What is CBD?

What is CBD? 

Since the passage of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, there has been a CBD explosion across the United States. You can now find hemp derived CBD products at your local coffee shop or on the shelf of a high end spa. With this recent craze, I thought it would be valuable to put together a little basic information on CBD.  

Looking ahead there will be a high level overview of what CBD is, the characteristics of CBD, Hemp CBD vs Cannabis CBD, the extraction process, the differences between full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate, and how it effects the body.

 

What is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is defined by Merriam-Webster as a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. A cannabinoid is that natural chemical compounds that are found in hemp and cannabis.  There are over 66 different cannabinoids.  A few examples of cannabinoids are:

·      Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

·      Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

·      Cannabinol (CBN)

·      Cannabigerol (CBG)

CBD is the second most active compound in cannabis besides THC- the psychoactive compound in cannabis. There have been strict regulations surrounding the plant, so there is limited empirical data that is related to it. However, the research that has been conducted has shown the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD. CBD has been used as:

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Pain reliever 

  • Treatment for Epilepsy and Seizures

  • Addiction treatment

  • Helps with Anxiety

  • Nausea

  • Helps with IBS or Bowel Disease

  • Good for the heart

Hemp CBD Vs Cannabis CBD

Hemp CBD is extracted from just the hemp plant which has less than .03% THC, while cannabis CBD is extracted from cannabis plants which in most cases has more than .03%THC. There is a debate on whether Hemp derived CBD or Cannabis derived CBD provides more medical benefits. The argument is that cannabis derived CBD is stronger. 

Types of Extraction

Extraction is the way that the CBD compound is taking from the cannabis or hemp plant. There are 4 main types of extraction.  There is CO2 extraction, steam distillation extraction, hydrocarbon solvent extraction, and natural solvent extraction. CO2 extraction is the most efficient and healthiest option. The CO2 is dropped to a low temperature under high pressure. This gives the CO2 properties of a liquid and a gas. It allows the extraction of the desired cannabinoids depending on which spectrum of CBD you are working with. Once the compound is returned to room temperature, all the CO2 evaporates leaving behind the purest isolates. This method is also the most expensive. Check out this link for a more detailed article on the extraction process, and some pros and cons of each one.

Different Types

Broad Spectrum Vs Full Spectrum Vs CBD Isolate

What is broad spectrum- Broad Spectrum- Other cannabinoids are present like CBG, CBN and terpenes. Offers great alternative in places where THC is illegal.

The Entourage Effect- Additional Benefits gained from other cannabinoids that the cannabis and hemp plants offer.  

What is Full Spectrum - Less processing, more likely to have a psychoactive experience. More medical benefits. 

What is CBD Isolate - CBD Isolate- Purest form of CBD. Hemp Derived Contains no other parts of the plant just the isolated CBD cannabinoid

 

How it effects the body

CBD interacts with a number of proteins in the body and central nervous system, a few of which are components of your Endocannabinoid system or ECS.

What is the Endocannabinoid system?

According to the National Institute of Health “The endocannabinoid system comprises the cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2 and possibly others; the fatty acid derivatives which act as their endogenous ligands; and the proteins responsible for the synthesis, reuptake and degradation of these endogenous ligands”.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain, central nervous system. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the peripheral organs and cells associated with the immune system. CBD binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

“The effects of cannabinoids depends on the brain area involved. Effects on the limbic system may alter the memory, cognition and psychomotor performance; effects on the mesolimbic pathway may affect the reward and pleasure responses and pain perception may also be altered.” According to Dr. Anayna Mandal, MD.

 

Hopefully this article has shed a little insight into the world of CBD. If you have any questions drop a comment or shoot me a message.

Sean CookCBD, Health Benefits, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, Wellness