What Is CBD?
Beginner's Guide to CBD
CBD has become one of the most popular health supplements in the last decade. It's great to see how it's being used in wellness products, sleep aids, and topical creams and balms for skin, muscles, and joints. I'm here to answer some common questions about CBD, such as its definition and how it works.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a chemical compound found in the cannabis hemp plant. It is one of over 100 such compounds, called cannabinoids. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another prevalent hemp-derived cannabinoid, cannabidiol is not psychoactive and has no intoxicating effects. Therefore, it will not cause a 'high.'
There are a few minor cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN. CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is often called the 'mother of all cannabinoids' because other cannabinoids are derived from its acidic form, CBGA. CBG, also known as cannabigerol, is often called the 'mother of all cannabinoids' because other cannabinoids are derived from its acidic form, CBGA. CBN, or cannabinol, is produced when THC is heated and exposed to oxygen, and is recognized for its calming and relaxing effects on the body. While CBD can have many benefits, it's important to be aware that CBN, which is derived from THC, may cause dizziness, disorientation, or muscle relaxation. Before engaging in activities that require your full attention, it's important to understand how CBN affects you. It's also worth noting that there are other notable cannabinoids, such as CBC, THCA, THCV, CBDA, and CBDV, each with their own unique characteristics. We'll discuss its effects further below. It's also worth noting that there are other notable cannabinoids, such as CBC, THCA, THCV, CBDA, and CBDV, each with their own unique characteristics.
For now, let's focus on CBD, which stands for cannabidiol.
How does CBD work？
To understand how CBD works, let's take a look at the human body and its endocannabinoid system. It's worth noting that all mammals have an endocannabinoid system. Studies have shown that this system mainly supports the central and peripheral nervous systems. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to receptors in the nervous system.
Hey there! Did you know that the nervous system has two types of receptors? Pretty cool, huh? CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system and they're responsible for regulating essential functions such as mood, memory, pain, appetite, and motor control. They're called CB1 and CB2. On the other hand, CB2 receptors are primarily located in the peripheral nervous system and they regulate pain and inflammation. When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they provide crucial support to these systems.
CBD, a plant-based cannabinoid or phytocannabinoid, works in a similar way to our body's own endocannabinoids. Although cannabidiol does not directly attach to these receptors, it activates them, providing support throughout the entire system. This helps the endocannabinoid system, the central nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system to function better.
Endocannabinoid System
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD is derived from hemp, which is a cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC content. In contrast, marijuana is a cannabis plant that can contain upwards of 35% THC content. It's important to use clear and objective language to avoid confusion between the two. Hemp-derived oils are a great option for those who want the benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC.
Hemp plants typically contain no more than 0.3% THC, making them a safe and legal choice.
Did you know that hemp has a fascinating history dating back to around 8,000 BCE in ancient China? Throughout human history, it has been used to create rope, cloth, paper, building materials, animal feed, and many other useful products. For thousands of years, hemp has been used for its medicinal properties, including pain relief and aiding sleep.
In fact, in the United States, hemp was a major crop for the first 150 years of the nation's history, especially in states like Kentucky, which was the largest producer of this valuable crop until the Civil War. Unfortunately, in the 1930s, hemp was classified as marijuana, leading to a government crackdown on cannabis use. Hey there! Did you know that after decades of being illegal, hemp can now be legally grown, processed, and sold in the U.S.? The 2018 USDA Farm Bill [7] legalized all of these activities on a national level. It's true! And did you know that the scientific community has been studying the medical benefits of cannabis for several decades now? Especially after the discovery [8] of the endocannabinoid system in the early 1990s.
That's right! That's why CBD is derived from the hemp plant. However, did you know that hemp seed oil is another oil derived from the cannabis hemp plant? It's extracted from its seeds and offers different benefits than CBD oil, which is extracted from the buds, leaves, and stalks. Hemp seed oil is primarily used in beauty and skincare products.
So, when shopping for CBD products, it's important to carefully check the label to avoid unintentionally purchasing a beauty product.
How Is CBD Processed?
CBD was first extracted from the hemp plant using steam distillation, but this method was inefficient and left a significant amount of oil unextracted, as well as unintentionally removing some cannabinoids. CBD was first extracted from the hemp plant using steam distillation, but this method was inefficient and left a significant amount of oil unextracted, as well as unintentionally removing some cannabinoids. As a result, alternative extraction methods were sought after to improve efficiency and potency.
Solvent extraction replaced steam as a popular method, but it has its drawbacks. Unfortunately, some solvents, such as alcohol, can remain in the oil, posing a health risk to consumers. Cheaper solvents, like butane, have been used as a substitute, which further increases the risk. Ethanol extraction is generally considered a safe method for extracting CBD when used properly and can produce high-quality CBD products. It's important to trust your supplier to extract the ethanol completely, leaving no margin for error.
However, did you know that the cleanest and most efficient method for CBD oil extraction is CO2 extraction? This method substitutes carbon dioxide for steam and solvents, resulting in a completely clean extraction process. It preserves all of the plant's chemical compounds, including CBD, and leaves behind zero residue. CO2 extraction is a more expensive but safer and more effective method of extracting CBD oil.
CBD is a compound with great potential, and we are still discovering its benefits. Humans have been using it for thousands of years, and we continue to learn more about it every day. CBD can now be found in a variety of products, including oil tinctures, topicals, smoke, and even pet products. We invite you to explore our selection of OCBD products and discover how they can benefit you.