What is CBD and what does CBD do?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is by far one of the most studied compounds of the 116-plus known cannabinoids found in industrial hemp.
But what is CBD exactly? Being a natural compound of the plant, it can comprise up to 40 percent of hemp. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it will not get you high. CBD is often regarded as the single most crucial cannabinoid ever discovered. With on-going research, the list of uses continues to grow, giving more and more hope to those looking to enhance their overall quality of life.
Let's begin by breaking down these cannabinoids into 3 main classes:
endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids.
ENDOCANNABINOIDS are chemicals produced inside of your body that attach to the same receptors as some phytocannabinoids.
PHYTOCANNABINOIDS
Phyto-, meaning plant, cannabinoids are chemicals found in and extracted from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains over 100 known phytocannabinoids. The highest percentage of phytocannabinoids are found in the unseeded flower buds of female plants. THC and CBD are the most widely studied phytocannabinoids.
SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS are chemicals made in a laboratory to mimic phytocannabinoids, which are chemicals found naturally in the cannabis plant. There are 3 FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoid products available by prescription: Marinol®, Syndros®, and Cesamet®. These mimic the phytocannabinoid THC.
How is CBD absorbed?
The Endocannabinoid system is found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It’s a complex network comprised of receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids (which function similarly to the plant-derived, or phytocannabinoids THC and CBD) and enzymes that both create and break down those cannabinoids within the body.
Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are expressed in the tongue in humans. CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in the epithelial cells of the tongue.
We have already talked about endocannabinoid system and how it works with phytocannabinoids from hemp. You can read more about it here.
CBD oil is the best option and the recommended delivery method is sublingual administration. Sublingual involves placing the oil under the tongue for one minute, where it will absorb through the mouth mucous membranes, capillaries, and blood vessels.
How does CBD do?
All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to these receptors in various cells.
CBD works by modulating the transcription of over 1100 genes that make the signaling molecules that naturally reduce inflammation in our central nervous system and throughout our immune system.
This process restores homeostasis to both our immune and central nervous systems. Homeostasis refers to a balanced equilibrium in your body’s other systems and is crucial for optimal health.
These active compounds, known as cannabinoids, affect your body in many different ways.
- reduce anxiety and depression
- improve sleep
- reduce seizures in people with epilepsy
- soothe pain and inflammation
- improve heart health
- improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
No matter what condition you’re trying to treat with CBD, giving yourself an adequate dosage is key — or it might not work for you.
What to Look For When Buying CBD Oil?
The next thing most people will want to know is what to look for when buying CBD oil.
So to make the decision-making process simpler, let’s quickly cover the three most important things to look for when buying CBD oil online.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA) – Product should specify the total amonut of cannabinoids and provide certificate of analysis to prove strenght and purity. Always ask for COA if it’s not posted on the website.
- Sourcing & Manufacturing Methods - Where your hemp comes from is important because you want to make sure that the manufacturer is following the FDA’s standards for good manufacturing practices. There is Carbon Dioxide Extraction (CO2) which is environmentally friendly.
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Concentration - The concentration, or amount of CBD in the product, is also an important factor in what to look for when buying CBD oil. Products should state not only how much CBD is in the entire container but also in each dose. In clinical studies, researchers have used various oral dosages of CBD, ranging from 100–800 mg per day.
Some studies use even higher dosages. According to a review, an individual reported an improvement in psychosis after taking 1,200 mg per day for a few weeks. Don’t waste your money on products which contains less than 5% of CBD in the bottle, (example: If bottle is 1 fl. Oz. or 30ml, there should be minimum 1500mg of CBD or higher), otherwise you won’t feel effect on your body and mind.
- Type of CBD oil - Understanding the difference between the three major types of CBD is a major step on your CBD journey. Knowing the difference between isolate, pure CBD oil, broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD will help you make a more educated decision on which CBD products will best suit your needs. If you want to choose the right CBD for yourself click here.
- Pricing - CBD products can cost $9.99, or they can cost over $400. There are different sizes, strengths, and product types to consider. Price depends of many facts that I wrote above, but usually good CBD oil tinctures cost $0.05 to $0.17 per mg on average, Typically, a higher potency oil will cost less per mg than a lower potency.
There’s always more to learn about CBD, from product options to updated information and industry trends. Stay connected and up-to-date with the entire CBD community by checking out Gramina on both Instagram and Facebook!
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