Typically, when people hear the word “cannabis”, they immediately rush to associate it with intoxication and irresponsible behaviour. However, studies done on cannabis have uncovered some interesting facts. The plant is composed of numerous molecules, and not all of them carry psycho-active effects. CBD (cannabidiol) and TCH (Tetrahydrocannabinol) are among the most widely studied of these molecules. These molecules are almost structurally similar, but their consumption yields totally different results. THC is the one responsible for the high associated with marijuana intake, while CBD offers calm beneficial health and wellness effects. THC, its fellow chemical, is considered to be highly psychoactive. All CBD products available for public consumption can legally contain only small traces of THC. In the majority of countries that allow its production, the law regulations restrict the amount of THC per package to 0.2% to 0.3%. Most producers offer fully THC-free products.

All CBD products available for public use are sourced from industrial hemp. Other types of cannabis Sativa, such as medical marijuana, is restricted to be used for this purpose, as it contains high amounts of psychoactive TНС.

How does CBD work?

All cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with certain receptors in the endocannabinoid system and other receptors outside of it as well. This system possesses two main types of receptors, CB1 and CB2.

THC attaches to CB1 receptors that are mostly located in the brain. The receptors affect coordination, emotions, movement, and mood. Previously, some researchers believed that CBD attaches to CB2 receptors, most commonly located in the immune system. CB2 receptors affect inflammation and pain. However, the latest studies have confirmed that CBD does not attach directly to either CB2 receptors or CB1 receptors. Instead, CBD stimulates both the receptors indirectly and prevents them from binding with other cannabinoids, such as THC. Also, CBD activates TRPV1 receptors that control such important functions as pain perception, body temperature, and inflammation. Furthermore, CBD increases the amount of anandamide, the so-called “bliss molecule” that stimulates the neural generation of motivation and pleasure. 

Is it safe to consume CBD products?

When deciding to start using CBD products, be sure to buy from reliable brands that can provide information on the lab tests of their products. There’s no exact way to tell what is an exact dosage for daily consumption, as it mostly depends on underlying conditions of every individual. Therefore, we advise you to contact your doctor and calculate the approximate dosage and adjust the amount after some time.

Does CBD cause allergies?

Hemp plants contain about 400 organic compounds. These include alcohols, amino acids, aldehydes, alkanes, chlorophyll, glycosides, phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and others. Though unlikely, it is possible that some people can develop allergic reactions to some of the above-mentioned compounds. However, most of these are also found in a lot of foods and cosmetics as well, so they will not be anything totally new to your system.

How will CBD make me feel?

CBD oil, the most used form, is non-intoxicating and will not cause any euphoric effects, but how using CBD oil makes you feel can vary from person to person. Some consumers have reported an awakening effect after using the product while others have said they experience a heightened sense of calm. Others have shared that they don’t notice any sensations immediately after using CBD oil, but that with regular use the effects of CBD oil are apparent in how they feel each day. 

A person may notice certain natural effects of CBD oil as it begins to incorporate the product into your daily health routine. The results of a more stimulated and well-operating endocannabinoid system may be evident in feeling better throughout the day, getting more restful sleep at night, and greater functional performance overall. 

By positively affecting the endocannabinoid system, CBD promotes overall health and wellness in people young and old. Consumers can even find CBD for pets that are specifically formulated to safely allow your pets to experience the natural benefits of CBD. 

The balancing benefits of CBD oil apply to everyone, no matter whether you’re facing challenging issues or are at the peak of good health. People of all ages can benefit from supporting the endocannabinoid system, even competitive athletes looking to naturally facilitate recovery and encourage better performance. 

What form do CBD products come in? 

The cannabis marking is ever-growing, making it more and more competitive for the industry players. The most conventional and universal product infused with this compound is CBD oil that comes in all kinds of flavours, ranging from natural to menthol or lavender, depending on the purpose of the product. The oil is followed by CBD capsules that are no less popular and carry the same CBD oil but encapsulated in a softgel form for easier dosing and transporting. The main difference between a CBD oil and a CBD capsule is the onset time of the compound to be activated in the user’s body. When CBD is taken sublingually, it reaches the bloodstream almost immediately, whereas capsules require to go through the digestion process first before the oil is released into the bloodstream. The next product type in terms of popularity and effectiveness is vape juice or vape oil, used with a vaporiser device. It allows CBD to be inhaled and activated instantly, similarly to the sublingual use. Last, but not least, there is a whole world of topical CBD products such as balms, creams, massage oils, patches and all kinds of masks and serums. CBD works slightly differently when applied topically, but it can do wonders for targeting the sources of pain or enhancing the condition of one’s skin. When choosing what product to use, the consumer must first identify the reason for trying CBD and what effects he or she is hoping to experience. 

What are the main CBD applications in complimenting medical treatment?

An interesting fact is that both CBD and THC molecules appear to be a part of our body system. These two chemicals constitute a so-called endocannabinoid system that regulates the work of cannabis-alike neurotransmitters. On a chemical level, they trigger CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are presented throughout all our body parts. It is known that the endocannabinoid system plays an important part in the work of our immune system, metabolism and cognitive functions. 

While many headlines may convince you that CBD sold in oils, edibles, tinctures, creams, capsules can cure anything, there are really just a handful of conditions that scientific studies suggest it can treat.

So, let’s see what are these use-cases.

• Pain relief

Pain sensation is considered to be a consequence of an inflammatory process inside the body. When this process continues for a long time, it becomes chronic. The release of free radicals destroys body tissues and results in oxidative stress. And as a result of the body starts to develop different diseases. Proper CBD consumption has been proved to be an effective way of treating chronic inflammations and help to fight diseases caused by it.

• Arthritis

Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. As per a research conducted in the US, it is a leading cause of disability in the country and affects 50 million of its citizens. The pharmaceutical industry does not have so much to offer to such patients. Arthritis attacks a person’s immune system and causes inflammation in joints. It may develop in both male and female at any age, but the biggest threat is faced by women aged between 50-75.

There are two types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, which commonly affects the hands and feet and leads to painful and swollen joints. And the second type is called Osteoarthritis. It affects the hip, knee and thumb joints.

And here CBD has shown to be helpful in reducing inflammation and therefore it might be used as an addition to various pain-relieving treatments.

• Anxiety and depression

As per statistics, more than half of CBD users buy it to weaken Social Anxiety Disorder symptoms. A study published in a Journal of the American Society for Experimental Neuro Therapeutics found that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely.

• Diabetes

A number of studies have suggested that CBD consumption could be beneficial in improving outcomes for people with diabetes. It has been shown that people who use CBD have lower fasting insulin levels and measures of insulin resistance.

• Neurological disorders

CBD has been proved to encourage the growth of new neurons. It means it can limit the progression of neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease. A recent study of pediatric epilepsy confirmed CBD to be effective at reducing the number of seizures in people with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.

• Symptoms after cancer treatment

Combination of CBD consumption and traditional cancer treatments have shown to give a good result when working in synergy. The most common symptoms that appear after chemotherapy and radiation, such as nausea and vomiting, become less severe and in some cases even disappear. A recently conducted research by the American Cancer Society has shown that CBD may slow the growth of cancer cells.

•  Addiction

CBD has also shown a lot of promise in fighting addiction to opioids, cocaine, alcohol and tobacco.

•  Acne and other skin issues

CBD can be a potent anti-acne agent, likely because of its anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found CBD is useful for reducing inflammation associated with eczema and psoriasis.