What is CBD?

What is CBD - Everything You Need To know

What is CBD?

With so much buzz in an industry that is just making headway (at least in the legal sphere), it is easy to get lost in the information, the misinformation, and the stigmas surrounding CBD and its uses, benefits, and overall effect on the mind and body

If you find your curiosity has been piqued, you are not alone!

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by cannabis. It can be extracted from marijuana or hemp, but which plant is used matters more than you might think: several other compounds may be present in the product depending on which plant your CBD was extracted from, the process used, and the chemical spectrum that results. These compounds are natural and have diverse benefits/effects – some that you may want included and some you may not (which is why it is vital to find a product you trust that stands by its process and quality).

Cannabidiol Chart

CBD
Binds to CB-2 receptors in cell and body tissues outside the central nervous system
Does not have a psychoactive/intoxicating effect
Binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system
Both are naturally derived/non synthetic
THC - tetrahydrocannabinol
Binds to CB-1 brain receptors in the central nervous system
Has psychoactive effect on the brain (creating a “high”)
Hemp
Contains CBD throughout the entire plant
Contains less than 0.3% THC
Source for most CBD products
Legal throughout the united states
More limited chemical diversity
Both are Cannabis plants
CBD is found abundantly in both
Marijuana
CBD is found in the stems and seeds (not the buds)
Contains higher levels of THC than CBD
Buds of the plant are used to smoke
Substance legality varies from state to state
Hemp oil
May refer to “hemp seed oil” which is derived from the seed and composed of dietary fats known for its uses in the beauty and skin industry
Hemp Extract
Contains broad-spectrum (meaning the other natural compounds of the plant remain present) that is diluted with carrier oil for more convenient use.
Full Spectrum
Contains full array of compounds produced by its source plant (CBD, THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes).
Some research indicates that the compounds of the plant work best in tandem and the full benefits of each compound are not totally discovered. For this reason, many people prefer to use full-spectrum for the holistic approach to health and the known benefits of the plant as a whole.
Broad Spectrum /. Isolate
Broad Spectrum: THC is removed, but an array of compounds that are produced by the source plant are present
Isolate: CBD Is isolated, all other compounds are removed

Am I doing something illegal?

Hemp and products derived from hemp (which by definition must contain less than 0.3% THC) are classified separately from marijuana cannabis and are legal to buy, sell, and ship across the United States.

Why should I?

Great question. There are so many benefits of using CBD oil and more are discovered continually as CBD is a heavily researched compound. It is important to note that the reason CBD has so many vastly healing benefits is due to the way it interacts you’re your body’s endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors are found in virtually all the human body’s tissues and cells, making the benefits work in a wholistic and incredibly effective way.

Some of the broader benefits include:

  • Stress relief
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Pain relief
  • Muscle tension
  • Support healthy sleep cycle

Specific uses include:

  • Reducing anxiety-related behaviors such as post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety.
  • Suppress the growth of cancer cells
  • Neuropsychiatric support (epilepsy and seizures)
  • Insomnia

If you want to learn more about CBD and it's benefits, check out our beginner guide "Everything You Need To Know About CBD"