What is CBD? A Short Guide to Cannabidiol

The interest in CBD, or cannabidiol, has never been higher. But what exactly is CBD? To get down to basics, Cannabidiol is an all-natural compound derived from the hemp plant’s resinous flowers.

While it’s one of over a hundred other compounds produced within the therapeutically versatile plant, CBD is now the subject of extensive scientific research to explore its health and wellness potential.

How does CBD work?

CBD works within the body primarily by reacting with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and internally-produced cannabinoid-like substances. The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating a wide range of physiological functions including appetite, immunity, memory, sleep, and more.

Why is the endocannabinoid system important?

A healthy endocannabinoid system is essential for maintaining internal homeostasis, and when it’s off balance, you may experience issues with mood, blood pressure, digestion, and a host of other matters.

Its receptors are active throughout the nervous system and the entire body, and multiple studies suggest CBD reacts with these receptors to help regulate its related functions.

CBD and THC

Cannabidio shouldn’t be confused with another well-known phytocannabinoid, THC, as the two compounds interreact with receptors in very different ways. THC is the cannabis compound that causes the intoxicating “high” commonly associated with cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is not psychotropic and delivers a mellowing mood lift without any distracting psychoactive effects.

By reinforcing a healthy endocannabinoid system, safe, non-addicting CBD may promote mental acuity, improved mood, and a clear mind, among a host of other wellness benefits.

What is CBD derived from?

The cannabis plants used to make CBD products are classified as industrial hemp, with a THC content of less than .3 percent. The 2018 Farm Bill officially identifies industrial hemp as a legal agricultural commodity, and CBD is now legal to grow and distribute in all 50 states.

How does the body metabolize CBD?

In high doses, cannabidiol could affect the way the body metabolizes certain compounds, and therefore may increase the effects of some medications, necessitating an adjustment in dosage.

While dosage will vary based on the individual and desired effect, a 2006 study in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research determined that CBD was generally safe in low to high doses taken by healthy subjects.

Research on CBD’s possible benefits is ongoing, and studies already suggest that the compound may potentially offer considerable relief for a wide variety of common issues.

What is cannabidiol used for?

According to a survey in The Journal of Headache and Pain, chronic pain is the most common reason Americans have tried wellness products derived from cannabis. Persistent issues like inflammation can impact the quality of life and contribute to serious illnesses.

In 2012, the Journal of Experimental Medicine reported that CBD treatment suppressed chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain in lab rats and mice. Other recent studies have also explored CBD’s potential for the treatment of inflammation, high blood pressure, and more.

In 2018, the FDA approved the use of the CBD oil, Epidiolex, to treat two forms of epilepsy. A review by Neurotherapeutics also examines the compound’s potential to offer relief for individuals suffering from a variety of anxiety disorders.

At Relyf, all our hemp plants are grown in the United States and GMO-free. Our full spectrum CBD products are derived through CO2 extraction, allowing us to filter out unnatural substances and maximize the purity of cannabidiol concentration. Every product we deliver has been lab tested by a third party for quality assurance.

If you’d like to learn more about how CBD and its impact on health, you can schedule a 15-minute call with one of our experts! 

Cannabis and Cannabidiol Sources

We legally cannot hyperlink these resources because of the Food and Drug Administration regulations on medical advice but if you're interested in learning more copy and paste the below links into your browser to view.

• https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system-4171855
• https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-pharmacology/cbd-drug-interactions-role-cytochrome-p450
• http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjmbr/v39n4/6164.pdf
• https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-018-0862-2
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3371734/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699411/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21238581
• https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm611046.htm
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/

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