What is CBD?

​Lately, the health and wellness industry has witnessed a rise in products containing cannabidiol (CBD). These products take a wide range of forms — lotions, sodas, oils, supplements, and, of course, edibles. Much of the general public mistakenly believes that using CBD products is the same thing as taking marijuana. The majority of people don’t actually know how CBD interacts with the body. What is CBD, and why is it so beneficial? 

What is the endocannabinoid system?
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of neurotransmitters and receptors that are compatible with a system of compounds (called cannabinoids) found in marijuana. The ECS naturally helps control functions such as pain response, emotions, and appetite. The brain produces its own cannabinoids that fit into special receptors associated with each of these processes. While CBD doesn’t have any high-inducing effects on the brain, it works on a therapeutic level with receptors all across the body.

What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two most major cannabinoids found in marijuana, the second being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is known for being psychoactive and inducing the feelings associated with being high, while CBD is non-psychoactive and most commonly used for its calming effects. In addition, CBD possesses qualities that counteract the negative side effects associated with THC, such as anxiety or paranoia.

Are CBD and marijuana the same thing?
Many people attach a negative association to CBD because they think that it is the same thing as marijuana. This is not true. While CBD is found in marijuana, it is an active chemical compound that can be extracted from the plant and used for its own medicinal qualities. It is simply one of many pieces that make up marijuana.

Cannabis vs hemp CBD?
A term likely to be associated with CBD products at the store is hemp. Any CBD products sold in convenience stores derive their CBD from hemp sources. One common misconception about hemp is that it is a different species of cannabis. Another misconception is that hemp is “weed.” Hemp is cannabis — more specifically, cannabis sativa — that is bred to have lower THC percentages than the established legal limits (which is less than 0.3% in the United States). Hemp is non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive due to its insignificant THC levels but does contain high levels of CBD, which is extracted for medicinal and therapeutic use.

What are the effects of CBD?
CBD is most commonly used for its medicinal properties — to relieve physical or mental ailments such as inflammation, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is a popular alternative to prescription medications. It should be noted that CBD is used to treat, but not cure, medical conditions. Additionally, it is not associated with any negative health effects in the scientific community.

In a nutshell: CBD is an active chemical compound with healing qualities derived from the marijuana plant, but using it is not the same thing as using marijuana or smoking weed. CBD will not get you high, either. Whether it is extracted from cannabis or hemp sources, CBD provides safe and reliable relief to a vast number of chronic medical conditions by interacting with specialized receptors across the human body.