What is CBD Oil? Everything you need to know
What Is CBD Oil? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Its Benefits
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in relative abundance in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Research suggests it may help support a variety of health conditions, including anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, and chronic pain.
CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it will not make you ‘high’ and is not addictive. While there are potential side effects to CBD use, these are rare and typically mild, usually caused by taking too much.
For centuries, the hemp plant has been considered a botanical powerhouse due to its medicinal properties. Despite being somewhat overlooked in the modern medicinal era, recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in the plant and its therapeutic potential.
The popularity of hemp as a natural remedy is owed to the numerous compounds found within the plant—one of which is a cannabinoid known as cannabidiol, or CBD.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of about 140 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). It is the main active ingredient in hemp-based products, including CBD oils, snacks, topicals, capsules, and vapes.
CBD has been used by humans for thousands of years for its various therapeutic properties. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main intoxicating compound in cannabis, CBD is non-intoxicating, so it does not make the user ‘high’ or cause addiction, making it completely safe for consumption.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an intricate cell-signaling network found throughout the body. This system regulates many vital functions, including sleep, mood, pain, appetite, and memory, and helps to maintain a steady state of equilibrium (or “homeostasis”) within the body.
The ECS consists of three key components:
Endocannabinoids: Molecules produced by the body that regulate many functions. They bind to cannabinoid receptors to signal when the ECS needs to take action.
Cannabinoid Receptors: The main receptors are CB1 (found in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 (found in the immune system and peripheral organs).
Enzymes: Enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they’ve completed their function.
How Does CBD Interact with the ECS?
CBD does not bind directly to ECS receptors, but it influences the system by blocking enzymes that would otherwise break down endocannabinoids, like anandamide. This increases the presence of these molecules and enhances their effect on the body.
When CBD is consumed with THC, the presence of endocannabinoids like anandamide can counteract THC’s intoxicating effects, helping prevent the ‘high’ that THC typically causes.
The History of CBD
Hemp originated in Central Asia and spread throughout the world by 1,200 BC. At first, it was mainly valued for its medicinal benefits. The compound CBD was first isolated in the 1940s by Roger Adams. While initially, THC was the focus of research, CBD soon gained recognition for its potential health benefits.
Research on CBD’s therapeutic uses accelerated after important discoveries in the 1980s, especially regarding its potential for supporting people with epilepsy. By 2007, hemp cultivation licenses had been granted in parts of the United States, and the 2018 Farm Bill authorized the farming of hemp-derived CBD, opening up further research and commercialization.
What Is CBD Made From?
Hemp and marijuana are two varieties of the cannabis plant. While both belong to the same species, they differ significantly in their chemical properties.
Hemp: This non-intoxicating variant of cannabis is grown for industrial and agricultural purposes and is rich in CBD, containing only trace amounts of THC.
Marijuana: This variety contains high levels of THC, the compound responsible for creating a ‘high’.
CBD oil can be made from both hemp and marijuana, but hemp-derived CBD typically has very low levels of THC (below 0.3%), which is legal in many countries.
What Is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike CBD, THC is intoxicating and is responsible for the ‘high’ usually associated with cannabis use.
THC works by affecting the brain’s dopamine release, creating feelings of euphoria. In contrast, CBD has no such intoxicating effects, making it a preferred option for those seeking therapeutic benefits without the risk of impairment.
Does CBD Make You High?
No. CBD is 100% non-intoxicating, which means it does not produce any euphoric feelings or impair cognitive function, unlike THC. Studies have shown that CBD does not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or cognitive functioning in the same way THC does.
Is CBD Addictive?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not create feelings of euphoria or addiction. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that CBD is not associated with abuse potential, and early research suggests it may even help reduce the likelihood of addiction to substances like methamphetamine and cocaine.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is legal in many countries around the world, although laws regarding its THC content can vary. In the UK, any cannabis-derived product with 0.2% THC or less is considered legal for consumption.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
CBD itself is not illegal and should not cause you to fail a drug test, assuming the product you use contains only trace amounts of THC (below 0.3%). It’s important to purchase CBD products from reputable sources that provide lab results to ensure that THC levels are non-detectable.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
CBD’s effects typically last between 2 and 6 hours. However, it can stay in your system for 3 to 5 days, depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and the method of consumption. CBD’s half-life can also be extended by taking it with a fat source or by taking larger doses.
The Difference Between CBD Oil and Hemp Oil
Although the terms “CBD oil” and “hemp oil” are often used interchangeably, they differ in terms of their origin and composition.
CBD Oil: Extracted from various parts of the cannabis plant, CBD oil contains a higher concentration of cannabidiol and may include other compounds.
Hemp Oil: Typically derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, hemp oil contains little to no CBD and is primarily used for its nutritional benefits, including Omega-3 fatty acids.
The Potential Benefits of CBD
CBD is being studied for its potential to address a variety of health concerns. Here are some of the most common benefits reported by users:
Stress & Anxiety: CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in both humans and animals.
Inflammation & Pain: CBD may help support health conditions such as chronic pain and inflammation.
Sleep: CBD has shown promise in promoting restful sleep by regulating adenosine levels and interacting with the brain’s GABA and serotonin receptors.
CBD Oil Dosage
There is no standardized dosage for CBD, as it depends on various factors like body weight, health condition, and product concentration. A general guideline is to start with a low dose (around 2 mg) and increase gradually to find what works best for you. The FDA recommends a maximum daily CBD dose of 70mg.
Conclusion
CBD oil offers numerous potential health benefits, from reducing anxiety to promoting better sleep. It’s important to start with a low dose and consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your routine. By choosing high-quality products, you can experience the therapeutic effects of CBD safely and effectively. Read more about CBD Oil Newcastle
