What Is CBD?
CBD is a derived product from the Cannabis Plant. It is a type of cannabinoids that naturally forms as cannabinoid acid in the Cannabis Plant. The grower will harvest the female hemp bud and process it to produce a fat-soluble liquid that can be used in any number of delivery methods. Typically there are over 120+ different cannabinoids. However, only 2 are used for human consumption, CBD and THC. CBD is the non-psychoactive cousin to THC. CBD is primarily produced from Hemp. Hemp was recently allowed to be grown commercially like all other agricultural commodities like corn or wheat.
How Does It Interact With The Body?
Cannabinoids, in general, including CBD and THC, interact with the body in the endocannabinoid system, which is the part of the brain that controls stress, sleep, pain, hunger, metabolism, and such. Your body creates natural endocannabinoids that bond with the receptors, CB1 and CB2 in the system. This bonding is critical in how the body knows what to do for the different internal systems.
When cannabinoids are introduced in the form of THC or CBD then those cannabinoids are preferentially used instead of the natural endocannabinoids. Since THC and CBD are not exactly like the internally produced varieties, there are slight alterations to how THC and CBD bond with the receptors. It is not fully clear why THC and CBD do what they do.
What Is It Used For?
CBD is used for any number of ailments. The use of CBD has been linked to many different benefits. However, anecdotal stories of success are no substitute for medical science. If you are looking to start a CBD regiment it is advisable that you consult a trained and professional medical doctor. Some of these linkages show improvement in chronic pain. Benefits to persistent depression, stress, and anxiety are common. Further, there are promising studies on the benefits to seizures.
Are The Benefits Guaranteed?
These benefits are not guaranteed. The use of CBD is not regulated by the FDA or any other federal agencies. If you choose to start taking CBD you may have great success or nothing at all. However, it is important to note that you should start low and slow. This means that you should go for a dose that is small and slowly increase it over time. Be clear with yourself on the effects that you are looking for and be honest if you think that there are any negative effects.
What Should I Look For?
Always shop at a dispensary that is trusted and buy brands that are highly reputable. You need to make sure that there are no ingredients that are unusual and that all of the ingredients are listed. A trusted company will have the correct volume of CBD in the product as labeled on the package. Because you don’t know how the CBD will react in your system it is best to take it slow. If you are taking any medications it is even more important that you are careful.