CBD: 7 Must Know Science-Based Facts
In a world of media bias, fact-checkers, and content moderation, rock-solid information is often hard to come by. The line between fact and fiction is difficult to see, even when the information comes from some of the most trusted sources.
Luckily when it comes to the world of marijuana, there is extensive research available at our fingertips. We now have access to life-saving hemp-derived products, and plenty of sources to back it up.
But before you go out and purchase yourself some CBD oil for a room diffuser, here are 9 must-know science-based facts.
CBD is technically only legal only if its derived from hemp
The legality of cannabis in the United States is a bit ridiculous. The Marihuana Tax Act was passed in 1937, after a national anti-marijuana propaganda campaign frightened the masses into believing it’s a dangerous substance that can turn innocent Johnny next-door into a raving murderer.
So if you were thinking about getting some CBD oil shipped to your home, make sure the product is hemp-derived before you hit that purchase button. Because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, all CBD products like CBD Softgels must be derived from “industrial hemp” -a legal term for any cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC.
In fact, even if you live in a state where cannabis is legal recreationally, the federal government (the DEA) can still technically raid any dispensary and confiscate everything not derived from industrial hemp!
CBD isn’t intoxicating
There are two main chemical compounds in a cannabis or marijuana plant: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these compounds have the exact same molecular formula consisting of 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. There’s a slight difference in the arrangement of the atoms for each compound, which accounts for the difference in how the human body interacts with it.
While both THC and CBD are psychoactive -meaning they affect the mind- THC is the chemical which makes a person feel high or intoxicated. This occurs by physically binding with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, signaling the brain’s reward system. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t actually bind with your brain. Instead, it stimulates the natural production of your own cannabinoids, so you can feel better naturally.
We naturally produce cannabinoids
The body’s endocannabinoid system is extremely important to physical and mental health, as it helps to regulate mood, appetite, pain, and more. Being able to stimulate the endocannabinoid system with CBD means that you can treat things like depression, anxiety, PTSD -even reduce inflammation in the bowels and joints when treating IBS and arthritis.
One of the most important naturally occurring cannabinoids is anandamide, otherwise known as the bliss molecule. CBD inhibits the natural breakdown of anandamide in the body, helping your body extend the benefits even further!
You can smoke CBD just like weed
In case you didn’t know, you can smoke CBD just like conventional cannabis! Industrial hemp can produce flowers in the same way that regular cannabis does, so if you prefer to light up a joint, you can still do that!
You’ll need to ensure that your CBD cannabis flower is stored properly so that it lasts, and be aware that effects will vary from person to person regardless of freshness and potency. You won’t get high like you do with THC-heavy products, and you’ll have less control over the dosage, but there are plenty of smokable CBD products available to try out!
CBD is proven to treat various forms of epilepsy
It isn’t known exactly how CBD prevents seizures, but it’s well-known that it helps and is widely used and prescribed to treat seizures in adults and children who suffer from Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.
CBD is safe
There has never been a recorded incident of a marijuana or cannabis-related death or overdose. Generally, CBD is very safe to use and is tolerated well by humans according to both the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration.
CBD works best when it’s not isolated
While you’re able to get more CBD from a concentrated product like CBD isolate, in order to get the best results, you should be using a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product. CBD interacts with CBD more effectively when other cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant are also present. This phenomenon is known as The Entourage Effect.
Conclusion
Using CBD products can improve the quality of life for just about anybody, and if you’re smart about how you use it, you can benefit from it too!
