There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, called Cannabis sativa. Many people have heard about the psychoactive compound that creates the euphoric high people often aim for when they consume cannabis. This is known as Delta 9 THC. But there are other cannabinoids that aren’t psychoactive or could present as beneficial to the human body. One cannabinoid is called CBD and it has seen a rise in popularity, legality, and accessibility in recent years.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a common cannabinoid found within the stem of the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that research has shown to have several benefits to humans. In recent years, CBD has been shown to help stop seizures and prevent new ones from starting in patients who suffer from chronic seizures, such as those diagnosed with epilepsy. That’s not all it does though. It has also been reported to help with inflammation, depression, sleep apnea, and is also a neuro-protectant. This little cannabinoid packs a powerful punch.
Effects
CBD works by binding to different receptors in the nervous system, specifically in the brain. By binding to different neurons and receptors, CBD has been shown to help protect the brain from various outside harmful stimuli. One receptor in the brain, called the 5-HT1A, is known as the serotonin receptor. A lack of serotonin in the brain is one of the main factors that causes depression according to scientific research. CBD compounds have been found to attach to the receptors and act like an antidepressant medication, helping the brain keep the serotonin it has created.
Another study has shown that CBD can help reduce fear responses in the brain. Anxiety is caused by the brain’s response to a chronic stressful situation. CBD can’t cure anxiety, but it has been shown to help retrain the brain, in a sense, to not fear the chronic stressful situation and the anxieties the brain has created.
Finally, CBD has also been shown to act as an antinociceptive. Research has shown that CBD molecules will, again, attach to sensory neurons in the brain to block pain stimuli. This means that CBD can possibly be used as a pain medication that has non-addictive properties to it. Some consumers have even reported that they have switched off of their opioid pain medications and have gone fully to CBD products to help with their pain. Before making any switch in medication, it is always recommended to discuss different options with your doctor. Never make the decision to switch on your own as that can have negative effects on your body and could end up being more harmful than helpful.
Legality
The biggest concern that people have when it comes to CBD is if it is legal or not. Technically speaking, it is legal on the federal level. In the 2018 Farmer Bill, products that contain less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) could then be sold on the market legally. CBD is typically combined with other common cannabinoids to help produce different effects on the body. As long as Delta 9 THC is less than 0.3 percent, then it is legal to consume.
That being said, CBD may be illegal or restricted in individual states. Make sure to check what your state laws are on CBD and cannabis as a whole before purchasing or consuming products containing any cannabinoids. I have personally been using various products to help me relax and unwind at the end of a long day. You can find the oil I use HERE. This company is one of the most popular cannabinoid suppliers in the entire country, and I have liked everything I’ve tried from them.
What about you? Have you tried CBD? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments below. And, as always, check back for more cannabinoid news and reviews.
(Note: This post contains an affiliate link. However, I only endorse products and brands that I have personally used and fully support.)
