CBD 101 – What is it and how it works?

What is CBD oil?

CBD is one of the many compounds known by the common name cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. CBD oil is oil that contains a high concentration of CBD. It has been found that CBD oil can have a number of health benefits. CBD is not psychoactive, that is, it does not change the state of mind. On the other hand, CBD has many positive effects on the human body.

The non-toxic marijuana hemp extract has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, from epileptic seizures to anxiety, inflammation and insomnia. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an organic compound that affects the central and peripheral nervous systems of humans. CBD is not a psychoactive compound. After using CBD oil, one does not experience a change in mood or mental state.

It is extremely important to emphasize that 1 in every 5 products offering CBD also contain THC, which can ultimately lead to the opposite of the effect sought by the patient! That is why it is extremely important which manufacturer you trust!

How is it made?

Two of the most widespread methods for extracting CBD are through alcohol extraction and CO2 extraction. 

During the alcohol extraction the hemp is being soaked in ethanol. Ethanol dissolves the CBD and the other cannabinoids, present in the plant. 

After that, the alcohol solution is heated and the ethanol evaporates, and the result is – rich of cannabinoids oil. 

The CO2 extraction technique is very specific and is by far one of the safest and most efficient methods possible. The CO2 gas is compressed and cooled for storage at 1000 psi. This pressure turns the gas into a liquid. Once compressed, the CO2 is both gaseous and liquid. The CO2 is heated and when it is converted into gas, it passes through the hemp into a device called closed loop extractor, which helps extract pure hemp oil (CBD oil). At the same time, pressure and temperature are controlled with perfection to ensure that the nutritional content of the hemp does not change.

What are the cannabinoids? 

What are the cannabinoids?
What are the cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are organic compounds found in the hemp plant. They bind to receptors of the endocannabinoid nervous system in humans, to which it owes its name. Cannabinoids have a diverse structure. There are over 100 varieties known, but the main ones are several. Cannabinoids are substances similar in structure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – one of the main constituents of marijuana, which causes the feeling of „being high”, euphoria and addiction. However, marijuana itself contains more than 100 cannabinoids, some of which are extremely harmful to health, while others such as CBD are extremely useful. The human body also produces its own cannabinoids. They play an important role in regulating the sense of pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, time orientation, appetite, pain and senses for taste, touch, smell, hearing and vision.

CBD is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, but is very different from marijuana.

How is Cannabidiol (CBD) different from marijuana?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is the second most common active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it comes directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it doesn’t have the effect that marijuana causes. According to a World Health Organization report, “People using CBD have no side effects indicative of marijuana abuse or addiction… To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

CBD is a substance that contains Cannabidiol (abbreviated as CBD). It is an ingredient and product of the hemp plant, but it is not psychoactive and does not cause addiction and does not cause hallucinations. CBD oil has health stimulating properties that can help counteract some physical and mental problems in humans. Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining in popularity, and according to some advertisements it is a good ingredient for our morning coffee or smoothie. 

How does CBD work?

Cannabidiol affects the nervous system. The human nervous system contains many receptors. One of the receptor systems in the human body is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS is a lipid signaling system that includes transmembrane endocannabinoid receptors, also known as CB1, CB2. CB1 and CB2 receptors bind to natural endocannabinoid, such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which is involved in regulating appetite, regulating immune function, and controlling pain. CBD, like 2-AG, binds to these receptors and mimics its action. Until recently, scientists believed that CBD binds only to CB2 receptors, but according to recent data, its effects on the body are much more widespread.

Effects of CBD on the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors that spread to the body. The cannabinoid receptor 1, CB1, is abundant in the central nervous system, while the cannabinoid receptor 2, CB2, is found in the gastrointestinal tract, immune cells and peripheral nervous system. These receptors are responsible for managing various functions in the body, which include immune function, pain, sleep, mood, memory, digestion, fertility and motor control.

These are naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body, but sometimes the natural endocannabinoid system is disturbed and does not function optimally. This is where the role of CBD comes in, CBD does not actually fit into or bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, and rather it stimulates the functions of both receptors. Due to this interaction, CB1 receptors become more active and work more efficiently in different parts of the body. THC binds to receptors and produces psychoactive elements, CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to be a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor. This means that CBD can inhibit the psychotic potential of THC by altering the CB1 receptor.

The second major cannabinoid receptor, the CB2 receptor, which is responsible for so many functions, is also the cause of inflammation. While CBD has a positive effect on the CB1 receptor and stimulates its function, it has a negative effect on the CB2 receptor, which means that when CBD is used, the CB2 receptor decreases its efficiency. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD are due to this mechanism, but studies show that the effect is almost negligible. Some people are still wondering how CBD can have positive effects on the endocannabinoid system when it indirectly affects the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor only marginally. Well, CBD results stem from both indirect effects on the endocannabinoid system and pleiotropy, which is the potential of CBD to affect a wide variety of systems in the body.

Are products containing CBD legal? 

Before you begin oiling yourself with CBD oil and pouring CBD sauce on your salad, you should know that these products are legally unclear. If you live in a place where marijuana is legal (Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Washington DC) you can buy legitimate CBD products online or from a store. In other states, CBD is not banned, although marijuana is illegal. But you can order it online and have it delivered to your doorstep, even though, on a federal level, marijuana is still considered an illegal drug. For this reason, big retailers like Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, do not sell such products. “Technically, buying products with CBD is a federal violation but who cares”, says Mark Clayman, a professor of public policy at the University of the state of New York. In other words, the police will not come to arrest you if you bought a lip balm with CBD.  

In some countries, CBD can be purchased anywhere, in others CBD is sold in pharmacies or prescribed only by doctors. In other countries, CBD is sold only by the government or offered in hospitals, etc.

In all EU countries, imports of CBD are authorized for personal use if the THC content is less than 0.2% (Italy allows up to 0.6% THC).

What are the positive properties of the CBD oil?

The CBD oil is plant-based oil that can help with many different types of skin and health problems. It helps with a lot more than you can imagine. There are proven antipsychotic effects on the brain, besides all the other benefits it has. 

In some cases of therapy, CBD has been found to act as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, it has an anxiolytic and antipsychotic effect. Scientists and medics continue to study the effects of Cannabidiol on humans. 

Here are some of the positive effects CBD oil has: 

  • A natural regulator of stress and anxiety levels – daily intake of CBD reduces natural stress and stress hormones. CBD helps our bodies and the access to the brain, and reduces the breakdown of important chemicals that we produce, such as serotonin and anandamide. The result is a life filled with more joy, relaxation and less stress. 
  • People suffering from chronic pain due to diseases such as fibromyalgia find relief from CBD. Taking CBD can relieve pain and even prevent degeneration of the nervous system. In fact, CBD has been approved in Canada as a cure for multiple sclerosis and cancer-related pain. The amazing thing about CBD is that it’s not addictive, so it’s a great choice for those trying to stay away from opiates.
  • CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that effectively treat drug-resistant children who have neurological disorders such as epilepsy (no side effects!). In a study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, CBD reduced the incidence of seizures by 23 percent more than those taking placebo.
  • According to the American Society for Anxiety and Depression, depression affects 6% and anxiety affects 18% of the US population every year. Studies show that CBD oil can help in both cases.

CBD has been shown to reduce levels of stress and anxiety in people with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The CBD even reduced the stress and discomfort associated with public speaking.

CBD has been shown to reduce depression by enhancing both serotonergic and glutamate cortical signaling (both not found in people with depression).

  • Scientists have discovered that cannabinoids (including CBD) have an incredible ability to kill bacteria (especially drug resistant strains). More research is needed to find out how and why it works.
  • Chronic inflammation is a huge problem in our society that contributes to many non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases, and more, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Diet and lifestyle play a huge role in chronic inflammation, but after people consume a healthy, high-nutrient diet and optimize their lifestyle (such as enough sleep and exercise), CBD oil can be the cherry on the cake. Studies also show that CBD oil can reduce chronic inflammation, leading to many diseases.

  • Schizophrenia is a complex and serious illness that is usually treated with therapies and pharmaceutical drugs (which have serious side effects). A review of available studies from March 2015 showed that CBD is a safe, effective and well-tolerated drug for psychosis. Many people have found that CBD oil has helped reduce hallucinations. More research is needed to introduce CBD into clinical practice.
  • All allergies start in the intestines after severe blood toxicity. Consuming CBD products can help your body detoxify.
  • Cannabidiol is known to help alleviate central nervous system problems and therefore may also relieve breathing patterns in people with asthma.
  • No matter the real cause of the sudden boom in autistic children in recent decades. It is important that there is a way to relieve the symptoms and promote the normal function of the infant body – the consumption of CBD products such as cannabis oil.
  • Although procedures are constantly improving, heart disease and blood vessels are among the most common causes of death among adults. Caused by poor eating habits, stress and smoking, the symptoms of these illnesses can be alleviated with CBD oil.
  • The toxins in your food are absorbed into the digestive tract and then enter your bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and pain, all symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Situations such as this can be overcome with cannabis products, such as cannabis oil extract (CBD oil).
  • Insomnia is something that many people suffer from and the causes vary – stress, rapid changes in weather, moon phases and more. We can assure you that with the help of cannabis products you can relax your nervous system and have a good night’s sleep.

  • Related to changes in how the body functions, menopause can cause many hormonal and other problems. Consuming CBD products can be a way to combat them.
  • Mood change is a common hormonal imbalance effect and is directly related to the body’s nervous system. Hemp oil extract (CBD oil) and nutritional supplements can restore the normal functioning of the system and help you quickly change your mood.
  • Cannabidiol can help maintain normal blood sugar levels, stimulate genes and proteins that help break down fat, and increase mitochondria that help burn calories.
  • CBD oil can be used topically to treat skin conditions. Studies have shown that CBD oil has great potential in treating skin conditions such as eczema. It can also help regulate sebum production and reduce acne. CBD also contains many nutrients such as Vitamin E that help to improve and protect the skin.
  • Although it is a natural process for your body to get rid of unwanted and toxic substances that can block its function, sometimes nausea is simply an effect of overstimulation of the eyes and brain when traveling on land or at sea. In this case, hemp oil extract (CBD oil) can save the day by relieving the symptoms.
  • Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and results in an inability to control your body. Cannabis products soothe your system and facilitate a normal lifestyle.

  • Over the last few years, growth has been reported in cases of depression and anxiety in dogs, cats and other domestic animals. You can help your pet improve his condition by giving him some CBD oil. Be sure to consult your vet first!
  • Many people think that drug use or alcohol consumption can relax you and make you feel comfortable when it comes to sex. But both things can hurt your body and mind. CBD oil is the answer in this case because it brings all the positive benefits of cannabis without the psychotic effect that comes from THC.

  • Although it is widely known today that smoking is harmful to your health and skin and is a cause of many medical conditions, including cancer, there are still many people around the world who smoke. If you are one of them but want to change your lifestyle to a healthier one, then cannabis products can help you combat the symptoms of the quitting process.

In addition to being a therapeutic agent, cannabidiol can also be used preventively or as a nutritional supplement to improve quality of life – reducing stress, stimulating appetite, soothing and improving sleep

Who can use CBD oil?

You may be wondering if there is a specific age that needs to be reached in order to receive CBD oil. You should be aware that there is no specific age for admission. Studies have shown that hemp oil extract (CBD oil) can be used by both children and adults. If your child has autism, you can alleviate their condition with the help of these products. However, the most important thing to keep in mind is the dose. Remember that the dose for children will be different from that for adults. It is very important to choose the right dose.

Conclusion 

CBD is just now getting a lot of attention from the medical community. The products do not cure (in the medical sense) physical ailments and it would be wrong to claim that this is a medical device. CBD is free to use, completely safe and does not cause euphoria. Cannabis oil extracts (CBD oil) have many health benefits. It won’t hurt you. You should use it carefully and store it carefully. To get the most out of your CBD oil consumption, start using it regularly. You will notice a lot of positive changes in your health.

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