Replacing that glass of Wine with something a little different.
CBD: Cannabidiol
CBD. This is a psychoactive cannabinoid, yet it's non-intoxicating and non-euphoric, meaning it won't get you "high". It's often used to help seizures, and anxiety.
Let's Talk CBD
What is CBD?
Short for Cannabidiol, CBD is one of the hundreds of compounds called cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants. You might be thinking, “Isn’t that where marijuana comes from?” Yes, but unlike the mind-altering compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not get you high. Since Cannabidiol does not cause psychoactive effects, it is an excellent option for people seeking the benefits of cannabis products without the high or breaking federal law.
A chemical compound extracted from the cannabis plant. It’s thought to affect our cell- signaling system (the endocannabinoid system), which helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune response and pain. This explains CBD’s potentially wide-ranging application. CBD is one of the cannabis plant’s two most abundant compounds – the other being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Hemp refers to cannabis plants, which – containing less than 0.2-3% THC – can be grown legally. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains more THC. THC has more pronounced psychoactive effects (produces a high), and is classified as an illegal substance.
Types of CBD
Full-spectrum extracts go through the cannabinoid extraction process and filtration. However, none of the cannabinoids are removed from the extract.
While full-spectrum CBD contains THC, the trace amount of less than 0.3 percent is not enough to get an individual high.
The chemical compounds and cannabinoids in a whole-plant extract are known to have healing properties.
These cannabinoids help enhance the overall benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil. For instance, the terpenes in the cannabis plant are found to have anti-inflammatory properties(12).
A 2005 study concluded that CBD with full-spectrum CBD extract had greater medicinal properties than pure CBD. The higher concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes in the CBD oil work together to create an “entourage effect.”
Research has shown that the entourage effect might help increase potency and maximize the therapeutic benefits of the hemp plant.
Broad-spectrum CBD is the middle ground between full-spectrum CBD oils and pure CBD isolates.
This type of CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and other chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, except for THC.
Like other types, broad-spectrum CBD goes through the normal extraction process. However, the THC is removed from the extract.
The vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other cannabinoids remain in the broad-spectrum extract. These compounds may continue to produce the entourage effect.
Broad-spectrum may be optimal for athletes and patients who cannot consume THC.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, as it only contains cannabidiol. Isolates do not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or fatty acids from the hemp plant.
Containing up to 99% CBD, CBD isolates provide maximum CBD concentration. This type of CBD is sold as a crystal, powder, or oil.
CBD isolates are made through the same extraction process as other CBD oils. However, the CBD is filtered out once the cannabinoids are extracted.
CBD then goes through winterization, a chilling process that removes all other chemical compounds.
CBD isolates are generally cheaper, and they have no THC. However, this type of CBD does not provide the potential entourage effect that exists when full-spectrum cannabinoids are present.
How is CBD used?
CBD is available in a variety of forms. Some of the most common CBD delivery methods are listed below, but how it's ultimately used depends on personal needs and preferences. The delivery method of CBD affects how quickly it works and what kinds of effects it has on the body.
- Edibles are broad range of products to eat or drink, like gummies or chocolates. Edibles can take anywhere from 20 minutes to four hours to take effect.
- Oils and tinctures are processed and concentrated forms of CBD that are often placed under the tongue using a dropper and Absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Pills and capsules are ingested orally and look similar to the vitamins and/or drugs you'd find in a drugstore. They typically contain CBD oil or CBD isolate.
- Topicals are CBD-infused oils, creams and lotions that are intended to be used directly on skin, hair or nails. They're a popular way to treat localized pain, but are also used as skincare, haircare and massage oil as well.
- Vaping, like e-cigarettes, involves inhaling a vaporized liquid that contains CBD oil. Nicotine is not usually present if CBD is, though it is possible to mix them
The Benefits
What are the Health Benefits of CBD Use?
The simplest benefit of taking hemp-derived CBD is that it can help manage ordinary, everyday stress. That’s something we all need. Whether you’re an office worker, a manual laborer, a parent, a teacher, an athlete, a weekend warrior, or some combination of the above, life can become stressful! Studies indicate that cannabidiol can not only help you feel more balanced, but can support your body on its journey to optimal health. In short, hemp-derived CBD is a plant-based way to support your well-being.
