7 Facts About CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active ingredient in cannabis that is derived from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. CBD differs from marijuana in that it does not have psychotropic compounds that produce a high. 

According to the World Health Organization “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Typically, CBD is sold in oil form, but a wide variety of products have emerged to capitalize on CBD’s popularity. Aside from oil, CBD is often sold as an extract, vapor, a capsule, and is even infused in food and drinks. 

Interested in learning more about CBD? Keep reading for a shortlist of seven fascinating facts about this unique compound. 

CBD and Mental Health: A Powerful Connection

Research suggests CBD remains effective in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety by manipulating the actions of the body’s own endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system helps maintain routine bodily elements, like appetite, sensation, and sleep. Cannabinoids made by the body help trigger serotonin levels, which stimulate differences in the body’s responses to stress and general mood. 

A variety of studies point to CBD’s effectiveness in alleviating PTSD symptoms. Researchers wrote in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2012 how “Our results suggest that CBD has beneficial potential for PTSD treatment and that 5HT1A receptors could be a therapeutic target in this disorder.”

In a different study conducted in 2016, researchers said their observations “provide further support for the potential translational use of CBD in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and specific phobias.”

CBD Helps Reduce The Negative Effects Of THC 

THC has a number of side effects that can’t be ignored. Research suggests the combination of CBD and THC might reduce some of the latter’s aftereffects. 

Researchers from the University College London studied people smoking their own cannabis supplies in 2010. The study found how those smoking low-CBD cannabis had greater verbal memory inhibitions than those smoking cannabis with high CBD concentrations. A different study in 2012 found how cannabis users had greater recall memory as they ingested CBD. 

CBD’s anti-anxiety properties have also been shown to still be effective even when coupled with THC. Two blinded CBD studies conducted in 1976 and 1982 depicted a reduction in THC-induced anxiety. 

Yes, CBD Is Legal

CBD is obtainable in most states across America, and all 50 states have some sort of legislation on the books concerning CBD. According to the federal government, CBD that contains less than 0.3% THC is no longer a banned substance. 

Today, the Food and Drug Administration is still working to clarify rules on hemp production and has held various public hearings to solicit feedback as they make decisions. Congressional authorities have also been considering a few pieces of cannabis-related legislation. 

CBD Is A Non-Habit Forming Substance 

While CBD is one of the cannabinoids that’s found in the marijuana plant, it is non-addictive. The reason, according to addiction expert Dr. Indra Cidambi, is because CBD does not affect the CB1 (brain) or CB2 (immune system) receptors to create a high. In fact, there’s some research suggesting CBD might contain properties that could help people get themselves of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. 

Additionally, the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence also concluded CBD does not have any addictive properties or withdrawal symptoms.  

There are Various Methods To Extract CBD

There are a few ways to extract CBD from a marijuana plant. Some entities utilize CO2 as a solvent because it does not leave any residue. CBD that’s removed via a high pressure or temperature process goes through winterization to eliminate undesirable elements. Short path distillation is a process somewhat similar to winterization to help separate compounds and further refine the CBD. 

The Many Ways And Forms To Consume CBD 

CBD is most commonly sold in oil form, but there’s a variety of ways that CBD users can ingest the substance. 

• Oils/Tinctures: CBD oil is often placed under the tongue for maximum effectiveness. Oil is typically comprised of CBD and a carrier oil like coconut, while tinctures might contain artificial flavoring or vinegar ethanol.
• Edibles: CBD-infuse drinks or food are often sold in conjunction with other CBD products, while other people opt to add CBD to their own meals. CBD edibles are popular due to their discreet nature but might take longer to become effective since the CBD has to be digested and then sent into the bloodstream.
• Topical Treatment: Lotions and creams infused with CBD have been said to help alleviate arthritis, sore muscles, and other bodily inflammation, since CBD is purportedly able to interact with receptors found right under the skin.
• Vaporizing: CBD is also able to be ingested with a vape that heats up the substance so it can be breathed in. CBD that makes its way into the lungs is able to immediately benefit the body, but it’s the ingestion method that currently lasts for the shortest period of time. 

Since there’s a wide variety of ways to try out CBD, you’ll want to experiment with different forms of consumption until you find a method that’s comfortable. 

CBD Can Be Given To Pets

Many wonder if they can give CBD to their pets. The answer is yes, because your dog (and many other mammals), have the same endocannabinoid system as humans have.

Studies and many anecdotal stories show how CBD has been an effective tool for pain reduction, inflammation mitigation, and anxiety control in pets like dogs. 

It’s important to understand that the dosage for your pet is going to be different than for humans due to their smaller size. There’s a rising number of CBD pet products on the market, and generally, purchasing oil to place under your pet’s tongue will have the best effects. However, many pet owners simply opt to infuse CBD into a treat or directly in the pet’s food. 

CBD is a substance that’s rapidly risen in popularity due to its effectiveness in helping alleviate and treat a wide variety of ailments and symptoms naturally and holistically.