Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a phytocannabinoid (cannabinoid or compound) and is one of the key ingredients found in the cannabis plant; it accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning you won’t get ‘high’ or in a euphoric state.
Many studies and researches have been done on CBD in the past several years. In 2018 a clinical research included preliminary studies of anxiety, cognition, movement disorders and pain.
CBD has been shown to provide positive effects on both body and mind. It helps manage chronic pain along with some other conditions such as:
Cancer, Inflammation reduction, Aiding in cessation of smoking or harmful drug use, Epilepsy, Chronic anxiety and other mental health disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Type 1 diabetes, Acne, Insomnia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
*It is advised, to err on the side of caution, to avoid the use of CBD and CBD products during and after pregnancy. However, I have spoken to several women who have claimed they have used CBD during and after pregnancy with no effects that they could determine.
CBD can be taken in several ways:
Inhalation (smoke or vapor)
Aerosol spray, orally
As an oil
Hemp oil
Capsules
Topicals
Isolate
Edibles (very popular)
HOW DOES CBD WORK
Our bodies have natural cannabinoid receptors, found throughout the body, that work with the endocannabinoid system (neurotransmitters or chemical messengers – the way our cells communicate with each other) that bind to the cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout our body and are part of the endocannabinoid system – CB1 Receptors (highly concentrated in the brain and nervous system as well as our sense organs, moods, emotions, pain and appetite) and CB2 Receptors (found in the peripheral tissues and cells of the immune system and affect inflammation and pain). While CBD does not directly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, they are the signalling pathways for our anxiety, stress, pain and inflammatory responses and affects their ability to bind to cannabinoids.
Expert Opinion
Sanjay Gupta is an American neurosurgeon and medical reporter. He serves as associate chief of the neurosurgery service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and as assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. Here he explains what CBD is and how it is used medicinally.
For more information, Download our CBD GUIDE. Topics covered include:
- Basic Information on CBD
- Frequently Asked Questions
- CBD and Your Body
- Research Studies
- How to Administer CBD
- Getting Started
HOW TO CHOOSE A QUALITY CBD PRODUCT
(1) Research the vendor’s production methods. It is best to look for products derived from the ethanol or CO2 extraction method.
(2) Know where your hemp (CBD source) comes from. In the US, for example, farmers are required to get certification from state departments of agriculture.
(3) Buy organic products to avoid the risk of foreign chemicals.
(4) Note how much THC is in the CBD oil and make sure it does not exceed the recommended 0.3 percent.
(4) Make sure manufacturer uses the whole plant or Full Spectrum (should be on the label) – this means the CBD not only contains Cannabinol, but trace amounts of other cannabinoids, 30+ terpenes, flavonoids, glycerides, amino acids, and Omega fatty acids.
(5) A reputable company will provide recent third party lab testing results.
(7) Ensure CBD products have high bioavailability (this means the proportion of the CBD which enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect).
(8) No GMO. You don’t want additives in your CBD products and all flavours should be all-natural such as essential oils. Another thing to look for is gluten-free or other potential allergens.
(9) Always choose a company that provides great customer support. If they don’t have an immediate answer or if it is not on their website, they should get any information you request.
DISCLAIMERS
FDA Disclaimer. The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.