What are CBD and what does it do? In order to fully maximize the therapeutic benefits of this non-habit forming, plant extract, it is important to answer these two questions. What is CBD? What does CBD do? How does CBD deliver these benefits?
Strain selection for therapeutic use has been a challenge since the 1970s. The crop genetics of cannabis which are high in THCA and CBD have yielded some outstanding strains – proving the effectiveness and necessity of high-cbd strains. But by selective breeding certain high-producing strains, crop scientists have been unable to create crops with low levels of CBD. Some high-producing strains have even had their pollen contain less CBD than other breeds. But researchers have been able to create strains that have relatively high CBD levels, and they have been able to use those strains in clinical trials with positive results. CBD is being used for a wide range of conditions from relieving symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, to reducing seizures in children.
The question of what is CBD can be answered by looking at what it is not. Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive substance. It is a plant compound with a wide variety of medical properties. THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis-derived products, including marijuana, hashish, and cannabis. CBD is a compound which has only recently begun to be exploited for its medical purposes.
Like THC, CBD is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, but it is not smoked in marijuana or consumed through ingestion. Instead, it is taken into the body by inhalation, taken into the lungs via gum, or absorbed through clothing and skin patches. Inhalation creates the most serious side effects, as it can lead to respiratory arrest, coughing fits, and even death. By contrast, ingestion creates very little risk-as it passes through the digestive tract without any metabolic changes or chemical reactions. This means that CBD is much more accessible and widely used than THC, although it is still not completely understood what role, if any, cannabidiol plays in marijuana.
The primary source of CBD is the marjoram and basil plants, which are commonly used in cooking and potpourri. Other herbal sources include Indian hemp, olive, jojoba, sesame, sunflower, and grape seed oils, although marjoram and basil are the most popular extracts. Non-medical cannabis-derived products containing CBD include soaps, chewing gums, and lip balms and even CBD vape juice like these products here.
Many products are now available for consumers to purchase that are CBD free. Some companies make teas, capsules, and other oral supplements that contain little or no THC at all, in order to retain the active ingredient, which is CBD. These edibles are often marketed towards children and seniors, but they can also be effective for people who prefer a less potent or longer-lasting high. Since CBD is generally not absorbed through the skin or lungs, some companies are applying CBD into their inhalable products. There is not yet any information on whether this is safe or effective.
The major pharmaceutical companies are still seeking a way to manufacture CBD-free or CBD-inhibiting products. Several companies have received a small amount of approval from the FDA to produce an oral supplement that contains CBD. In September, 2020, the National Institute of Mental Health issued a statement of support for the use of what is CBD as a therapeutic compound for those who suffer from autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, seizure disorders, chronic pain, and other syndromes. Even though the FDA has not approved CBD as medicinal or therapeutic compounds, several major health organizations including the American Medical Association have raised questions about the safety of the plant material and derivatives, such as CBD oil and CBD gel.
If you or someone you know suffers from one of the conditions included in the list of what is CBD, it is important to speak with a qualified medical professional. Not only will your physician be able to provide information on current and upcoming studies that may be related to your condition, he or she will also be able to provide guidance based on current and past research regarding the safety and efficacy of what is CBD. What is CBD? It could be your door to live a happier, healthier life!
