CBD Basics And The Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol (CBD) is popping up everywhere. The hemp-based cannabinoid is being formulated into an ever-growing list of health and wellness products. CBD oil is common, but the beneficial compound can be found in skin creams, coffee, vape products, capsules, and even jelly beans. Its popularity has made it hard to watch the news or read a newspaper without stumbling upon more information about this miracle molecule. So, for those of you who have had your fill of reading about the wonders of CBD, carry on with your lives. But for those who are wondering what all the hype is about, this article is for you.
You likely have many questions, especially if you are new to all this. What is CBD? Is it the same as marijuana? Why is it such an overnight sensation? Does it even work? For the next few minutes, we’re going to take a look at all these queries and sort things out for you, so let’s get to it.
What Is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol and it is one of many helpful compounds in the cannabis plant—over 100 to be exact. It can be found in both marijuana and hemp.
Even though both species of plants are classified as cannabis, an important distinction lies in the fact that THC remains federally illegal (in most instances) while CBD does not. That is because it is made from Industrial hemp, a rich source of CBD with only trace amounts of THC. Why is this important? Because one of these chemicals is psychoactive and the other is not.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what causes a user to become stoned or high. Although it has incredible medical benefits, it is also used recreationally by many happy users around the world—as it has been for centuries.
But not everyone can or wants to experience the mind-altering effects of pot just to reap its health benefits. This makes CBD an ideal supplement for many individuals. It is safe, causes no psychoactive effects, and will not get you into trouble with the law.
How Are CBD Products Made?
CBD oil and other cannabidiol products are made by extracting the oil out of the hemp plant. Several extraction methods can be used, but the two most commonly employed are CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction. Both of these methods are capable of pulling the nutrient-rich phytocannabinoids from the hemp plant. Provided the hemp is sourced from a trusted grower with sustainable farming practices, a potent and high-quality oil is the result.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil And The Entourage Effect
Full spectrum CBD oil is currently the most popular CBD product. You may remember that at the beginning of this article we stated that there are over 100 compounds in the cannabis sativa plant. These other lesser-known chemicals are different cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that accompany CBD. It is these accompanying molecules that make a CBD oil “full-spectrum.”
Researchers have developed a theory about this. Their findings indicate that full spectrum CBD oil (CBD oil that contains all of the other chemicals in addition to CBD) encourages what is known as the entourage effect. This proposed theory holds that each compound synergistically extracted from hemp works to produce the best outcomes within the human body.
Why Use CBD?
Despite its introduction into the mainstream, the use of cannabis is not new. Ancient priests, shamans, and medicine men have been using it for millennia to assist with physical and spiritual healing. Evidence as to its efficacy has been handed down for centuries and testimonies of its benefits is a testament to just how well it works.
CBD may help with a wide range of conditions from high blood pressure to inflammatory disorders. Although much of the current information we have is based on anecdotal accounts, many studies are highlighting its benefits. Now that medical marijuana and CBD are recognized at the federal level, We are seeing more well-funded clinical research studies and papers published about the subject.
How Does CBD Work?
St. Louis University School of Medicine was the first institution to uncover one of the most significant pieces of the cannabis puzzle to date. In 1988, while working on a study involving THC, researchers discovered a new system that functions within all mammals.
While scientists have known about the other systems of the body (digestive, circulatory, nervous, etc.) this “new” system was found to have more receptors than any of the others put together and was aptly named the endocannabinoid system or ECS.
The ECS is comprised of a vast network of cells and receptors that can be found throughout the brain and body. These receptors are called cb1 and cb2 receptors, and they respond to compounds found in THC and CBD, called cannabinoids. But endogenous cannabinoids are produced in all mammals. And It turns out that nature, in all of its perfection, has a corresponding molecule has us sharing a vital trait with a plant.
If this seems nothing short of miraculous, it is.
Your Favorite Aunt
The purpose of the ECS is to maintain balance. Appetite, sleep, fertility, mood, and temperature are controlled by the ECS. The ECS and its receptors accomplish this with ease when everything in our bodies is going as it should. But if things aren't quite right, researchers believe we can develop a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. This deficiency is characterized by pain, inflammation, a weakened immune system, and other troublesome symptoms.
Introducing phytocannabinoids like CBD gives our internal cannabinoid system a nudge, essentially helping it to return to its normal state.
It may help to think of the process in this way: Suppose you have a big house, a job, two small children, and a couple of pets when suddenly, you develop the flu. All at once you’re in bed, the house is trashed, the kids are out of control, the dog got into the trash, there’s cat food all over the floor, and your boss is leaving you nasty messages. You’re overwhelmed. You shut down.
Your favorite aunt finds out you are ill and comes to help you until you are better. She gets to work immediately cleaning up the house. Then she baths the kids and tucks them in for a nap. She makes you some toast and a cup of tea and takes care of the neglected animals. She stays for a few days and takes care of things until you are back on your feet and everything is all better.
In this scenario, CBD is your Aunt who is there to get things moving in the right direction again—restoring order to the house—or in this case your body. And Just like your Aunt, CBD does whatever needs to be done to return your life to normal.
We're glad to continue conversations around this topic, please leave us comments or reach out to the team@lixirlife.com if you want to chat!
Crossposted on our medium channel.
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