WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol and is one of the most studied compounds of the 116-plus known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa and Hemp plant. CBD is often regarded as the most important cannabinoid ever discovered.
Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a biological network composed of cannabinoid receptors – to help the body maintain overall health and wellness.
WHERE DOES CBD COME FROM?
CBD is typically extracted from hemp (Cannabis Sativa) and marijuana (Cannabis Indica) plants; these are two varieties of the cannabis plant. Hemp plants are known for their high CBD content (CBD, additional cannabinoids, terpenes,..., and low in THC). In contrast, marijuana is known for its high THC content.
According to federal law, hemp plants must contain less than 0.3% THC, which means that hemp-derived CBD oil will not cause any psychoactive effects, so no associated high!
CBD
THC
THCV
CBC
A*THC
THCA
CBN
CBDA
CBG
CBDV
HOW DOES CBD WORK?
CBD and all cannabinoids produce effects in the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors, which form part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system works to maintain the bodies' homeostasis, utilizing cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors found throughout the immune system and central and peripheral nervous systems.
Homeostasis is a healthy state of balance and internal stability against outside or unknown factors that would otherwise disrupt how the human body performs.
The body produces two receptors:
CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, particularly in the brain. They coordinate movement, pain, emotion, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, and other functions.
CB2 receptors are typical in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.
HOW IS CBD ABSORBED?
When we talk about the absorption of CBD, we're referring to its transfer from the site of administration to the bloodstream, where it can then be transported throughout the body to interact with ECS.
CBD can be absorbed into the body through many methods. When determining how to take CBD oil, the most common ways include:
TYPES OF CBD OIL
CBD oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. When we usually refer to a CBD oil, we mean a product with just CBD – no additional cannabinoids, terpenes, etc. Still, CBD oils also contain various ingredients, including different cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Today there are three types of CBD Oils, Isolate CBD (only CBD), Broad Spectrum CBD, and Full Spectrum CBD. While each CBD oil is slightly different, we will show you the differences and why here at Legalizing CBD, we encourage the use of Full Spectrum CBD Oil for overall wellness.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE IN CBD OIL
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
Full Spectrum
<0.3% THC
Full Spectrum CBD products are created from hemp through a full plant extraction. They contain naturally occurring cannabinoids (includes <0.3% THC), plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins of the original hemp source. These compounds work together, typically referred to as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
Full Spectrum | <0.3% THC
Includes all active hemp-derived cannabinoids.
Full Spectrum CBD products are created from hemp through a full plant extraction. They contain naturally occurring cannabinoids (includes <0.3% THC), plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins of the original hemp source. These compounds work together, typically referred to as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
Broad Spectrum | 0% THC
Includes most active hemp-derived cannabinoids except for THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD products are created by taking Full Spectrum extract and further processing it to remove trace amounts of THC. Broad Spectrum products contain an array of naturally occurring cannabinoids, plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and plant proteins of the original hemp source. Similar to Full Spectrum products, these compounds work together in what is known as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
CBD Isolate | 0% THC
Includes only 99% +/- pure hemp-derived CBD.
CBD Isolate is created by removing all other molecules, except CBD, from the Full Spectrum extract, leaving the CBD in an anhydrous state. All that remains is a white powder that is at least 99% pure CBD with 0% THC. This powder is applied into various CBD Isolate products such as oils, edibles, topicals and vapes.
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WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are active compounds produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabinoids found in plants are technically called phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are compounds that mimic endocannabinoids that are produced naturally by all mammals.
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Phytocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by plants.
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Endocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by human or other mammal bodies.
The most common types of cannabinoids include
Terpenes are a class of volatile hydrocarbon compounds produced by the cannabis plant and most other plants. However, cannabis is currently the most terpene-dense plant known to humans. Terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine.
Although terpene molecules are all very similar, each has its unique scent and flavor. Various combinations of terpenes are responsible for the distinct aromas of cannabis strains.
Terpenes may play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity.
WHAT ARE TERPENES?
HOW THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM WORK?
The endocannabinoid system is a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many body processes, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory, mood, sleep, reproduction, fertility, and more. It is through this system of receptors and metabolic enzymes that cannabinoids interact with the human body and trigger beneficial effects.
Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS. But so far, we know the ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes
Endocannabinoids
Also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules made by your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but they’re produced by your body.
Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far:
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anandamide (AEA)
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2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
These help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces them as needed, making it difficult to know what typical levels are for each.
Endocannabinoid receptors
The ECS works through two types of receptors found in our body
CB1 & CB2 Receptors
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CBD 1 Receptors,
Found in the central nervous system
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CB2 Receptors,
Found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells
Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. Can help regulate sleep, appetite, mood, immune function, pain, memory, and more.
Enzymes
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function.
There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
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fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA
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monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG
THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT
An excellent full-spectrum CBD oil follows the “entourage effect,” and the full-spectrum CBD oils at Legalizing CBD really stand out.
The overall effect of the rich combination of all cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant is known as the entourage effect.
The plant contains dozens of different cannabinoids that each have their own unique properties. CBD may be the most beneficial from a wellness standpoint, but the support of other cannabinoids can actually boost the performance of the compound and its ability to impact the ECS positively.
This is why many people have been turning to full-spectrum CBD as part of their daily wellness routine.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD?
The secrets of cannabinoids (CBD) are vast, and they run deep.
After recent years of study, very little is known about how cannabinoids interact with the ECS. Much research is underway, and many studies about the effects of CBD on the human body have already been published.
Here are some of the most proven scientist CBD's Effects:
HOW TO USE CBD OIL
Using CBD oil will vary depending on your purpose for taking it. CBD for pain and soreness will require applying a topical cream to the problem area and rubbing it into the skin. In contrast, CBD for sleep requires taking a tincture or CBD gummies 30 minutes before going to bed.
It is essential to remember that consistency is vital to receive the most benefits from CBD oil. It's best to continue taking CBD for at least 30 days to achieve optimum results, but this is just the beginning – find a regimen, product, and concentration that works best for your everyday routine. When determining how to take CBD oil, several factors need to be considered.
The most common and easy way to use CBD oil is with tinctures, which is the optimal application for how to use CBD oil for anxiety and stress:
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Squeeze dropper to fill with oil; a dropper will fill halfway, which is considered one full serving.
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Squeeze oil under your tongue and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds for absorption and then swallow.
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Increase your amount or concentration gradually as needed.
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Store at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF CBD?
CBD oil can take several different forms – each has its advantages depending on your reason for using CBD. There are tinctures available, which is the most common way of absorbing CBD, along with capsules, CBD gummies, bath bombs, CBD topicals, and even CBD for pets.
There is only one form of cannabidiol that is considered an actual drug – Epidiolex. It is the only CBD drug in the United States that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Epidiolex is strictly used in conjunction with two types of epilepsy disorders and was approved for use in 2018.
CBD OIL & TINCTURES
Are simply edible oil infused with CBD extract. Take it under the tongue for fast absorption or mix with food or drink. Capsules are the same thing in tablet form. Capsules are made with gelatin, which melts within minutes in your stomach and delivers the entire serving of CBD oil.
CBD EDIBLES
Come in many forms – baked goods, sauces, snacks, even cocktails – but gummies are the most popular.
Certainly one of the most fun ways to take CBD.
CBD TOPICALS
Are applied directly to the skin, allowing for targeted CBD absorption.
They include moisturizers, gels, roll on, and patches, often blended with other ingredients for skin care and pain relief.
CBD VAPE OIL
Is the fastest-acting product type as users inhale the CBD directly into their lungs.
The effects wear off sooner than those of ingested products, however.
IS CBD OIL LEGAL?
Short answer: yes!
The 2014 federal Farm Bill granted state governments the legal right to grow and research industrial hemp through state-regulated agriculture and pilot programs. It also classified hemp and hemp-derived products with less than 0.3 percent THC separate from marijuana cannabis. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the growth, production, and manufacturing of hemp became federally legalized – allowing hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil, to become more readily available.
Both marijuana and hemp come from the same Cannabis sativa plant; the main distinguishing trait between the two is their tetrahydrocannabinol levels (THC). Hemp is grown to have low THC (industrial hemp has 0.3 percent and is therefore federally legal). Conversely, marijuana is bred to have higher THC concentrations and is still federally illegal.
Their most recent ruling in 2018 removes industrial hemp from the federal Controlled Substance List as a Schedule I drug, and it allows for a hemp market and sales through state borders.
