What is CBD?

What is CBD? Amongst the noise in the industry sometimes we forget to answer simple questions. We noticed that we hadn’t even answered it in our videos! We put together one, therefore, explaining exactly what it is.

If you are more of a reader than a watcher, we have broken down the video’s key points for you here. This should answer the key questions you will have.

So, what is it exactly?

Approximately 100 organic elements found in the cannabis plant, make up the compound Cannabidiol, or CBD. The good stuff makes up 40% of cannabis plant matter, extracted from the flower and oils. This is because plants are made up of a lot of liquid and oil too, just as humans are made up of 90% water.

The extraction process creates a collection of oils. This concentrate or distillate contains the CBD. It also contains a host of other items such as terpenes. Ultimately this is what produces whole plant cannabis CBD.

Is there CBD in hemp?

In short, yes. hemp seed and the hemp plant do produce CBD. Being a bio-accumulator though, means it draws up toxins from the soil. Required to produce CBD therefore, is a considerable amount of hemp. CBD from whole plant cannabis is, therefore, more abundant and why full spectrum CBD is more in demand.

Does it get you high?

No, it does not get you high, it contains no psychoactive properties. Discovered in 1940, there is still no evidence 80 years later that psychoactive properties exist. What do we mean when we say psychoactive – we mean ‘Get you high’.

Any reports that stronger milligram strength makes you high, means it’s likely the product has something other than the cannabinoid in, so be cautious.

How does it work?

The human body’s endocannabinoid system draws Cannabinoids toward it. Accepted scientifically, this is not in question. Click the link above to read about what some refer to as weed receptors in The Scientist Magazine.

In summary, your body has two types of endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. Found in the brain are CB1 receptors, CB2 on the surface of cells. Found scattered around the body are the CB2 receptor cells. Also attached to the nervous system. This is how they work as one complete network.

Fired when receptors come into contact with CBD is a serotonin-like response. This is likely what has led to the reported benefits. Serotonin is the body’s happy drug, that makes us feel warm and fuzzy. Releasing Serotonin may make it no surprise why anxiety sufferers report benefits from using the cannabinoid.

What does it supposedly help with?

• Anxiety – 71% of users of Cannabidiol products use it for anxiety relief
• Pain Relief
• Anti-inflammation
• Insomnia – reduction of anxiety and release of serotonin could assist in sleep improvement
• Muscle Recovery – Fighting inflammation would help muscle repair post workout
• Seizure control – approved medicines by GW Pharma signed off by MHRA and US FDA. Epidiolex and Sativex.

What are the different types of CBD?

There are three types of CBD on the market, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate. They each have their own reasons for why you might choose one over another. It all comes down to the way in which the cannabinoid was extracted from the cannabis plant.

Full Spectrum – Full spectrum has been less aggressively filtered. Therefore it will contain terpenes and trace, legal amounts of CBD (less than 0.2%) However, it will not get you high. The reason you might choose full-spectrum is because of terpenes, which have their own added benefits. 

Broad-spectrum – Broad-spectrum is the same as full-spectrum in the fact it contains terpenes. However, it doesn’t have any THC. You might select broad-spectrum if you have very strict drug testing in your workplace and are worried that the THC might be detected, even though it is the legal limit. 

CBD isolate – This has been much more aggressively filtered to contain zero terpenes and zero THC.

How do you take CBD?

There are a number of different ways to enjoy the cannabinoid, and it all comes down to what works for you. Popular options include:

Vaping CBD vape oil

The most bioavailable way to enjoy the cannabinoid is through vaping specifically made CBD vape oil. This just means that it enters your bloodstream faster than other methods, providing you with relief sooner. 

If you do choose to vape CBD you need to remember that CBD oil and CBD vape oil are two different things. You should not be vaping CBD tincture drops or any kind of oil (especially not THC oil!) This can be dangerous. Make sure you are vaping e-liquid that is designed for your device and your lungs. 

Vaping CBD vape oil, also called e-liquid or ejuice, requires you to have a vape device. The ideal device for vaping the cannabinoid is a basic starter kit or pod device. These are low powered kits that are the ideal set up for CBD vape juice. They are not too expensive, ranging between £15-£40. 

Read more about getting started with vaping CBD vape oil here >>

Tincture drops 

Tincture drops are one of the most popular ways to take the cannabinoid. It is easy and doesn’t require any extra equipment. You simply squeeze the oil dropper under your tongue or the inside of your cheek and it should have an effect within 30 minutes, depending on your metabolism. 

Just like the CBD vape oil, tincture drops come in a variety of different strengths for you to choose from. You want to make sure that you select the right level for you and your tolerance. 

Edibles, gummies and capsules

Ingesting CBD is another easy way to get the cannabinoid into your system. This way does take a little longer to get into your system, because it has to mix with your digestive juices and food before it takes effect. 

You may prefer to take it this way if you are not keen on vaping or don’t like the taste of the oil. You can take them alongside your daily supplements. 

Creams

CBD creams are said to help prevent free radical damage to the skin, help with skin disorders and conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis and moisturize the skin. Using cannabinoid creams can easily become part of your daily beauty regime. 

Read about CBD cream in more detail here >> 

Common Myths about CBD

Myth 1- It is illegal 

CBD is not illegal. You can buy it from pet shops, supermarkets, online and health food stores. It doesn’t contain THC in any amount to get you ‘high’. Therefore, in many countries it is legal. However, make sure you check the legal status in your country before you place your order! 

Myth 2 – It gets you high

CBD doesn’t get you high. THC is what gets you high. 

Myth 3 – It shows up in drugs tests 

Drug tests will test for THC. As CBD contains very little or no THC, it will not show up. If you are really concerned then opt for broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. 

Myth 4 – CBD isolate doesn’t work

CBD isolate is concentrated level of CBD. You can’t get this as an oil, however you can get it in an e-liquid. Vaping CBD is the most bioavailable way to take the cannabinoid, and having very concentrated amount of it would be no bad thing. 

What is CBD for pets?

CBD for pets is the same as CBD for humans. It works in very much the same way in their bodies as it does in ours. If your dog or cat or other furry friend is suffering from the following, CBD might bring them some relief:

CBD for pets comes in different strengths. We always suggest that you start off with a low dose and see how your dog reacts, just like you would yourself. 

You can cook up CBD dog treats or use the oil dropper. It should be easy enough to administer to your pooch. 

Tips for shopping for CBD for pets 

• Don’t go cheap. To get a quality product, you need to pay the price. If you opt for a cheap option then you might find it contains less pure ingredients
• Get the certificate of analysis. A trustworthy brand should be able to show you the certificate of analysis for all of their products, including their CBD for pets. This will tell you about the amount of CBD in the product, as well as how much, if any, THC is present

Tips for shopping for CBD for you

• Go to a website or shop you trust. You’ll know they’re good if they are transparent with what is in their products
• Ask for a certificate of analysis
• Don’t buy too cheap. This might be hemp seed oil rather than CBD oil.
• Start with a low dose and increase once you know you tolerance
• Use CBD the way you feel most comfortable, whether that be vaping, drops or baking it into brownies

We hope you have found this post useful, if you want to check out the video, you can view below, or click the link to our channel here.

If you have any questions or comments we haven’t answered here, drop them in the box below. You can always get in touch with us on our web-chat or via our Facebook page too.