An Introduction To CBD

C.B.D.

Who knew just three little letters could generate such a huge industry buzz? A compound found in the plant Cannabis sativa, CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of numerous compounds found in this plant that are referred to as phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids support our endocannabinoid system, the system within our bodies that’s responsible for maintaining health and well being.

As such, CBD can play an important role in keeping us healthy.

CBD is gaining in popularity as it is often associated in the natural health care industry for possessing powerful anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective effects.

Despite its popularity, misconceptions about CBD abound. Since the plant that produces CBD is related to the plant that produces marijuana, consumers often ask: what sort of issues can CBD help me with? Will it get you high? And, is it even legal? (I’m just going to cut right to the chase on this last question and answer: yes!)

Here are the most frequent questions those of us in the industry hear--hopefully answered clearly in the interest of dispelling some myths:

What is CBD, and how does it differ from marijuana?

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. This is a beneficial compound found in the plant Cannabis sativa, often referred to as a “phytocannabinoid”. Although marijuana comes from Cannabis sativa as well, it is a different strain of the plant from where we get CBD. CBD is extracted from plants developed for agricultural hemp, which is specifically bred to have little to no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound that gets you high) content, and is instead bred to have a high CBD content. Marijuana comes from the unopened flowers of plants bred specifically to have a high THC content. The plants look differently out in the field, and possess different qualities off of the field.

Will CBD get you high?

In a word, no. CBD is NOT psychotropic, meaning, it does not get you high. In fact, the reason people like CBD is because they say it helps support them with chronic conditions without the disconcerting effects of being “stoned”. The hemp plants that are used to extract the CBD have been tested and shown to contain a negligible amount of THC. Don’t forget, THC is the compound in Cannabis sativa that gets you high, NOT the CBD.

My mom has hemp seed oil in her fridge. Can I use this to get my daily dose of CBD?

No. Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same thing. Yes, they are both created from hemp, but things labeled as “hemp seed oil” are referring to an oil cold-pressed from the seeds only. It is a good source of essential fatty acids, but not CBD. CBD is extracted from the aerial plant parts (parts that grow above ground) of agricultural hemp. When purchasing a CBD supplement, double-check what you are purchasing says it is actually CBD on it and not just hemp seed oil.

Is it safe?

Yes, various studies attest to a terrific safety record. The World Health Organization even concurs, concluding in their 2017 expert peer report on cannabidiol that, “No case reports of abuse or dependence relating to the use of pure CBD have been identified. No public health concerns (such as driving under the influence, comorbidities) have been identified.”

Is it legal?

Yes. CBD from agricultural hemp is legal in all fifty states.

How can it benefit me?

CBD has the potential to benefit people in a multitude of ways. It’s main reported benefits are it’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities. Various studies have suggested it could have a supporting role in the treatment of health conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.

For example, a 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine supports that the use of CBD suppresses inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodents, without causing analgesic tolerance. This means it helps manage different types of pain, and you don’t have to keep increasing the dose over time to get the same results.

Also, in a 2014 survey conducted by Stanford University, it was used by parents to help treat epileptic children. Eighty-four percent of the parents participating in the survey reported a reduction in their children’s seizures with the use of CBD, with 11 percent reporting a complete cessation of seizure activity all together. The parents also reported that they observed better sleep, mood, and alertness in their children during use.

As a medicine, CBD has shown the potential to confer a great deal of benefits.

How can I ensure I am purchasing a good quality product?

When searching for a quality supplement, there are a few things you can look for to make sure you are getting a quality product. First, look for a supplement that uses a cold extraction process to extract the CBD, like a CO2 extraction, since it retains more of it’s beneficial compounds this way. Ensure the label details how much CBD is in it. If it doesn’t, you may be buying hemp seed oil. Also, see if it is derived from the aerial plant parts of agricultural hemp. Those are all the parts of the plant that grow above ground. Last, look for a brand that has been third-party tested with a Certificate of Analysis. These are all indicators you are purchasing a good quality brand.

Earthlight carries, at the time of this article, four different brands that meet this criteria: CV Sciences, Earth Science Tech (or, ETST), Barlean’s Ideal CBD, and HempCeutix by Nature’s Plus, all terrific brands with a record for making high quality supplements.

CBD is a non-psychoactive substance that can help balance you by supporting your endocannabinoid system. Remember, our endocannabinoid system is a system of neuroreceptors inside of us responsible for maintaining health. Some promising scientific studies have linked CBD to the support of treatment for numerous chronic conditions, from pain to epilepsy. It is processed from agricultural hemp, which is not the same plant grown for marijuana. It doesn’t get you high, it helps keep you stable. Don’t you think it’s time you’ve tried it already?

The information in this article is for general educational purposes only, and should not be construed or interpreted as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment, and before undertaking a new heathcare regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article or any linked materials.