There is a pretty common misconception going around, and it’s time it’s cleared up and explained properly. The fact is: CBD and Marijuana are NOT the same things.
Some of you may be confused while others are rolling their eyes thinking “of course they aren’t the same thing!” However, it is a very common misconception and we’re going to clear it up.
What EXACTLY is CBD?
Related: 5 Fascinating Facts About CBD You Need to Know
CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally-occurring compound that possesses tremendous therapeutic value and is helping countless people worldwide manage a wide range of health and wellness challenges. Scientific research has shown CBD is beneficial to both the body and the mind.
The Body:
- strong antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-convulsant
- anti-tumoral
The Mind:
- anti-depressant
- anti-psychotic
- neuroprotective qualities
- sedative
It is used for conditions including anxiety, arthritis, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, pain relief, muscle dystonia, seizures, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, and schizophrenia. It has also been used to help people quit smoking and shows promise in helping people with opioid addiction.
CBD is safe, non-intoxicating, and non-addictive. It is usually well-tolerated, but it can interfere with certain medications. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you are taking prescription drugs and would like to take CBD.
The very basic difference between CBD and marijuana is that CBD does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the component in marijuana that gets you high. CBD on its own is non-intoxicating and cannot cause psychoactive effects.
Unlike marijuana, hemp does NOT produce a “high”. This is because hemp plants contain very little THC, often referred to as “the high causer”. THC DOES have psychoactive properties and that is what causes the “high” feeling that the plant can produce.
When researching CBD, you’ll want to consider whether you want a pure CBD oil with no THC or a Full Spectrum CBD blend that may contain trace amounts of THC. All full spectrum CBD blends for sale online should have information that shows they contain trace levels of THC less than 0.3% (Federal and State regulations). These types of blends, while containing tiny levels of THC, are concentrated in such low amounts that they are not psychoactive and will not get you “high.”
How Does CBD Work?
The truth is that we are hard-wired for CBD because we have receptors throughout our bodies that respond to cannabinoids! This biochemical communication system is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). All humans – and many animals – have this system. It is one of the largest homeostatic systems in the body, with elements throughout the brain and in every major organ. Endo refers to endogenous, which means originating within the body. Cannabinoid refers to the group of compounds that activate the ECS.
Cutting-edge science has shown that the endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in nearly all pathological conditions.
CBD influences a wide range of receptor systems in the brain and body – not just cannabinoid receptors, but many others. It indirectly influences cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) by signaling through those receptors. CBD appears to direct the body to use more of its own naturally-produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and can increase levels of them by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down.
Tips for Finding the Most Effective CBD Brand
There are are few things you should look for if you are considering CBD oil usage for the first time, or if you are a seasoned user! We all know time is money, but research is essential, and we always encourage looking into things on your own. You don’t have to believe anything that’s told to you!
And if you are one of the skeptics out there, look at the following information when you buy cbd oil online:
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- The company should have the origin of the CBD oil listed clearly
- The company should list the exact amount of CBD in the bottle and the concentration on a per-serving basis.
- The CBD should be tested by a third party to ensure the levels of cannabidiol are accurately labeled and other phytonutrients are exactly what the company insists is in each bottle.
If these three things cannot be found easily on a website or other source of information, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
Basically, marijuana and CBD aren’t the same things. Using CBD won’t give you a “high” but has so many therapeutic effects that are powerful and amazing for our well being. If you aren’t certain, give it a try! Look for a “no high” blend that will, for sure, have zero THC. All other full-spectrum blends still only contain 0.3% THC, which still isn’t enough to elicit a “high.
This article was originally published at Ready Nutrition™ on January 15th, 2020
