Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring phytochemical (like beta-carotene in carrots) found in the Cannabis plant. In the plants classified as Hemp, the level of CBD is much higher than other compounds such as THC (less than 0.3%).
CBD vs THC
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is another compound found in high quantities in strains of Cannabis known as Marijuana. THC has a psychoactive, intoxicating effect, whereas CBD does not. For more information about the differences between THC and CBD you can read our blog post dedicated to the subject here.
The Endocannabinoid System in the Human Body
The bodies of multi celled organisms such as animals and humans contain a system of receptors called the Endocannabinoid System. Humans mostly have CB1 and CB2 receptors in the system, and they regulate functions in the body including appetite, mood, inflammation, pain, immunity, sleep, and more.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
The compound CBD, reacts mostly with the CB2 receptors, and growing evidence shows that it has positive effects on issues such as insomnia, seizures, pain, inflammation, anxiety, and numerous other ailments. Because the body already contains the system of Cannabinoid receptors, Cannabis compounds work naturally without negative side effects or inhibiting functions in other areas.
Other Cannabinoids, Terpenes, & The Entourage Effect
Cannabis contains a full spectrum of over 100 known Cannabinoids and Terpenes. Cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and more are found to each have individual benefits, but work best together (known as The Entourage Effect) . Terpenes are the main components of a plant responsible for their flavor and aroma in essential oils. Plant essential oils have been extracted for thousands of years for their many beneficial properties, and Cannabis is no exception. Extracted Terpenes may be added back into CBD isolate products in order to provide relief for specific ailments.
CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum, or Full Spectrum?
CBD Isolate products contain CBD only, with 0% THC or any other Cannabinoid. Broad Spectrum products contain CBD as well as some percentages of other minor Cannabinoids but 0% THC. Broad Spectrum products work better on the body than Isolate due to The Entourage Effect. The most effective products are Full Spectrum, which contain CBD and all other naturally occurring Cannabinoids (including 0.3% THC or less). The intoxicating effect of THC is not typically noticeable until higher than 10%, with the median Marijuana strain being 16-20%. The small amount of THC naturally present in Hemp merely improves the functionality of the rest of the plant compounds.
So Why CBD?
As a plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years, Cannabis has more recently been misunderstood and stigmatized. However with the legalization of Hemp in the US, modern research into the effects of CBD, and practical individual use of CBD products, acceptance is growing. Hemp strains provide all the benefits of the Cannabis plant, without the disagreeable side effects of the THC in Marijuana.