Among the more than 100 cannabinoids scientists are now aware of, the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant. Derived from the seeds, stalks, and flowers of plants like hemp, cannabidiol, most commonly known as CBD, has demonstrated in thousands of studies to potentially possess therapeutic properties that can balance the body and potentially assist in the treatment of an array of symptoms and conditions.
CBD is Non-Psychoactive
Unlike the well-known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is completely non-psychaoctive. This means that consuming or absorbing CBD won’t ever cause a high or temporarily inhibit cognitive functions. In fact, CBD actually counteracts the psychoactivity of THC. This makes CBD an appealing treatment option for those looking to incorporate the healing effects of cannabinoids without having to experience the fuzziness of a high.
CBD May Possess Therapeutic Effects
While researchers are still discovering more exciting effects of CBD, so far studies indicate that CBD could potentially beneficial for treating inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, spasms, nausea, and other symptoms. CBD has also shown to have antioxidant and potentially neuroprotective properties.
Because of these therapeutic effects, scientists have found evidence that indicates CBD is a potential treatment for a wide array of conditions. This includes arthritis, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even cancer. On our education page, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of the research investigating CBD’s beneficial effects.
CBD Interacts with Our Natural Systems
CBD’s able to elicit these effects and encourage balance and healing by interacting with the body’s own endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating several of our body’s physiological functions, such as immune response, pain perception, mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and bone development.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of a vast number of cannabinoid receptors found through the immune system and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with these receptors, stimulating a chemical response that work to keep all physiological functions in homeostasis. The body naturally synthesizes cannabinoids, but in situations where clinical endocannabinoid deficiency occurs and not enough cannabinoids are produced, the endocannabinoid system is unable to function effectively. Supplementing with CBD, which has a similar composition to the chemicals naturally synthesized by the body, may be able to help the endocannabinoid system work the way it should.
CBD Oil Products
Once extracted from hemp, CBD oil can be ingested orally or infused into other products like liquids, capsules and tinctures. As long as CBD is derived from hemp, it is legal to import, purchase and use under federal law. Individual state laws are dynamic and some have passed their own laws regulating hemp-derived CBD, but as a general rule, hemp derived CBD is more often than not accessible. Because CBD is non-psychoactive, non toxic, and non addictive, there’s no reason for it to be regulated as a controlled substance.
When purchasing a CBD product, it’s important to remember that not all products are of the same quality and safety standards. You should ask these four questions about a product before buying.
If you’re interested in learning more about CBD, you can do so by visiting our Education page. We also recommend these articles:
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