The wide world of cannabis can be a confusing place for the new comer. Not only is the terminology full of contradictions and complexities, even the complicated legal status follows suit. Despite the fact that medical marijuana is making headlines daily for the endless stream of health benefits it has been proven to provide, this media attention doesn’t seem to make the introduction any smoother. The information available online also isn’t always the most concise or the most understandable to those unfamiliar with cannabis. It can often leave newcomers with more questions than they started with… But rest assured, for those of you interested in learning more, we’ve put together an easy to understand reference for the basics of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and CBD oil. It will provide the basic scientific understanding of the plant, a guide to the health benefits, and end with suggestions on the best way to take CBD oil.
What is Cannabis?
The overwhelming contradictory cannabis lexicon doesn’t make this world any easier to understand for the new comer. So, first things first, let's review the simplest question: what is cannabis? Cannabis is a species of plant called cannabis sativa, which has a millennia long relationship with humans. Within the cannabis species there are multiple varieties, or strains, each with their own intended use. The strains are characterized by their unique combinations of something called cannabinoids, which are responsible for their medical properties, and sometimes their psychoactive properties.
Although different people use some terms interchangeably, there is a basic consensus on terms which differentiate some of the primary uses for the plant. Medical marijuana and marijuana are generally both used to describe cannabis that has been bred with a high THC content. This is the only cannabinoid among dozens, that is responsible for the stoned feeling. Marijuana remains federally classified as a narcotic, despite numerous changes in legal status at the state level because of the THC contents. Hemp on the other hand refers to a strain of cannabis that is low in THC, but usually higher in other powerful cannabinoids such as CBD. Hemp is legal to grow, process and sell in most countries around the world and is typically used for industrial uses such as for fiber, oil, as well as its medicinal therapies. Finally, cannabis, tends to be used to describe the entire genus of plant, no matter what the final use is.
What are Cannabinoids, and Cannabidiol?
Cannabinoids are the powerful characteristics of the cannabis plant that mimic naturally produced endocannabinoids within the human body. Thus, they are capable of influencing the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates many processes within our bodies, but most notably appetite, memory, mood, pain, and the immune system. The science is still in its infancy stages, but so far researchers have been able to determine that different cannabinoids interact with our system in different ways. For example, THC locks directly with the CB1 receptor, found mostly inside the brain and responsible for memory, mood, and pain perception. On the other hand, CBD antagonizes the CB1 receptor, and instead of locking with any receptor specifically, seems to stimulate and indirectly influence their activity.
Cannabidiol is an influential cannabinoid in many ways, because it has led the way for some of the legal shifts within the medical marijuana industry. After all, if a plant is so low in THC that it does not cause any psychoactivity, can that plant still be considered an illicit drug? Also, if hemp is legal, and contains this powerful substance, what should restrict people from using it medicinally? Now, the CBD marketplace has exploded, because it allows much broader access to people who may not have been able (or open) to using medical marijuana that was high in THC. In fact, CBD is so safe to use that it is offering an alternative treatment for children with serious illnesses.
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What are the Health Benefits of CBD?
The list of health benefits is long. It’s also supported with impressive scientific evidence. As with all cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant, there is some crossover between different cannabinoids, but they each tend to offer something a bit different in terms of medicinal therapies. Cannabidiol in particular has been shown to benefit the following health issues:
- Tumors
- Seizures
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Glaucoma
- Inflammation
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
RELATED: This Is How CBD Can Boost Your Eye Health
How to Take CBD?
Finally, the question on many people’s minds is how to actually take CBD. After all, is it like marijuana where you have to smoke it? Is it a supplement to take orally? The truth of the matter is that there is a myriad of ways to take CBD and CBD products such as CBD oil. It all boils down to preference. Some of the most common methods are through CBD heavy strains of cannabis. These can be taken in all the same formats as medical marijuana (vaporized, smoked, or consumed as edible), but these days many people are turning to alternative formats which offer better cellular absorption than the more traditional methods. A popular one is CBD oil therapy which can be taken as an oral spray or sublingually.
RELATED: CBD Oil: Can You Smoke It? Benefits & Risks
While there are many oils on the market, it’s best to find those that offer whole plant medicine in order to benefit from many of the other less well-known cannabinoids that exist in the same plant. Also, always look for the most bio-available option, to guarantee the strength of this powerful alternative medicine is most readily available. Doses will always vary between body types, specific issue being treated and metabolism, so always start slow when beginning your CBD oil journey.
References
https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/cbd-dosage/
https://www.projectcbd.org/article/cbd-users-manual
https://cbdoil.life/blogs/news/27345217-beginners-guide-to-cannabis-and-cannabis-oils
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis
