Ah, CBD: the cannabinoid that everybody is talking about but no one really cares to explain. That’s why Luna Cultivation here. Today, we’re providing you with the ultimate guide to CBD. From what it is to how it works and even the different products you might come across, we’re covering it all.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll practically be an expert on all things CBD. Do keep in mind that CBD is a substance that is still relatively new to the scientific world. The more research conducted, the more we’ll get to understand this complex cannabinoid.
What is CBD and Where Does It Come From?
It’s important to start with the basics. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a non-psychoactive chemical compound, or cannabinoid, derived from cannabis plants. The cannabis itself contains at least 100 known cannabinoids, each one performing different roles within the plant. CBD does not have any intoxicating properties and is widely celebrated for its therapeutic values.
You can find CBD in the cannabis plant genus, both in marijuana and hemp. The hemp plant contains much higher CBD levels than the marijuana plant tends to have, but this is wholly dependent on the strain that’s grown.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by pairing with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system that lets us know when something is wrong. For example, if your body isn’t releasing the serotonin levels that it needs, certain endocannabinoids will pair to receptors in the brain, letting the body know that this molecule should be produced.
CBD, then, acts like an endocannabinoid in the body. It moves around letting certain areas know when things are lacking, what needs to be produced, and how much. While CBD itself doesn’t actually produce these hormones or molecules, it helps the body do it naturally. This kind of organic boost has been transformative within the medical community, as it has presented therapeutic values that only the most manufactured, unnatural supplements had been able to do previously.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is responsible for so many different biological functions. In fact, scientists still are unsure as to the whole scope of the ECS; this system was only discovered in the late 90s. Thus far, it seems as though the ECS helps to regulate functions like mood, appetite, muscle formation, chronic pain, memory, mood, stress, and so much more. That being said, it appears that CBD can help regulate those functions, too.
What Are CBD’s Most Common Benefits?
The therapeutic value of CBD is one that’s highly debated. In general, CBD works differently for every person. Just as you react to medications differently as someone else might, CBD is the same way. However, there are a handful of benefits that most consumers report feeling, only to varying degrees.
Primarily, people tend to CBD to achieve a sense of inner calm that’s difficult to achieve nowadays. We live in such a high-stress society, we’re all looking for ways that can make us feel even a little bit calmer, and CBD can do that for so many. With CBD’s ability to work with your body’s stress hormones, bliss molecules, and inflammation, managing overall stress and discomfort levels becomes a lot easier. Thus, full-body feelings of relaxation are common.
CBD’s also widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This can do wonders for those living with chronic pain. By tweaking pain perception and lowering levels of inflammation, CBD is able to significantly reduce pain levels for so many consumers. Whether it’s chronic pain in the back, head, or all over, cannabidiol has shown serious promise.
It is important to stress that the only thing that CBD has been medically cleared to help treat is epilepsy. The FDA has approved one drug containing CBD and that is one for severe epilepsy disorders only; however, there is a good chance this will change with time. For things like anxiety and chronic pain, the FDA simply needs to see more proof of support from CBD. Once these facts and figures become more solidified, there’s a large chance you’ll be able to turn to CBD for a myriad of conditions.
Different CBD Extracts & Products
Finally, let’s talk about the different types of CBD extracts there are on the market, as well as what products you might come across.
When buying CBD, you’ll notice that products are made with different extracts. These extracts refer to the cannabinoid-containing oils that have been isolated from the cannabis plant itself, and they are then added into other products to craft effects without any plant matter. You’ll find that your products come in one of three extract options: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD extract refers to a “full-plant” extract. Essentially, manufacturers have extracted full-plant components from the plant material, including various cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Having different cannabinoids alongside cannabis terpenes, as full-spectrum extract embraces, allows for the fullest, most potent results.
If you don’t want any THC in your CBD products, you can opt for broad-spectrum extracts instead. Broad-spectrum includes a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes except for THC.
For those who want CBD and only CBD, CBD isolates will be your best option. These extracts are pure, 99% CBD and don’t contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes, or compounds.
You’ll find these extracts in any CBD products you try, from CBD tinctures to topicals and vapes. CBD tinctures refer to bottles of extracted CBD oil mixed with a carrier oil that you place either under the tongue or into your food or drink. Topicals, on the other hand, aren’t meant to be consumed, but rather applied to and absorbed into your skin for results. While tinctures are best for full-body relaxation, topicals are ideal for concentrated relief.
Finding Your Perfect CBD Product
We know, that was a lot of information all at once. But, we promise, the more familiar you get with CBD, the better. This is a substance that is only going to continue to grow in popularity as more and more people begin to discover the benefits behind this natural plant derivative.
Though it may take some time to find, the perfect CBD product for you is out there. Whether you’re hoping to relieve the pain in your neck or the intense stress on your shoulders, cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that’s here to help. (And so are we.)