What you need to know about CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 unique chemical Cannabis compounds (phytocannabinoids). Between 1850 and 1937, the official American drug books recommended cannabis as a cure for over 100 diseases. By 1900, cannabis preparations made up 50% of all drugs sold in the United States. The most known health benefits of CBD are:
- anti-inflammatory
- pain reliever
- Anxiety relief
- Neuroprotective
- and more
Besides Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which produces the “high”, CBD is the most commonly known compound of the Cannabis plant. Both cannabinoids work via the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Cannabis, Hemp and Marijuana
We want to to clarify the name of the plant, as this often causes confusion!
The scientific name is Cannabis!
Hemp and Marijuana are both Cannabis.
The definition of Hemp is when the plant has an THC concentration below < 0.3%.
Marijuana has above > 0.3% THC and therefore is more likely to get you “high”.
As Hemp is almost everywhere legal it used more often in written documents.
Why is the limit of 0.3% defining the distinction? The definition comes from a book written in 1979: “The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics.”
The author himself acknowledged that it’s an arbitrary number but it has established itself in the literature since then.
Though Switzerland is one of the few countries where a THC level up to 1% is legal where usually the limit is 0.3%.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 unique chemical Cannabis compounds. CBD makes up about 40 percent of the extract from the hemp plant.
CBD lacks the psychoactive properties of THC, the cannabinoid most closely associated with the sensation of being “high”. Since CBD and THC function on different receptors in the brain and body, they have different effects.
Hemp is one of the most abundant sources of cannabinoids in nature, but it is far from the only one. Other plants, chocolate and black pepper can contain also a variety of cannabinoids. All of them activate the endocannabinoid system in humans and animals, a large cell-to-cell communication network.
How does it work?
Understanding the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) is key to understand the benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD). The ECS is a network of neurotransmitters that mediates reactions to stress, pain, and inflammation. Furthermore it is part of the nervous system and includes the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 where CBD directly connects to.
The ECS regulates a wide range of physiological processes that affect our well being:
- mood
- energy level
- digestive and immune systems
- blood pressure
- bone density
- glucose metabolism
- pain
- stress
- hunger
- among other things
The ability to modulate the ECS has been shown to have important therapeutic potential for a number of diseases, including:
- neurodegenerative
- cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders
- obesity/metabolic syndrome
- tissue injury
- pain
- among others
Consequently CBD interacts with the ECS receptors, assisting the body in controlling stress and fostering homeostasis for a greater sense of equilibrium.
CBD has been shown to act as a neurotransmitter and to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, providing users with a range of benefits ranging from muscle pain relief to improved sleep.
Health and Beauty Benefits
As CBD directly interacts with the ECS it has been associated for a wide variety of health issues. It is widely used to treat pain, anxiety disorders and studies indicate that CBD can also aid in falling and staying asleep in patients suffering from insomnia.
Therefore CBD can be a viable treatment choice for a variety of chronic pain conditions. CBD applied to the skin may help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, according to a study published in the European Journal of Pain. Another research showed how CBD reduces inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult forms of chronic pain to treat.
Furthermore some studies have looked into the function of CBD in preventing cancer cell development, but more research needs to be done. But CBD can surely help reduce cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The National Cancer Institute, on the other hand, does not completely support any kind of cannabis as a cancer treatment. CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and alter how cells replicate makes it a promising cancer therapy. Furthermore CBD prevents the ability of some tumor cells to replicate.
CBD’s effects on the immune system receptors can help to reduce overall inflammation in the body. Consequently, CBD oil can be beneficial in the treatment of acne. The oil inhibited sebaceous gland development, according to a human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin, is produced by these glands. However, too much sebum can cause acne.
Possible side effects
CBD oil normally does not pose any significant risks to its consumers according the research. Thus mostly the undesired effects derives from bad products instead of the CBD itself. However, there is a small chance of side effects, which includes: Depression, dizziness, and hallucinations are all symptoms of depression.
To fully comprehend the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil can cause, further human studies are needed. CBD oil study is rare. This is partly due to the fact that Schedule 1 drugs like cannabis are strictly controlled, creating difficulties for researchers. More studies will be possible now that cannabis becoming more and more legal.
How to use CBD oil
CBD derives as an oil or a powder from hemp plants. So it can be mixed with several oils and then be used via capsules and taken orally. The nabiximols treatment for multiple sclerosis is sprayed into your mouth as a vapor. The best way to use CBD is to figure out what you’re going to use it for. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, we can point you in the right direction. If you want to identify your CBD Dosage please check our blog entry: https://www.charmingc.ch/blog/cbddosage/
PICTURE of CHARMINGC CBD OIL
Summary about CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid from the hemp plant. It has multiple health and beauty benefits which are getting rediscovered again through the partial legalization of the cannabis plant. Prior the ban of cannabis it was an ingredient of over 50% of the drugs sold in the United States.
Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/16/style/self-care/cbd-oil-benefits.html
https://www.charmingc.ch/blog/from-a-drug-to-the-cure/
