What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 active cannabinoids that can be extracted from cannabis. CBD is a major chemical constituent of hemp, making up to 40% of its extracts.
When talking about CBD, it makes sense to look at THC, too. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabino to give its catchy title, causes the psychoactive high in marijuana.
CBD, on the other hand, does not lead to euphoria or intoxication. It does not act on the receptors in the brain (CB1 receptors, FYI) in the same way as THC. This means that it’s non psychoactive. It can even help mitigate the effects of THC on the brain. Often used in medication, CBD is more likely to bind to receptors in the immune system (CB2 receptors).
CBD and the Law
Whether or not CBD is legal depends partly on whether it was derived from medical marijuana or industrial hemp. While both of these are types of cannabis, growers cultivate marijuana for different purposes. This is significant, and each comes with a different legal status.
When cannabidiol is extracted from medical marijuana plants, it has varying THC levels. Depending on how marijuana is grown, it typically contains between 5 and 20% THC. Due to the THC content, this CBD becomes subject to strict legal enforcement. You can grow marijuana for medical purposes in about half the US states, but you’ll need to be state licensed. Users will need a prescription from a doctor.
Contrast this with CBD that has been produced from industrial hemp. Hemp is industrially manufactured to produce fibers and oils and it contains less than 0.3% THC. Like hemp oil, you can buy these CBD products anywhere in the US. Personal consumption is not restricted, because these CBD products are virtually free of psychoactive THC. The FDA considers them dietary supplements rather than medications.
When it comes to cultivating hemp in the US, you’ll need a DEA permit. It’s not easy to get one of these, because growing cannabis entails producing marijuana as well as hemp. You could import your hemp, but even a trace amount of THC makes the crop illegal.
You may have heard of products described as CBD-rich or CBD dominant. These are not the same thing. If it’s CBD-rich, you can expect it to have either equal amounts of CBD and THC, or more CBD than THC. CBD-dominant, however, refers to strains or products that are rich in CBD but have very low THC content.
How Could You Use CBD?
If there’s no high, then what[s the point of CBD? The answer is that it can be effective as a medication for various ailments and conditions, particularly as one component of a health care plan. Research is still being carried out, but here are just a few of the areas where CBD could make a difference.
CBD for Pain relief
Not only is relieving pain worthwhile all by itself, but chronic pain can lead to other conditions, including depression.
For those suffering from back pain, arthritis, nerve damage, and many other causes of pain, CBD could be the answer to reducing pain and getting on with living.
CBD for mental disorders
CBD can help people with mental disorders to relax. Like pain relief, helping these people to relax can have numerous side benefits. It can make them better able to deal with their symptoms.
We shouldn’t ignore traditional treatments, but CBD could help people with the following issues and more:
- ADHD
- Anxiety and stress
- Bi-polar disorder
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
CBD may also slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Research is ongoing into all that CBD can do. The suggestions are that it can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. With CBD, patients may be able to live a longer life with more clarity.
CBD is excellent for relieving stomach related issues.
CBD is great at combating nausea and pain. This might make it attractive to anyone suffering from stomach problems, including but not limited to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
CBD can help combat addiction.
Today in the US, opiate addiction, and subsequent overdose is massive problem across the nation. CBD has the potential to ease the suffering of people going through withdrawal. It would combat the nausea, the pain, and the mental anguish.
The Future of CBD
These are just a few of the potential areas where CBD can have medical benefits. The list keeps on growing. It may even help prevent seizures and CBD has been used as a treatment for children with epilepsy.
Continuing research is great news for people all around the world, who may gain access to another substance that can ease their discomfort and improve their quality of life.
For more information and to pick up the best CBD infused products, stop by The Spot 420 Colorado dispensaries today!
