those seeking a state of euphoria will not find it with the consumption of CBD. This doesn’t mean it has no impact on your body. Just don’t expect the same type of high you would get from activated THC.
No need for a doctor’s approval
As long as you get your CBD from manufactured hemp plants through the internet, you can access it anywhere. There is no reason to visit a doctor for this form of medicine. However, things are quite different with medical marijuana plants, because you are required to live in a state where this is legal, and you must obtain a prescription.
Make sure to buy our CBD oil from the shop!
There are different degrees of CBD
Every marijuana plant contains unique amounts of both THC and CBD. All plants vary in this regard. It all depends on the purpose, and how they are grown. For example, if someone grows marijuana for recreational purposes, it will tend to have more THC and CBD. You will find that manufactured hemp plants have very small amounts of THC. Lastly, medical marijuana will usually have a much higher rate of CBD.
Pediatric medicine
There are many young children throughout the United States suffering from seizures. Who could have predicted that CBD would help bring relief to this widespread problem? Several studies show the results of one to 18-year-old children, struggling with seizures and gaining no improvement from most current medications, responding to CBD treatments. The FDA continues to take an in-depth look at the correlation between CBD and seizures.
The benefits of CBD are quickly spreading, as more parents rant and rave about how it has helped their children. This has opened many parents’ eyes to this substance being an effective method of treatment, with little-to-no side effects.
While we are promoting CBD as a natural method of therapy, it is important to mention a caution. There is little trustworthy information available that gives long-term insight into how marijuana and CBD affect a growing child over a duration of time. Parents will have to consider whether or not to subject their child to any potential unknown dangers of marijuana.
Is CBD oil legal
If only CBD was legal, but that’s just not true at this point. You would think with its many health benefits, and the fact that it really isn’t an addictive drug, this would be completely legal. But, it is still a cannabinoid and, therefore, subject to the same marijuana laws. So for CBD to be legal, the entire cannabis plant needs to be viewed differently.
There is still an ongoing fight to make marijuana legal in some states while in others it is already legal. The interesting fact is, it is entirely legal to import hemp into this country that was grown outside of the United States. Both hemp plants, and medical marijuana plants, have the ability to produce CBD. Its legality would make it a simple task to get your hands on CBD treatment, without worrying about it being unlawful.
Types of CBD Oil Products
CBD oil is available in many different forms making it easy for most people to find a version that works for them. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, and is sometimes mixed with hemp seed oil, olive oil or some other oil and sold as a food or drink additive.
CBD oil is also available as a tincture where it is mixed in an alcohol solution that is sprayed into the mouth or placed under the tongue.
Many times, CBD oil is mixed with other products and sold as a prepared product. These include things like drinks and candies. The oil can also be placed in capsules that are taken orally. Additionally, those with pure CBD oil can easily make edibles, topicals, and capsules on their own.
CBD on the skin
CBD isn’t only good in the body – it’s just as effective on the body. Especially when paired with the essential oil benefits of hemp, CBD oil can be used to moisturize, heal and protect. It’s a great way to soothe one of the most forgot about organs in the body – the skin.
CBD oil combined with hemp seed oil is excellent for topical use because it not only provides vital nutrients, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp seed oil is a known source of amino acids, vitamins, and omega fatty acids. CBD oil created from hemp, or delivered in hemp seed oil provides the added benefit of terpenes, leaving your skin refreshed, soothed and nourished.
CBD oil skin care products are ideal for conditions such as chronic itchy skin, acne, and even inflammation caused by arthritis. At-home CBD Skincare products can be created by combining CBD oil with all natural oils, butter or soaps.
Benefits of CBD
Good for the mind
CBD can help alleviate certain cognitive problems, not limited to fighting off insanity. It also assists with serious anxiety and depression. This harmless substance that can improve your sense of well-being which, alone, is reason enough to appreciate CBD’s usefulness.
CBD is therapeutic
CBD can help heal your body because when combined with THC it has a therapeutic effect. Science has repeatedly proven that CBD:
is anti-inflammatory
brings ease to vomiting
is an antioxidant that eliminates nasty free radicals that are the source of certain neurodegenerative diseases
relieves nausea
has a positive effect on food cravings, among other benefits
Researchers have found that both THC and CBD restrict the way neurons in your brain release and absorb other chemicals.
CBD also:
enhances the efficiency of other known anti-epileptic drugs; and
lessens cell damage and extends cellular health.
For quite some time, there have been many studies on marijuana’s effect on psychosis and schizophrenia. CBD is useful because it can lower the psychoactive aspects of THC, which can prove to be beneficial for schizophrenic patients.
Since THC influences the same parts of the brain that are affected by schizophrenia, CBD comes in handy as a companion compound. CBD creates an opposite, balancing, reaction on the parts of the brain affected by THC. This is why you may see some refer to it as an anti-psychotic.
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With growers and manufacturers increasing the potency of THC, some may have more feelings of anxiety when smoking. Since CBD reduces psychoactivity, you are less likely to feel so anxious, when more of this soothing substance is in your cannabis. CBD is the chemical that allows you to feel more calm and at peace.
When someone has more anandamide in their body, they are less likely to experience a lot of anxiety.
Stops cancer in its tracks Cancer is a vicious disease, and it is empowering to know that CBD has the ability to lessen the chances of cancer cells continuously populating. According to the National Cancer Institute, CBD can be a safeguard from the ill-effects of different forms of cancer including colon, breast and lung cancer.
CBD-rich marijuana strains Here are some excellent strains of marijuana that have high CBD levels to improve your vaping, edible, and smoking experience:
Consider the fact that high CBD flower does not always mean you are getting something with no THC. If you have no interest in a psychoactive experience, keep in mind that many strains are high in CBD, but still have psychoactive cannabinoids, and this fact may not be advertised.
Using CBD for Improved Health
Because of growing research into the health benefits of CBD, many people are choosing to use CBD oil instead of medical marijuana. In addition to being non-psychotropic, CBD has many benefits on its own.
The benefits of CBD oil
CBD oil is well known for a variety of potential health benefits including:
• Pain relief • Inflammation relief • Antipsychotic • Reduces anxiety • Fights cancer • Relieves nausea • Treats seizures • Lowers risk of diabetes • Improves Cardiovascular health
Many of these benefits are also derived from THC; however, CBD does so without causing a ‘high.’
Cannabis Terpenes
CBD is a type of cannabinoid, but cannabinoids aren’t the only useful substances to be found in a cannabis plant. Flavor and aroma molecules, called terpenes also provide a variety of health benefits.
These phytochemicals are linked to health benefits such as:
• Reduced inflammation • Fighting off tumors • Killing bacteria • Increasing brain function • Reducing pain • Relieving depression
Not all CBD oils have significant levels of terpenes. Only cannabis plants that have been properly grown and harvested will produce enough terpenes to collect in oil. Additionally, how the oil is extracted will impact the level of terpenes present.
Research on CBD oil
There has been significant research on CBD by governments in Great Britain, the United States, Ireland, and Israel, with more countries expected to follow. In the United States, the National Institute of Health is continuing to conduct studies on “the therapeutic effects as well as the health risks of cannabinoids.”
Currently, the majority of studies have been on animals, due to the current status of cannabis (hemp included) as an illegal drug. With the legalization of marijuana (and Cannabis) in countries such as Australia and Canada, many are hopeful that more research will happen soon.
Other Types of Cannabinoids
CBD and THC are just two of many cannabinoids present in cannabis. Two additional cannabinoids, CBN and CBG, are also being studied for their medicinal effects. They may also be combined with CBD in CBD oil products. When combined, the effects of the individual cannabinoids are increased.
CBN: This cannabinoid is actually derived from THC through the process of oxidation. As cannabis is exposed to air, THC changes to CBN. When compared to THC, CBN is less psychoactive; however, it can still make you sleepy.
CBG: Before there was CBD and THC there was CBG. In some strains of cannabis, this base-level cannabinoid becomes CBD or THC, while it remains CBG in others. CBG is non-psychoactive and is known for its effect on intraocular pressure. It has been used to reduce the symptoms of glaucoma.
Medical conditions that most benefit from CBD Oil
Nearly every medical marijuana treatable condition can benefit from CBD oil. There are a few exceptions, however. CBD oil may not provide relief for appetite loss, sleep apnea, fatigue, asthma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette’s and Glaucoma.
Where CBD oil outshines THC is its ability to reduce anxiety. Marijuana is typically not recommended for those with anxiety because THC is known to cause anxiety in certain people. Regular use of CBD oil, however, can reduce anxiety and also minimize the anxiety -inducing effects of THC.
Side effects of CBD oil
Generally speaking, CBD oil has no side effects. However, some people have reported mild psychoactive effects (similar to those from THC) as well as headaches or upset stomach. While scientists have yet to explain the few side effects that have occurred, many cite the quality of the cannabis plant or extraction methods as the cause. Because CBD oil is a concentrated form of cannabis, it will include any chemicals present in the plant or during the extraction process.
To prevent side effects, quality is important. This is particularly the case for those with compromised immune systems, or who are highly sensitive. Left other residues from pesticides, solvents used to create the oil or even excess metals in the soil can remain in the oil and cause side effects.
Forms of CBD
There is more than one way to get CBD in your system without having to smoke it. You can actually find extracted CBD in the form of:
Capsules
CBD hemp oil
CBD oil
You can even extract it yourself the same way you would with THC. For more info on CBD check out Dutch Headshop.
CBD Crystalline
In some areas, CBD is also available as a concentrated form called Crystalline. Crystalline is the purest form of a cannabinoid. At 99.9% CBD, it is much more concentrated than oil, wax or shatter. CBD crystalline is the strongest form of medical marijuana with no psychoactive effects.
Dosing with CBD
There is already a recommended dosage for CBD that is easy to follow when taking CBD as oil, capsule or tincture.
General Health: 2.5-15mg per day
Chronic Pain: 2.5 -20mg per day
Sleep Disorders: 40-160 mg per day
These dosages provide a general guideline, but with a little trial and error, it is easy to determine your ideal dosage. First, start by using the lowest dose possible and then increase over time. Second, remember size matters. If you are a larger individual, you may need to start with a slightly higher dose. Third, if you are using CBD to treat a medical condition, ask a doctor for their dosage recommendations.
Regardless of the little attention this chemical receives, it has significant health benefits, and only needs the right information revealed to bring light to its potential. It truly is a drug that could relieve many people from unnecessary suffering, and a variety of ailments.
It is time to deal with the legal restrictions around marijuana and give more people the chance to benefit from cannabis consumption. Even with very few people paying attention to this drug, it still continues to make a great impact in the medical industry. The good news is that through various social media outlets many conversations are educating people about cannabis. The more people discuss it openly, the greater the chance we have to experience worldwide legalization.
How CBD Oil is made
There are multiple ways to create CBD oil, with two methods widely used. The methods used have changed over time. Years ago, butane and hexane were the most popular methods for creating CBD oil.
Unfortunately, these methods could lead to explosions. They also often left unsafe residues in the oil – taking away from its medicinal benefits.
Now, many oils are created using either CO2 extraction or ethanol. Co2 extraction requires expensive equipment and lots of training, so it is commonly reserved for commercial applications. It is worth all the trouble because it produces a superior oil that is potent and pure.
Ethanol extraction methods are safe enough to do at home and will produce pure CBD oil, but it may not produce an oil that is as potent as one done with CO2 extraction. This is because the alcohol (ethanol) used in the process sometimes also destroys quality plant waxes, which are full of health benefits such as terpenes. A third method of extraction, using olive oil, is also safe and inexpensive; however, the resulting oil is very perishable.
Choosing CBD Oils
Ever since people learned about the benefits of CBD oil, it has become widely popular. For many people knowing how to buy CBD oils is an art in itself. There are many options to choose from, and many variations in potency. Knowing what to look for can help ensure the best results.
Sources of CBD Oil
Despite unclear legislation in many areas, CBD oil is widely available. Some versions will be created entirely from hemp, while others are created from marijuana with extremely low levels of THC. Either way, CBD oil is defined by its level of CBD and not its level of THC or any other cannabinoids. Read the label to determine how much of any particular cannabinoid your CBD oil contains.
In the United States, it is more common to find CBD oil made from marijuana than those made from hemp, due to the limited number of places where it is legal to grow. In areas that can grow cannabis, the market typically prefers marijuana over hemp. Other countries, such as Canada and parts of Europe grow more amounts of hemp than the United States and are more likely to sell CBD oil that is derived entirely from hemp.
CBD Oil Marijuana strains
The quality of your CBD oil depends greatly on the quality of the plant it comes from. While many CBD oils are derived entirely from hemp plants, some can come from CBD-rich marijuana plants that have low THC. Many of these plants are hybrids that have been mixed with hemp; however, they still retain enough THC to be considered marijuana. Possible marijuana strains that could be used for CBD oil include Blueberry, Cheese, Charlotte’s Web, ACDC, Harlequin, Danceworld, Cannatonic, Sour Tsunami, Critical Mass, and Zen.
Beware cheap imitations
With the popularity and effectiveness of CBD, it’s probably no surprise that there are imitators. Just like there is fake weed, there are also synthetic cannabinoids. These man-made CBD alternatives are added to dried plant materials to give the appearance of CBD-rich marijuana or sold as liquids for e-cigarettes. Many times, the products are labeled as ‘synthetic marijuana’ or ‘legal weed.’
While CBD oil is not marijuana or weed, it too can be imitated with synthetic cannabinoids. The problem with these chemicals is that they are not researched, and may not be safe. In some cases, people have had severe reactions to synthetic cannabinoids.
Sometimes avoiding these dangerous products is as easy as reading the fine print. Some products clearly state they are ‘not for human consumption.’ Another way to avoid buying imitation CBD is by purchasing from a reliable source.
Share this article with friends, family, on Twitter, Facebook and even blog more about the subject, so more people can open their eyes to the ways CBD, and cannabis in general can improve their life.
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Robert
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