What Is CBD?

Posted by CBD NUTRITION ONLINE on July 19th, 2019

Cannabidiol often abbreviated as CBD is one of the prominent cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. Highly known for its medicinal properties, this cannabinoid compound does not make you feel stoned. Derived from the Hemp Plant, CBD interacts with the regulatory system of the body to boost the processes and improve the bodily functions.

It is recommended by many doctors and health care experts due to its intoxicating and therapeutic benefits. It is different from the THC cannabinoid as THC is responsible for causing a psychoactive effect on the user.

Here’s how CBD and THC are different from each other

CBD and THC are bound to be having an equal molecular structure, for instance 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. The only difference why it shows completely opposite impact is because of the re-arrangement of atoms in CBD and THC. This is why THC stimulates the CB1 receptor while producing a psychoactive effect and CBD stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Hemp contains 20% CBD and THC less than 0.3%. On the other hand, marijuana contains 10% CBD and more than 20% THC. This is why CBD is derived from the hemp plant to offer ultimate medical benefits.

Following are the medicinal properties of CBD    

  •                      Antiemetic  –  Effectively  treats nausea and vomiting
  •                      Antipsychotic – Treats patient effectively for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  •                      Anti-inflammatory – Efficient in treating inflammatory disorders               
  •                      Antioxidant – Essential for optimum health             
  •                      Treats Neurodegenerative Disorders
  •                      Antidepressant –  Often treats depression and anxiety disorders 

According to the research and studies available, CBD is considered to treat the following symptoms and conditions:

  •                      Stress
  •                      Depression
  •                      Anxiety
  •                      Mild to chronic pain
  •                      Neuropathy
  •                      Insomnia
  •                      Inflammation
  •                      Weight management
  •                      Tremor reduction
  •                      Parkinson’s disease
  •                      Alzheimer’s disease
  •                      Diabetes
  •                      Arthritis
  •                      Multiple Sclerosis
  •                      Crohn’s Disease
  •                      Age-Related illnesses
  •                      Epileptic seizures
  •                      Migraine headaches
  •                      Cancer
  •                      Schizophrenia
  •                      ADHD
  •                      Autism
  •                      Skin Conditions such as acne, psoriasis, skin irritation, rashes and many more.

Impact of CBD in the medical world

CBD has been demonstrated for showing neuroprotective and neurogenic effects and has been researched for multiple conditions. The medical industry is truly grateful to this magical herb for offering world-class natural benefits.

CBD is popular in the wellness industry and people have praised the ability of CBD to transform medical conditions into relief. CBD has been associated to treat degenerative muscle conditions, depression, injury rehabilitation, acne, high blood pressure, and chronic pain. It’s been stated that there are many in the business world believing CBD can be a pioneering treatment for almost everything from addiction to pain.

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have also approved a CBD infused drug on June 2018 named ‘Epidiolex’ for those suffering from two types of epilepsy. This couldn’t have been possible without learning the potential impact of CBD in the healthcare world. Even some doctors and experts are strongly recommending patients to use CBD when other pharmaceutical drugs aren’t helping their patients. Those using Opioids and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) users have gradually begun to realize the ill-effects of these medications on a long run and switched to CBD. 

How CBD works?

The human body consists of an endocannabinoid system similar to the CBD cannabinoid. This ECS system includes receptors that disperse throughout the central and the peripheral nervous system. The CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system, kidney, liver, and lungs, whereas the CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and blood cells. These receptors have the potential to get activated by endocannabinoids derived from CBD also found in the human body.

The major responsibility of the CB1 receptor is to produce and liberate neurotransmitters. It can further help in the lipogenesis procedure in the liver while balancing the bodily functions. The CB2 receptor stimulates immune suppression.

The endocannabinoids molecule acts like chemical messengers that unite to these receptors and instruct the body to perform certain activities. As our body generates endocannabinoids, the cannabis can also generate plant cannabinoids molecules that stimulate the receptors to perform vital functions in our body.

Some of the tasks performed are as follows:

  •                      Appetite
  •                      Sleep
  •                      Motor Control
  •                      Mood
  •                      Immune Function
  •                      Pain
  •                      Pleasure
  •                      Memory
  •                      Temperature Regulation

The endocannabinoids molecule acts like chemical messengers that unite to these receptors and instruct the body to perform certain activities. As our body generates endocannabinoids, the cannabis can also generate plant cannabinoids molecules that stimulate the receptors to perform vital functions in our body.

Some of the tasks performed are as follows:

  •                      Appetite
  •                      Sleep
  •                      Motor Control
  •                      Mood
  •                      Immune Function
  •                      Pain
  •                      Pleasure
  •                      Memory
  •                      Temperature Regulation

Benefits of the Different Cannabinoids

 benefits of the different cannabinoids

Ways to consume CBD

CBD has been extensively acknowledged and incorporated by a handful of medical experts in the industry and has been doing lots of rounds in the research world. Even the patients are now considering CBD to find relief from their ailments because of its no-side effect feature. Speaking about the consumption of the CBD, it can be ingested in multiple ways like vaping, oral consumption, sublingual consumption, and topical application.

The user taking CBD should consider the method of consumption based on the purpose of ingestion, and efficacy. Those who opt for medical consultation or expert consultation, the medical experts often ask the patient with the preference of consumption. However, it is extremely essential to not prioritize comfort over efficacy. Soon as the CBD is administered, it enters our system through the bloodstream, which later responses result throughout the body.

Oral Method of Consumption

Anyone consuming CBD orally can find CBD products such as capsules, soft gels or gummies. A study was conducted to find the efficacy of CBD in humans and animals through the oral method. Both the humans and dogs were fed with CBD chocolate cookies. The humans consumed about 40 mg CBD and the bioavailability was not more than 6%. On the other hand, dogs projected a superior bioavailability of 13 - 19% showing excellent result through oral method. 

Inhalation/Vape Method

It is the most recreational way of ingesting CBD to achieve higher dosage in less time. Some previous studies that were conducted revealed some amazing results resulting in an excellent rise in bioavailability by 18 - 31%. This method shows higher bioavailability since the CBD was passed through the lungs. During the absorption, all the cannabinoids and nutrients were directly released into the blood vessels within a short period of time resulting in optimum efficacy.

Sublingual Method of Consumption

There are different tinctures and sprays available, infused with CBD and a carrier oil that is meant to be kept underneath the tongue for absorption. When this method of absorption was studied in rabbits, it showed higher bioavailability when compared to the oral method of absorption.

Topical Application

CBD balms, salves and lotions are widely available throughout the CBD store, offering relief from pain or arthritis-related symptoms. Other than this, CBD is also infused into the beauty products to enrich the skin, combat skin ailments and hydrate the skin. These products show the promising result when applied onto the skin. However, this method is shown a minimal rate of absorption since the cannabinoids enter the skin cells and activate the endocannabinoid system.

Legal status of CBD

In today’s time, CBD is considered to be pretty much legally for medicinal purpose in all 50 states of the United States. The CBD cannabinoid extracted from the marijuana plant is still considered illegal since it contains higher traces of THC. Any CBD infused product is considered legal for human and pet consumption only if the product meets the guidelines with zero to 0.3% THC present in the product. 

Are there any possible side effects of CBD?

As such, no side effects of CBD have been reported since it is 100% herbal and extracted safely from the hemp plant ensuring zero THC content. However, overdosing on any of cannabinoid (CBD) can lead to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

It was first reported in 2004 when the user consumed cannabis for long-term without any expert consultation. The symptoms of CHS are usually in 3 stages:-

  1.                    Prodromal Phase: When a person starts experiencing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
  2.                    Hyperemesis Phase: The person suffers from chronic nausea and vomiting that usually lasts for hours. Weight loss and dehydration are common during this phase.
  3.                    Recovery Phase: The patient tends to recover as soon as the patient stops taking cannabinoids.

Any patient consuming cannabis and experiencing repeated vomiting must immediately visit the medical expert to diagnose the reason.

Treatment and Prevention

It is essential to get treated well if suffering from CHS. All the ways to treat is listed to be performed under expert guidance:-

  •          Stop using cannabis product
  •          Have adequate amount of water
  •          Get medicines to reduce vomiting and pain
  •          Take frequent hot shower

Prevention is better than cure! Hence, CHS can be prevented by simply using cannabis-infused products in the limit.

For more details / queries or support, we request you to drop us an email at support@cbdnutritiononline.com. You can also refer to our FAQ section to gather more information on CBD.

Like it? Share it!


CBD NUTRITION ONLINE

About the Author

CBD NUTRITION ONLINE
Joined: July 19th, 2019
Articles Posted: 1