Cannabis plants are chemical powerhouses that produce more than 400 different compounds. But of those 400 compounds, more than 60 of them are totally specific to the plant genus Cannabis. These specific compounds are called “cannabinoids.” However, not all cannabinoids are created alike. One of them, cannabidiol, or CBD, holds the key to the wide variety of medicinal and therapeutic effects marijuana offers and that’s we are going to talk about, CBD.
The first thing to know about CBD is that it is not psychoactive; it doesn’t get people ‘’high or stoned.’’ The primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But remember THC is only one of many cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant.
Scientific studies show that CBD and THC work best in combination. However, most of the commercially available CBD products on the market contain varying amounts of CBD with trace amounts if not 0% THC.
What does it do?
Let’s talk about the purported health benefits of CBD. Interesting fact, Sir John Russell Reynolds, the personal physician to Queen Victoria, used CBD-rich cannabis for treatment of her menstrual cramps in the 19th century.
The British Medical Journal (BMJ) reviewed the evidence from published, peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials. They state CBD ‘clearly offers significant therapeutic benefits for a wide range of conditions without substantial risks or unmanageable side effects.’ Conditions include Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Other scientifically backed health benefits of CBD include stress and anxiety relief, ant-inflammatory, Neurodegenerative Protection, Manages Blood Sugar Levels, Anti-Seizure. The list could go on as there is so much on-going research.
Where can I get it from?
Products used for medical purposes that contain cannabidiol (CBD) must now be licensed before they can legally be supplied in the UK, thanks to a decision by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
There several ways to take CBD which are as follows:
Tinctures - extractions of herbs into a solvent, the most common solvents being alcohol, vegetable glycerine, and even vinegar. Important to note is that absorption and potency are increased when the drops are taken directly under the tongue, instead of with a drink or food.
Edibles - Edible CBD products are popular for many reasons, including their taste, ease of use, and discretion. Edibles mask the taste into a delicious treat, like a baked good, smoothie, or snack. Some of the most common edibles include brownies, cookies, space cake, and firecrackers.
Oral Sprays - This is probably because of their ease of use. Arguably much easier and speedier to dose than an edible, a CBD spray is an oral method of administration. The product is taken sublingually for best effect, and many CBD sprays today are flavoured with natural additives to help mask the earthy taste of the CBD itself.
Balms, Salves, and Topicals - exceptionally popular among those with aching joints, muscles and skin issues. Professional and amateur athletes alike are also using CBD balms and salves in their post-workout recovery program. Topical applications of CBD have a direct effect on the localized area, and according to those that use it, provide an effective and natural form of pain relief.
Vaping (E-cigarette) - Research suggests that inhaling cannabinoids is one of the most effective ways of ingesting it, at least compared to the other ways discussed above. When vaped, cannabinoids like CBD get taken into the bloodstream almost immediately because they enter by way of the respiratory tract.
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