CBD 101
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol which is a chemical compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant, more commonly known as marijuana or hemp.
CBD is a natural substance that is used in many products such as oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calmness. Opposed to what you may think, CBD is not a psychoactive material and will not cause you to get high or hallucinate like THC. The Cannabis Sativa plant consists of two main compounds: CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive portion while THC will cause you to feel euphoric effects. Normally, CBD will not cause any kind of altered feeling besides relief in stress, anxiety and pain. According to Dr. June Chin (a leading integrative cannabinoid medicine physician), about 5% of people say they feel a “high” effect after consuming CBD. These are usually the same people that report similar effects after intaking various painkillers such as Advil or Tylenol.
Just like any other supplement or medicine, you never know how your body may react. We recommend you advise with a health specialist and do so safely with someone you trust.
What is the difference between HEMP and CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol and is just one of over a hundred different cannabinoids that are found in the hemp plant. While CBD is extremely beneficial and can prove helpful with overall wellness, there are many other cannabinoids that are found in hemp-derived products. Studies have found that when additional cannabinoids are found in a product and are ingested all together, the effects on the body are enhanced and they provide more support to our health. While taking a CBD isolate product can be helpful, using a broad or full spectrum hemp extract might prove even better, depending on the health goals you wish to achieve.
What are the different kinds of hemp extract?
The terms “Broad Spectrum”, “Full Spectrum” and “Isolate” describe the amount of cannabinoids in a hemp product. Isolates only have one specific cannabinoid in them, for example CBD or CBG isolates. Full Spectrum products have all 100+ cannabinoids in them, including THC in a very low concentration (maximum 0.3% by law in every CBD product) and Broad Spectrum products have the majority of the cannabinoids in them, usually without any THC whatsoever. Both full and broad spectrum consist of terpenes, fatty acids and flavonoids.
Hemp-derived CBD products, whether they be full or broad spectrum, may only contain up to 0.3% THC. When the concentration is that low, your mental state will not be altered and you will not feel a psychoactive effect. THC, just like all the other cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBC and more), has its own benefits and can truly help you to deal with certain problems such as sleep apnea, inflammation and nausea.
When searching for a CBD product for the first time, it is crucial you ask if it is full or broad spectrum in order to ensure you will be receiving the correct product for the issues you may be experiencing. For instance, if you are suffering from stress and anxiety - full spectrum may not be the best option for you. Always consult with a health specialist and a CBD consultant to find out which product best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget.
How does CBD and hemp even work?
Your body is born with an Endocannabinoid System which is built out of receptors placed all over your body. These receptors are activated once cannabinoids enter your body and they communicate with many other parts and systems in your body such as the blood system, nervous system, immune system, digestive system and more. It is self-regulating and when properly functioning, helps administer health and wellness throughout your body. You can trust CBD products to work well for you because your body is practically wired for it from birth. Just like food is digested and provides you with energy, CBD is received in the endocannabinoid system and helps regulate wellness benefits.
What are the benefits of using CBD?
Beyond supporting your body’s overall wellness, CBD and many other cannabinoids have more specific benefits for you to enjoy.
- Sense of calmness that aids when needing to focus.
- Relief from stress and anxiety.
- Help in recovery from exercise-induced inflammation.
- Assists in improving sleep cycles.
- Improves blood circulation and metabolism.
- Balances hormonal activity.
- Enhances natural bodily functions.
- Reduces seizures, anxiety attacks and muscle spasms.
- Can be useful when fighting cancer.
- Aids in treating glaucoma, diabetes, arthritis and depression.