Cannabidiol
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol is one of the most important compounds in cannabis.
It has been one of the significant developments in marijuana science since the discovery of THC, CBD’s sister compound.
But what exactly is CBD, How Does It Work, and what are the benefits?
We will answer these questions and more in the following article.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant.
These compounds are known as cannabinoids. THC is also a cannabinoid.
The definition is “a compound that is one of the main constituents of cannabis, having mild psychoactive effects.”
This cannabinoid is best known for j its vast medicinal benefits and its lack of psycho-activity, or a high.
Cannabidiol can be produced by and extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants
CBD from cannabis-producing a more cannabinoid-rich oil and cannabidiol from hemp containing very little or zero THC.
CBD VS THC
While Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol are both cannabinoids found in weed, the 2 chemical compounds are drastically different items altogether.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC is known as the ingredient in the pot which gets users high.
Because of this, it is less than ideal for medical patients looking for relief.
THC is also known to cause paranoia or anxiety in some users. This may make some new to cannabis uncomfortable.
Cannabidiol is pretty much THC’s polar opposite.
It is known for having no psychoactive and does not make the user stoned.
CBD is internationally known for its vast medical benefits.
This makes it of interest to those seeking cannabinoid therapy with no high.
Is Cannabidiol Safe?
Those new to cannabis often ask “Is CBD Safe?” and the answer for that is simple.
Yes, it is safe.
Doctors around the world are prescribing it daily to some of the most vulnerable members of our society including children and the elderly.
CBD is one of the safest medicines on the planet.
It works with a naturally occurring set of receptors within the human body known as the endocannabinoid system.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD works by activating receptors throughout your body.
These aren’t typical cannabinoid receptors, cb1 and cb2, which THC activates.
The cannabinoid activates other receptors in the body such as TRPV1.
The activation of adenosine receptors by CBD gives off anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.
Adenosine receptors are also involved in the release of dopamine and glutamate. two neurotransmitters that play major roles inside the body.
Dopamine is involved in cognition, motor control, motivation, and reward mechanisms.
Glutamate is one of the major mediators of excitatory signals, memory, learning, and cognition
What are The Benefits of Cannabidiol?
CBD is known as one of, if not the most beneficial cannabinoid in marijuana.
Cannabidiol is not just for people suffering from debilitating health issues.
the cannabis compound has shown promise in helping nicotine users quit smoking cigarettes.
CBD has also been shown to provide benefits to those dealing with substance abuse.
What Medical Conditions is CBD Used to Treat?
This cannabinoid has a plethora of medicinal benefits, with discoveries being made each day.
Cannabidiol has been shown to provide relief to those suffering from medical ailments.
These include epilepsy, arthritis, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and many others.
CBD can have a significant impact on the treatment of various types of cancer
CBD battles epilepsy by targeting ion channels and receptors in the brain, providing anticonvulsants to neurotransmitters in the brain, and switching how the ions flow in and out of neurons.
Cannabidiol can also help those suffering from anxiety by working with receptors in the brain and transmitting serotonin signals, which help provide relief from anxiety, much like Prozac or other pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications.
CBD can also target the 5-ht1a serotonin receptors which help the body process pain, allowing relief for those who are suffering from chronic pain.
This recent study indicates that just one dose of cannabidiol can lower blood pressure.
These are just a few of the medicinal benefits received from using cannabidiol.
As countries and states continue to legalize marijuana, new studies are becoming available rapidly proving the benefits.
CBD Effects and What CBD Feels Like
Cannabidiol work by signaling receptors in your brain and having a downregulating and calming effect that will be noticeable.
While this cannabinoid does not directly interact with it, it does affect signaling through CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly.
This perhaps explains why, compared to THC, CBD is non-intoxicating.
CBD can also increase levels of the body’s naturally-produced cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids) by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down.
Does CBD Get You High?
No, CBD does not get users “High”.
Unlike THC, Cannabidiol is one cannabinoid that does not provide euphoria.
This is thought to be because unlike THC, CBD does not interact with your cannabinoid receptors directly.
They work indirectly and inhibit the enzyme that activates these receptors, potentially uncovering exactly why cannabidiol is not intoxicating like THC.
Will CBD Show Up in a Drug Test?
Because CBD does not get its users high and contains no THC, people wonder if it will show up in a drug test.
This question is hard to answer without knowing exactly what type of drug test you are going to be taking as the panels for each drug test vary.
A few years ago, you could safely assume that a drug test wouldn’t detect the cannabinoid as most tests were screening for THC and its various metabolites.
However, with the rise in popularity of medical marijuana and the proliferation of CBD, many drug tests have started to test for cannabinoids other than THC, such as Cannabidiol.
If you are taking a drug test that is testing for cannabis, in particular, it is safe to assume that cannabidiol will be a part of the testing panel and that it will show up in a test if you have used it.
However, standard drug tests such as those used for pre-employment screenings generally test for standard intoxicants and mostly focus on THC when it comes to marijuana.
While it is best to use your judgment in this situation, we want you to know that if it is part of the screening panel, cannabidiol will indeed show up on your drug test.
Is CBD Legal in Canada?
Yes, Cannabidiol is legal in Canada. Medical marijuana has been legal in Canada since 2001 and Cannabis was legalized for adult recreational use in 2018. Under the Cannabis Act CBD is legal for all adults in Canada.
Did we miss any of the important benefits of using CBD? Let us know in the comments!