What’s CBD oil
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that belongs to a crucial group known as cannabinoids. The compounds simulate those produced in the body’s endocannabinoid system (endocannabinoids). CBD is a phytocannabinoid (plant cannabinoid).
In the recent past, the compound is becoming a household name. Many people are now using CBD oil-infused products for their health and wellness. Web searches for CBD oil hit a 160% increment between 2017 and 2018. This is up from the 125.9% experienced in the previous year.
So you may ask what exactly CBD is. Be ready for the three questions that every newbie will ask about CBD to understand it even better.
Where does CBD come from?
Plant cannabinoids like CBD are extracted from the cannabis plant. Mostly, it is derived from the hemp variety of cannabis plants. And there is a reason for that.
The other cannabis variety is marijuana, which is notorious for high THC (cannabinoid found along with CBD) amounts. It is the THC that causes psychotropic effects when you use cannabis plants. However, in low concentrations like in hemp (less than 0.3% THC), the THC will not give users of the CBD a high.
So you’re saying that CBD has some THC in it? During the extraction of CBD, three spectrums arise.
- Full-spectrum CBD oil- has all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, THC included. It is a favorite for those craving for more powerful effects of the CBD oil in what’s termed as the entourage effect.
- Broad-spectrum CBD- It is a solution to those who do a regular screening for THC yet need the benefits of CBD oil and the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to the full spectrum only that the THC is excluded.
- CBD distillate- This is 99% pure CBD extract. It is free from all impurities and any other compounds that may be found in the cannabis plant. Mostly CBD distillates are used to add potency to the other spectrums.
Does CBD really do anything?
Yes, CBD has something vital for us and even pets. Cannabinoids are compounds that can interact with their respective receptors in our body system. This is how CBD works.
It all happens in the endocannabinoid system made up of endogenous cannabinoids, receptors, and hormones. The ECS’s core function is to signal for homeostatic processes that will ensure the optimal functioning of all other body systems. How does it happen?
Whenever there is a need for homeostasis, take the case of pain, endocannabinoids are produced. They are then transported to their receptors. Once they interact with the receptors, the process of homeostasis is stimulated to start. You may wonder where the plant cannabinoids come in.
Endocannabinoids are formed immediately when the need arises. So they are not stored awaiting use in the body like fats. At times the body’s synthesized cannabinoids fall short of the required function. This is the time that CBD can be used as a supplement.
What is CBD used for?
Now that you understand how CBD works, here are the benefits of using the supplement.
- Cannabidiol can help curb stress and anxiety and enhance how our brains interact with the serotonin hormone that’s meant to keep us happy and calm.
- Nourishes and helps with clearing some skin conditions- the compound acts on receptors found below the skin. It is known to help clear acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. What’s even more, the oil-rich CBD helps to preserve skin moisture.
- Stops insomnia- If you can’t sleep due to discomfort in your gut or a wandering mind, CBD helps to solve such problems. A small dose will help you sleep deeper and longer.
- A potent pain reliever- Many people use CBD for pain and inflammation today. The compound works for chronic pain and inflammation or muscle injuries.
- Cannabidiol may stop the frequency of seizures. The compound has been approved by the FDA to help treat some rare cases of epilepsy.
Can CBD make you high?
No, CBD will not make you get a high that makes many people fear cannabis products. What causes the high is when the THC amounts are more than 0.3%. So will using CBD make me fail a drug test? A second sold NO. THC free CBD is not screened in a drug test so that you won’t fail.