CBD 101

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CBD 

What is CBD? 

CBD is a natural essential oil extracted from the hemp plant. It is one of over a hundred cannabinoids extracted from a strain of industrial-grade hemp which offers a host of benefits. Of at least 120 identified cannabinoids that exist in the hemp plant, CBD makes up about 40 percent of the extract from the hemp plant.

Where does CBD come from? 

Before discussing CBD, itself, let's first explore a brief history of the cannabis plant. While the earliest written record of cannabis use appears in ancient China (~6000 B.C.), the most direct evidence can be found in scripts closer to 2700 B.C. in early editions of the Pen Ts'ao Ching. We see many examples of cannabis being used [by multiple cultures] for its perceived restorative and medicinal properties throughout the ages. Fast-forwarding to more modern times, the use of cannabis-derived medicines began to fade in the early 20th century, thanks to the advance of more modern medicines to treat pain and other common conditions. By the late 1930s and early '40s, the war on cannabis was well underway, and the cultivation of the plant was deemed illegal. 

In 1970, the controlled substances act was passed, making the mere possession of cannabis illegal. The new law listed cannabis (both hemp and marijuana) as a Schedule I substance with 'no medicinal benefits and a high risk of dependence'. Just over a quarter-century later (1996), California legalized cannabis to treat certain medical conditions, despite the federal ban. In the past 40 years, has been an explosion of credible medical research into the benefits of cannabis. CBD itself has quickly gained acceptance around the world as a viable tool for supporting overall wellness. 

While it hasn't stopped scientists from searching for new sources, CBD can be found in its highest concentration and almost exclusively within cannabis. The type of CBD consumers purchases in-store or online is formed when a raw cannabinoid, known as cannabidiol acid (CBDa), is broken down through decarboxylation. 

Decarboxylation happens when CBDa is aged, heated, or both. Exposure to heat, oxygen, and other environmental stressors breaks down the CBDa molecule and changes its structure, resulting in cannabidiol, or CBD.  

 

Today, thanks to consumer adoption and availability of quality products, research into CBD's effects on the human body is nearing a tipping point. Modern technology has provided several new refining and isolating CBD methods, increasing the bioavailability of the cannabinoid through technologies like nanoemulsions, which make CBD water-soluble, thereby increasing its bioavailability. 

 

The difference between CBD and hemp oil?

While CBD and hemp oil both come from hemp, they’re derived from different parts of the plant. If you’re talking about hemp seed oil, that’s made by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant in the same way some sesame or flax oils are produced. And while it’s high in omega-3 and omega-6 fats, hemp seed oil contains no CBD. Hemp oil, on the other hand, is made from the whole hemp plant, including the leaves, stalks, stems, and flowers, using methods that extract the CBD. So, if you’re looking for CBD, check the label: CBD-rich products are generally listed as “hemp oil,” “full-spectrum hemp” or “PCR (phytocannabinoid-rich) hemp oil.”

How does CBD work? 

To understand how CBD works, we must first understand the concept of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).  

CBD, much like its more commonly known cannabinoid cousin THC, interacts with our body in a variety of ways. Its main role is to mimic and augment the effects, of compounds within our bodies called endogenous cannabinoids. These endocannabinoids are part of a homeostatic physiological regulator, in less scientific terms the system keeping everything in the body just right called the ECS. The ECS was technically discovered by accident, by a team of scientists working to understand how THC affects the body, who stumbled upon this important element of human health. 

   

The Endocannabinoid System is a complex system of cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2, TRPV1), endocannabinoid molecules (AEA & 2AG), and metabolic and catabolic enzymes (FAAH & MAGL) that the body depends on for maintaining homeostasis.  

Discovered in the mid-’90s, everything our body experiences, like mood, appetite, digestion, and sleep are all regulated by your Endocannabinoid System. This discovery has led to the advancement of human understanding of health, wellness, and disease. It has major implications for nearly every area of medical science and helps scientists understand how and why THC, and subsequently CBD and other cannabinoids, are such versatile compounds. It is important to note that CBD is merely a molecule, not a magic potion. However, studies have shown that people suffering from general ailments to serious diseases could potentially benefit from legal access to a wide range of cannabis remedies; and not just low-THC or no-THC products. There is compelling evidence showing that CBD alone may not always do the trick and that CBD tends to work best when used in combination with a full spectrum of phytocannabinoids, known as the Entourage Effect.

CBD Myth and Facts 

CBD has is the latest trend and has become the search no1 ingredient by a dermatologist in the skincare industry for its benefits. CBD also has become very popular with celebrities too.   Kim Kardashian West one of the best – know celebrities in the world once said that she loves CBD. She has gone on record multiple times saying that she is obsessed with CBD beauty products. She has even gone so far as to host a CBD - themed baby shower, to help educate her friends and family about what it can do for you. If this is your first time learning about CBD, you have come to the right place. We put together 5 Myth and Facts about CBD, what is it, what we know about it, and how it works. 

MYTH #1: CBD induces high

CBD is not a psychotropic cannabinoid, and it does not get you high or addicted. Instead, CBD helps regulate various cannabinoid receptors and systems throughout the body.

MYTH #2: CBD comes only from hemp 

Hemp is a variety of cannabis that has been cultivated for industrial purposes, such as to source fiber, oil, or seeds. These varieties are to contain only up to 0,2%of THC in Europe. and in the US, the threshold is less than 0.3% THC, 

People believe that CBD oil is exclusively sourced from industrial hemp. But that's not correct. Some manufacturers do use industrial hemp to produce CBD some of them use plant varieties with different classifications.

MYTH #3: CBD is not safe. 

In the year 2017, a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that naturally occurring CBD is safe and well-tolerated in humans and is not associated with any public health risk.

1. "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential."

The World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its banned substances list in the year 2017.  

MYTH #4: All CBD is the same.

CBD is one compound. However, the source and purity of such a compound is critically important factor.  

In nature, CBD does not occur as a single ingredient and is found in plants with hundreds of other components. When extracted, via various extraction techniques, you will all the other cannabinoids. This derivate is called full-spectrum extracts. CBD can be isolated from its original packaging to up to 99.9% pure CBD. This is what CBD isolate in fact, is. The effects behind CBD isolate, and the full extract is different, and each has its pro and cons. The blend of other ingredients in the product is also important to look up for the known benefits of each and make your own picture of it.

FACT #1: CBD WON’T GET YOU HIGH

Earlier, we clarified that CBD acts on the mind and is therefore psychoactive. However, it isn’t intoxicating. Unlike THC, CBD won’t produce any kind of high or euphoria, even in extremely high doses.

However, it’s important to note that some full-spectrum or whole-plant CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC. That’s because THC is a natural compound that is present even in industrial hemp plants. Full-spectrum oils contain the whole profile of chemicals found naturally in hemp, and therefore may contain trace amounts of THC. These concentrations are so low, however, that they won’t be enough to get you high.

FACT #2: The Human Body Produces Cannabinoids. 

Cannabinoid receptors, located throughout the body, are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. 

There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:

CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system

CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells

Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. 

FACT #3: CBD may prevent endocannabinoids from being broken down. 

Most cannabinoids can bind to both types of receptors — CB1 & CB2. This is true for both the endocannabinoids — anandamide & 2-AG — and for phytocannabinoids like THC.

However, the phytocannabinoid CBD doesn’t directly trigger either receptor. Instead, it modifies the receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids. Additionally, CBD plays a larger role in the endocannabinoid system: influencing other types of receptors, while also enhancing your natural levels of endocannabinoids by occupying certain enzymes. While the details of how it works are still under debate, research suggests that CBD can help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with multiple conditions.

FACT #4: CBD IS LEGAL IN MANY COUNTRIES

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the legality of CBD supplements. And while the law regarding these products obviously varies from country to country, many places allow the legal sale of CBD supplements, so long as they contain only trace amounts of THC.

For example, CBD is legal in many European countries, New Zealand, the UK, Uruguay, Canada, and more. In the US, CBD is legal federally if it is derived from hemp, i.e. cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC.

FACT #5: CBD HAS REAL HEALTH BENEFITS

There’s been a lot of research into cannabinoid therapy lately. And it’s true; cannabis compounds like CBD have real health benefits. That’s because the endocannabinoid system helps regulate a lot of bodily processes, including everything from pain to the formation of memories. So far, research suggests that CBD may relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress, pain, and inflammation, improve sleep, help with skin disease, and much more. It’s important to note that the research in this field is still ongoing and there is a lot we don’t know about cannabinoids and how they work.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.