If you get down to a quick “CBD” Google session, you’ll bump into some good 199,000,000+ results of your web search within less than a second. What this (obviously)enormous number indicates it that
A. CBD is quite a buzzword lately
B. The CBD fever is real
C. The CBD market keeps rapidly growing
D. CBD is the cure for everything ()
CBD (Cannabidiol) has created waves of mammoth-scale euphoria globally, and that’s definitely not without some solid reasons. As the ban on marijuana is slowly but surely lifting around the world, more and more people are curious about the possible benefits they can reap through cannabis consumption in many of the possible forms for enjoying the green medication, no matter if it comes to recreational or medical purposes.
However, with the HUGE buzz there comes a major downside: misinformation becomes a big issue. Because of this, regardless of how much we love all things cannabis-related, we cannot skip on sharing what’s on the other side of the coin. And the other side of the coin is actually hiding some quite troublesome truths, which are best to be summed up as “Is CBD really some form of magical all-around cure” More precisely, is ingesting CBD alone enough to provide the much-desired health benefits of cannabis Where does the truth about the healing properties of CBD end, and where does the marketing side of selling as many CBD-based goods as possible begins
Could one spend a small fortune on CBD-based products just to end up realizing that he/she has failed to take the best advantage of treating with Cannabidiol The short answer is YES, and that’s exactly why we have decided to compile this epic, outside-the-box CBD 101 article by sharing the bits of CBD insights that many of the CBD retailers don’t want you to know.
Join us below to find out science backed-up, meaningful information on the health benefits of CBD, as well as intriguing, game-changing bits of advice when it comes to understanding the miracle of whole cannabis plant-based medicinals in order to make the most from treating with Cannabidiol.
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)
For the geeky canna enthusiasts out there, here is how scientists refer to CBD using the chemical formula for this amazing active cannabinoid: C21H30O2.
And while most of us are highly likely to skip on entering a dispensary asking something like “Got anyC21H30O2 ”, we bet that even the newbie cannabis users have learned their most basic CBD lesson by heart: CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
Unlike its super famous relative THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for experiencing the sense of high after consuming marijuana, CBD does not alter one’s cognitive abilities.
However, even though CBD does not induce the same potent psychoactive effects as THC does, it is not 100% accurate to refer to the action of CBD on one’s body and mind as non-psychoactive. The better way to introduce the effects of CBD that have little to do with the mind-bending effects of THC is to state that CBD is non-intoxicating. That’s because, by definition, a psychoactive substance refers to any chemical substance that changes an individual’s mental state. In fact, it might be astonishing to find out that sugar, coffee, and nonetheless, chocolate, are considered psychoactive substances. While none of these substances leads to experiencing the high that comes with cannabis use, all of these have profound out-turn on affecting the pathways through which the brain and the nervous system function.
And so, despite the lack of a mind-altering sense of high induced upon consumption, CBD is a psychoactive substance, for it is capable of improving one’s mood, focus, fighting off stress and combating depression.
The very reason why many have come up to discuss CBD as a non-psychoactive cannabinoid is for the mere purpose of convenience when it comes to explaining the difference between the effects of THC and CBD. As stated above, it is somewhat okay to say that CBD is non-psychoactive yet it is not 100%on-target. But since the science behind the complex ways in which the active compounds in cannabis affect one’s physical and mental state of being is so hard to digest, claiming that CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid has proved to be a well-working, simple way to discern the effects of THC and CBD on the human brain.
As you can see, the misconceptions surrounding CBD start at the very mention of this active cannabinoid’s widely claimed non-psychoactive properties. And while it isn’t really a big, life-threatening deal to claim that CBD is non-psychoactive, this common misconception has become so massively spread, that it starts to blur the thin line between getting to know what CBD really is and how CBD actually works vs. making people purchase more of them CBD-laced cookies and coffee, among many other CBD products, just for the sake of being able to medicate on cannabis minus the high.
Now, the way that we want to introduce the real face of CBD to you sums up in a few accurate words: The available research so far has shown that CBD is a safe substance, as well as a non-addictive substance.
How Does CBD Work
The widely spread misconception of CBD is a non-psychoactive substance is intricately related to the fact that CBD does not bind with the cannabinoid receptors in one’s body in the same way as THC does. Therefore, CBD does not make a person feel intoxicated or “stoned.”
Interestingly, both CBD and THC are found to interact with our bodies in a wide variety of mesmerizing ways.
The major way active cannabinoids impact an individual is by mimicking and further increasing the effects of “endogenous cannabinoids.” Endogenous cannabinoids are named so for a reason, and that’s because of their similarity to the active compounds present in the cannabis plant, which are named phytocannabinoids. It is the phytocannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, as well as CBC, CBG, and CBN, to name a few, that are known to bind with our bodies’ endogenous cannabinoids through the network of cannabinoid receptors found in humans and known as the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS).
It is impossible to learn more about CBD’s potential benefits without understanding the tremendous significance of the endocannabinoid system that each and every one of us possesses (and, in fact, other mammals, including but not limited to cats and dogs, do also possess an endocannabinoid system, which is exactly why the CBD craze has transferred from humans to pets as if by storm).
The discovery of the endocannabinoid system has profoundly impacted our understanding of disease and health, as the major implications of the science behind the way the ECS functions have forever changed and will keep changing nearly every possible area of medical science.
Fast forward to the effects of CBD on humans endogenous cannabinoid system, Cannabidiol does not directly trigger any of the two types of cannabinoid receptors in the body, namely the CB1 and the CB2 receptors. That’s quite an intriguing fact because most phytocannabinoids, including but not limited to THC, are known to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. What’s more, not only phytocannabinoids but endocannabinoids (the lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that are naturally produced by the body and bind to cannabinoid receptors), namely 2-AG and anandamide, are also known to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors.
However, as briefly mentioned above, the phytocannabinoid CBD does not directly trigger either the CB1 or the CB2 receptors. Instead of binding to these receptors, Cannabidiol modifies the CB1 and CB2 receptors’ ability to bind to other cannabinoids. That’s why CBD is known to inhibit the strong psychoactive potency of THC indirectly.
Apart from the fact that CBD does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors but plays its role indirectly, CBD is the key player when it comes to the big picture of the endocannabinoid system. CBD has the amazing ability to influence other types of receptors, while simultaneously being capable of enhancing one’s natural levels of endocannabinoids, which is done by occupying certain enzymes.
CBD Health Benefits: The Untapped Healing Potential of Cannabidiol
The long list of potential health benefits of CBD keeps growing, just like the CBD market does. Thanks to mounting anecdotal accounts from both physicians and patients, as well as the ongoing extensive scientific research on that matter, CBD proves to possess an unlimited potential as an efficient treatment for a very wide array of physical and mental maladies, all of which are neatly listed below.
1. CBD may be an effective treatment for autoimmune diseases, especially when taking into consideration Cannabidiol’s impact on fighting off inflammation (inflammation is the underlying cause of autoimmune diseases). In a similar sense, CBD is believed to be suitable, all-natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.
2. CBD is believed to be extremely helpful for managing metabolite syndrome-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.
3. CBD is pointed out as an extremely successful treatment for a myriad of neurological conditions, such as dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s chorea, and traumatic brain injury.
4. CBD is widely deemed helpful in combating gut disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and colitis.
5. Probably one of the most intriguing therapeutic properties of Cannabidiol is its ability to successfully address neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as ADHD, PTSD, alcoholism, and autism. In a similar sense, CBD has shown to be a mighty ally for helping people quit tobacco smoking.
6. Whether it comes to the treatment of acne, psoriasis, or dermatitis, CBD is widely claimed to soothe skin conditions, being further considered an all-natural, reliable treatment of such conditions in the long run.
7. Research suggests that CBD treatment can be an excellent opportunity for cardiovascular dysfunction sufferers, especially in cases of arrhythmia and atherosclerosis.
8. The ability of active cannabinoids to inhibit the growth of new cancer cells is no secret, as studies have shown that not only CBD but also THC, CBN, CBC, and CBG have the power to inhibit tumor cells’ growth. Not the least, the antibacterial properties of CBD has just recently added yet another superpower to this active cannabinoids’ beneficial effects on the human body.
9. People who have increased levels of anandamide are believed to be less anxious in general, and since CBD is known to inhibit the enzymes that degrade anandamide, it is considered a wonderful anti-anxiety weapon, in a similar way in which it is praised for its ability to promote restful sleep and combat stress.
10. Because of binding with receptors unto which serotonin is known to bind, CBD is believed to potentiate the effects of serotonin, thus, becoming a mighty weapon against depression by improving depressive symptoms thanks to modulating the action of the rest of the active cannabinoids.
CBD and Whole Cannabis Plant Medicinals: The Struggle is Real!
CBD oil products, as well as CBD cannabis flowers that, contain varying levels of THC and CBD have become widely available for smoking, vaping, incorporating into various at-home infusions or through enjoying readily-available CBD topicals, transdermal patches, foods, and beverages, as cannabis dispensaries in states where the herb has become legal for therapeutic use keep growing. Yet with the broad availability and ease of accessibility, finding high-quality CBD products becomes quite challenging.
The response to massive CBD consumer demand has given rise to a HUGE unregulated market that has reached a very critical mass in 2018, further supported by the praise on CBD’s miraculous benefits coming from film stars, athletes, and parents of desperately ill children. Simply put, the list of CBD enthusiasts, advocates, and promoters seems to have no end (like, really, even Martha Stewart doesn’t want to bake a single cake anymore without advertising her line of CBD products).
But what many CBD retailers and entrepreneurs fail to bring out to the broad public is that Cannabidiol should not be treated as a miracle but as a molecule. And as a molecule, CBD has been proven to work best when it comes to treating through whole cannabis plant-based medicinals. Whole plant medicinals refer to products that have been created by using the full spectrum of beneficial active compounds found in the cannabis plants, including other active cannabinoids (even if these active cannabinoids are only present in small amounts), terpenes, and flavonoids, all for the sake of being able to fully reap the healing properties of cannabis thanks to the complex, enchanting ways these active compounds work together in synergy to trigger different cannabinoid receptors in the body by stimulating the ECS directly or indirectly.
In a nutshell, CBD alone may not do the trick, and in fact, will certainly fail to do the trick as efficiently as when combined with other active compounds found in the cannabis plant. What this means is that if a person is about to use CBD to treat inflammation (or just about any other malady), he/she should carefully consider the best way to administer a reliable dose of CBD alongside other active cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC, even in low doses.
There is yet another important factor to consider when trying to find the most effective, safe, and reliable source of CBD, as many hemp-derived CBD products have shown to be mislabeled when it comes to THC to Cannabidiol content. What’s even worse is that many of these products to actually contain only poorly processed CBD Oil, thus, increasing the chances of ingesting toxic solvent residues, artificial flavors and colors, pesticides, and many other possible contaminants.
So, how could one know for sure whether the CBD product he/she treats with is reliable, safe, effective, and possesses the full spectrum of beneficial active compounds abundant in the cannabis plant
Should you possibly stop taking CBD altogether Or should you polish your research skills on finding the best CBD retail company as to be sure about quality control Or maybe you should simply make peace of mind with having to pay more for the sake of being able to enjoy high-grade CBD Oil or CBD products
There is not a single one but three best ways to combat the insecurities, misinformation, disinformation, and nonetheless, the scams plaguing the CBD market.
#1. Make 100% sure to opt for Cannabidiol products purchased only and solely from reputable, reliable, certified CBD commodities producers and/or retailers.
#2. Learn how to prep your very own CBD products using high CBD cannabis flowers of premium quality.
#3. Grow your very own high CBD cannabis strains and save tons of cash, have plenty of fun, learn a whole lot about cannabis plants, all while being 100% sure what gets in contact with your body thanks to the full control over your CBD crop from seed to harvest.
Back to the way CBD affects the endogenous cannabinoid system, we truly feel responsible to re-irritate once again that Cannabidiol alone should not be deemed an all-around remedy.
There is a composite, nexus, absolutely extraordinary network of interconnected reactions that occur when the full spectrum of active compounds present in the cannabis plant work on our endogenous cannabinoid system.
Understanding these mysterious, interrelated reactions is not like solving a math problem where 1+1 =2 but is much more like painting a picture where you get to use a myriad of colors just for the sake of being able to produce the exact lush green hue that resembles the natural beauty of the color green as vividly and as genuinely as possible.
Yes, bud buddies, cannabis does challenge our rather limited abilities to think outside the box, and of being able to apprehend the seemingly non-apprehensible. The science behind cannabis and the science behind Cannabidiol are both equally challenging, as they require us to develop a holistic understanding of health. Being able to think of health holistically means to look beyond the physical plane, and in fact, beyond the mental plane, for health is a sum-up of many different factors which include the well-being of an individual from a spiritual perspective, too.
And now, with a mind to feeding your beautiful spirit and soul with an at-depart dose of CBD enthusiasm and positivity after all that CBD bitter but true misconceptions talk, here’s a short and tidy list of some wonderful CBD cannabis strains you may choose to experiment with, no matter if it comes to vaping, smoking, or using these CBD rich flowers for the preparation of pure, premium quality, homemade CBD Oil, CBD weed tincture, CBD cannabis capsules, or just about any form of CBD-laced DIY foods, beverages, or topicals. Hooray!
1. Cali Kush
This is the strain that you’ll likely come across in most of the well-researched, reliable articles on growing high CBD strains, and that’s for a pretty awesome reason. Cali Kush cannabis strain is one of the most highly CBD potent strains that expert marijuana breeders have given birth to. Topping 20% CBD, and only trace amounts of 1% THC, this is the perfect CBD cannabis flower to enjoy the benefits of full-spectrum CBD treatment minus the high.
Just like the very name of this strain implies, CB Cheese is an autoflowering cannabis variety that is known to finish flowering within 8 weeks, making up for a bountiful CBD harvest of about 150 – 250 grams of cannabis flowers on an average. The 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC promises the best of whole cannabis plant-based methods of consumption and DIY derivatives, thanks to 8% CBD content and 8% THC content. CB Cheese is definitely a wonderful strain for the cannabis connoisseurs of rare marijuana varieties, as it helps to calm the mind and soothe the body into the one of a kind embrace of delectable, guilt- and calories- free cheesy undertones.
3. CB Dream
Featuring delightfully balanced levels of 6% THC to 6% CBD, CB Dream is a true gemstone to indulge in as part of your CBD cannabis journey. It offers the best of whole cannabis plant-based treatment because of the perfectly harmonious levels of CBD to THC, and also because of the 80% Indica genetic inheritance which is to “blame” for the calming, soothing effects of this strain that come alongside the clear-headed, uplifted waves of euphoria and motivation induced by Cannabidiol. CB Dream plants finish flowering within as little as 8 weeks and grow very compact, rarely exceeding 3-4 feet, making them well-suited to tiny cannabis grow spaces, too.
CBD 101: Final Notes
Let’s finish our monumental, insights chock full CBD 101 article by facing the truth (once again and once and for all): it is no longer a matter of debating over whether or not cannabis has merit as an (in)valuable herbal medication. Not anymore. Welcome to the 21st century where the future of cannabis-based green medicine seems brighter than ever!
Today, the key challenge cannabis users, whether it comes to recreational or medical marijuana patients, are faced with is to be able to discern how to utilize cannabis for reaping the maximum therapeutic benefit.
Keeping in mind the low-risk profile of Cannabidiol, many people are now down to using CBD as an all-around, add-on therapy to already existing treatment plans. In the meantime, healthy lifestyle enthusiasts who wish to stay away from the psychoactive effects of THC for whatever reason, are also diving deep down the vicious spiral of using CBD as a miraculous treatment for just about any possible minor concern.
Problems falling asleep CBD can help!
Your boyfriend just dumped you and you’re in deep depression Take CBD!
Got problems at work and feel totally stressed out Why not try CBD
Overweight Psst, here, take some CBD.
Sprinkling our CBD 101 article with a healthy dose of at-depart cannahumor, and a generous drizzle of nothing less but pure love and genuine respect for the green medication, when trying to make your way through the labyrinth of information on Cannabidiol in search for the truth, we want to remind you of an immortal piece of wisdom shared in J.K Rolling’s masterpieceHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by Dumbledore. After a short sigh, Dumbledore shares that the truth is “a beautiful and terrible thing,” and that’s exactly why it should be “treated with great caution.” We wish you a pain-, stress-, and trouble-free journey onto discovering the secrets of CBD for a healthy, happy, and wealthy life in every meaningful way.
