CBD is one of over 100 natural compounds found within cannabis. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is regarded as one of the most essential components of the plant. Before its discovery, most of the benefits of cannabis centered around another substance called THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is what most people envision when they think of cannabis. When smoked or ingested, Its induces psychoactivity and euphoria, although, for some people, these effects are unwanted and distressing.
THC and CBD are commonly called cannabinoids. Named after the plant they originated from, they are both important in their own right. CBD, however, does not cause any mind-altering effects. It will not cause the user to feel stoned, paranoid, or anxious. Its main claim to fame is that it provides an astoundingly broad range of therapeutic benefits. These two points are what have caused a massive surge in its popularity.
Cannabis is an important new crop in the US. In 2018, a bill was passed legalizing the cultivation and sale of products made from industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is defined as cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This means that it is now permissible to grow and manufacture CBD products, provided they meet this standard. Industrial hemp was also removed from the list of schedule 1 substances and reclassified as an agricultural crop. From a legal standpoint, this is excellent news for anyone who wants access to safe, legal remedies to improve their health and well being.
“From a legal standpoint, this is excellent news for anyone who wants access to safe, legal remedies to improve their health and well being.”
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
To understand the therapeutic effects of CBD oil, it is important to know how it works within the body.
In addition to all the other complex systems that keep our bodies in working order, we also possess an endocannabinoid system, also called the ECS. This system is comprised of a vast network of receptors that coincide with the compounds found in the cannabis plant. These receptors are simply called the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor. Only discovered within the past few decades of cannabis research, the ECS controls many of the functions in our bodies.
The purpose of the endocannabinoid system is to regulate homeostasis. Essentially; it keeps us stable and surviving. If we are hot, we begin to sweat to correct our temperature. When we are hungry, our stomach growls to alert us to eat. If we cut ourselves, blood coagulates to seal the wound. All of these seemingly small functions contribute to our overall survival. Our ECS controls our entire physiology and is composed of receptors in every major organ in the body.
Many researchers believe that a deficiency in our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for many conditions. Inflammation, chronic pain, neurological problems, and dozens of other health issues have been theorized to be the result of a malfunctioning ECS. Synchronistically, cannabinoids found in plants like hemp and marijuana have been shown to correct some of these conditions by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in the human body.
The anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic compounds of CBD work in such a precise manner that they can impact only the parts that need to be fixed.
When cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC are introduced, they go to work right away, helping to bring our ECS back into balance. Sometimes this is through stimulating the body to make more cannabinoids; sometimes it is to replace a deficiency. Either way, the anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic compounds of CBD work in such a precise manner that they can impact only the parts that need to be fixed.
This is the opposite of many pharmaceutical drugs, which fix one symptom yet create other symptoms. This results in a never-ending cycle of having to take more drugs to combat the side effects of the original prescription. Before long, the entire system is out of balance. CBD aims to correct this cycle and restore balance at the cellular level.
It is worth noting that in addition to the physiological effects, CBD has the potential to modulate mood and behavior. The effectiveness of CBD in treating a myriad of modern health and psychological concerns is genuinely astounding. Further, CBD does this without harmful side effects or health risks.
How CBD Can Help You
Many people use CBD as a daily supplement to help them maintain the good health they already enjoy. The protective qualities of the compound make it attractive for anyone who is looking to prevent disease. Other people have experienced remarkable healing results from a myriad of conditions by utilizing CBD.
There have been over 20,000 published studies and hundreds of clinical trials into cannabinoid over the past several years, and more research is being conducted every day. Far from being a recreational substance, CBD is completely therapeutic and has been shown to treat a number of conditions including:
- PTSD
- Arthritis
- Insomnia (and other sleep disorders)
- Anxiety / Depression
- Pain / Inflammation
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Heart Disease
- Cancer-Related Symptoms
- Central Nervous System Disorders
This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the potential of CBD. We say potential because CBD is not a magical cure. What we do know is that it has been extremely effective in treating certain health problems and alleviating suffering. It is likely we will learn even more about cannabidiol and its healing properties as research continues.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.