fbpx

What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?

CBD hemp oil

So what exactly is CBD and what can it do? In this detailed guide, you’ll learn about CBD, also known as cannabidiol, which we believe is one of the most important and fascinating compounds of hemp.

So read on to find out why CBD is so important and why we should actually care about it. This is especially important if you’re using hemp-derived products.

What You Should Know About Cannabidiol

Perhaps the most complex part of the hemp plant’s biochemistry is its pharmacology. The way CBD interacts with the body is extremely intricate. The truth is that we don’t really know as much as we want to about these interactions, or perhaps, not yet.

But we do know the basics. So here are some important things you should know about cannabidiol.

It’s Not Psychoactive

One of the most important things about CBD is that it’s not psychoactive. In simple terms, cannabidiol won’t give you that feeling of being “high”—unlike the other well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. The two compounds have similar chemical structures, but the difference lies in how they work: THC binds with cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in your brain to produce that sense of euphoria or “high” we associate with marijuana; CBD binds weakly, if at all, to these receptors, and its presence can even neutralize the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD products are federally legal in the US, thanks to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act. Under the law, hemp products are permitted for production and sale as long as they contain no more than .3% THC.

It is important to note that CBD products are legal, but they have not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration as a form of medical or therapeutic treatment. While individuals and organizations have promoted CBD products for various benefits, many questions still remain about the compound and any effects it may have on the body.

Can Be Obtained from Hemp or Marijuana Plants

CBD can be obtained from two main sources – marijuana and hemp plants.

The general consensus is that the CBD obtained from marijuana is both more effective and more powerful. This is attributed to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, a theory that one cannabinoid will be able to do a better job when it works alongside its cannabinoid companions. Extracting the cannabidiol from the hemp flowers can help keep the other cannabinoids intact, and this is why most people would prefer it more compared to the hemp-derived products.

The source greatly matters, and the buds tend to have a wider and richer complement of cannabinoids, unlike the hemp leaves.

While we are already on the topic, let’s do a quick rundown of the CBD-dominant strains and CBD-only strains.

Specialized CBD-Dominant Strains

  • The increasing demand for quality CBD products has driven growers and breeders to develop new strain genetics that promote the production of cannabidiol. These strains don’t necessarily get rid of the THC content, but what they do instead is increase the CBD-to-THC ratio, enhancing the effects of the plants’ CBD properties as a result. ACDC – This is the most widely available strain and consistently exceeds 19% CBD content.
  • Cannatonic – With a perfect ratio of 1:1, this strain is capable of giving users an optimal ensemble effect that’s also seeking to reap the benefits of THC.
  • Charlotte’s Web – Interesting enough, this strain is not at all marijuana. Instead, it’s a proprietary hemp plant capable of producing buds that contain only CBD.
  • Harlequin – This is a legendary medical strain having a ratio of 5:2.
  • Katelyn Faith – This was named for an 8-year-old girl, whose parents fought for the legalization of medicinal marijuana to treat her seizures. It boasts a ratio of 34:1 CBD to THC, making it one of the strains with the most CBD all over the world.
  • Remedy – As the name implies, this is a powerful healing strain that has an impressive CBD ratio of 15:1.

If you’re looking for a quality strain with high CBD content, these are the six strains that will get you started.

How Does CBD Affect the Body?

From more than 60 cannabinoids, cannabidiol is unique to the genus hemp plant and interacts with the body’s network of neurons known as the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system travels all throughout your body, and it’s filled with receptors that combine with the cannabinoids that you have introduced to your bloodstream whenever you consume hemp. It’s the chemical interactions of these bonds that pave the way for the unknown series of responses that your body creates.

To put it simply, CBD is capable of supporting your bodily processes. Once it combines with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD can interact with various systems in your body.

Most of these interactions appear to be beneficial, and as a result, have sparked widespread discussion about the potential medical uses for CBD products. While CBD is currently not considered a medical treatment—there is still much research to be done to determine its effects on the body—people who use CBD products have reported a range of benefits that enhance their daily lives.

What Can CBD Do for Recreational Users?

While CBD does not produce a “high,” it is reported to create a sense of relaxation and possibly ease tension. People use CBD products for myriad reasons, including its potential to ease feelings of tension, soothe discomfort, and support overall sleep.

Research shows that humans can tolerate CBD well, even in large doses. Any side effects you experience while using CBD may be a result of interactions with other drugs or medications you are taking (Healthline).

CBD May Produce a Smoother High

Recreational cannabis users may complain about the negative experiences they have had relating to feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which can be the result of consuming high doses of THC.

CBD can help hit the brakes as it inhibits some of the THC’s toxicity.

If you take a closer look at dispensary products, you will find various edibles, strains, and concentrates that contain a healthy dose of CBD, aside from the high amount of THC. The reason behind this is that the CBD is like an antidote for the THC, negating its psychoactive effects, which leads to a smoother and more balanced high. Thus, strains that have a balanced combination of CBD and THC are very popular among recreational users.

For more resources on CBD, industrial hemp or hemp related products, contact Blue Forest Farms at (303) 962-8250.

*The majority of cannabidiol (CBD) products, including those sold by Blue Forest Farms, have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to be used for medicinal or therapeutic treatment. Since there has been no FDA evaluation of these products, many questions and data gaps exist concerning their benefits and toxicity.