Written and Fact Checked by S. Zulfiqar
For many decades, cannabis has gotten a bad rep for…well, many are not sure why to this day. The demonization and stigmatization of the plant has not only caused many to believe it’s the “devil’s lettuce”, but even worse, a halt in. medical research. Due to this, we are more than just a few light years behind on learning everything it has to offer — but much has improved.
Thankfully, with the help. of wise lawmakers in Congress and public protest, cannabis has been getting the recognition it finally deserves. While it is one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world, we are only scratching the surface of discovering its great medicinal value. Cannabis is now being researched for its constituents which include terpenoids, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and other lesser-known chemical compounds we’ve still yet to discover. CBD, though, is perhaps becoming the most popular alongside THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. This is one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, which is a species of cannabis. Unlike, it’s popular running mate THC, it will not produce a high in the body. This is due to the fact that hemp plants are mainly non-psychoactive. This means, no matter what form of CBD you choose to take, it will not produce any mind altering effects — be it a topical, smokeable, or ingestible.
While there are other cannabinoids such as CBG,CBN, and CBC, CBD is unique in its own right and known to provide mental and physical relief — this includes soothing chronic pain, calming feelings of anxiety, and reducing stress just to name a few.
Types of CBD
Perhaps the greatest aspect of CBD is its ability to produce a synergistic effect in the body known as the entourage effect. Believed to be a phenomenon, this effect occurs when CBD is used in unison with other cannabinoids to provide an even greater therapeutic effect than it would on it’s own. While there is a plethora of different CBD products available on the market, this effect is mainly achieved when using products that are full-spectrum. This form of CBD contains the entire spectrum of the plant, including everything matters and leaving out everything that doesn’t. Other forms of CBD include broad spectrum and CBD isolate.
Broad spectrum products are made to contain CBD and other chemical compounds, but will not have any trace of THC. But, of them all, CBD isolate may be the purest form of CBD. In comparison to broad spectrum CBD, it also will not contain any THC but it also doesn’t contain any other cannabinoid.
What is the Endocannabinoid System and Why Is It Important?
Our body’s have been made with a complex system that controls every important bodily function. This includes our memory, appetite, sleep, pain response, reproductive systems and many more. It’s called the endocannabinoid system ECS — endo meaning “within”. But, why is it so important? Well the ECS contains millions of cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) that fit with exogenous cannabinoids like a key and lock. So, essentially one could say that cannabis was made for humans.
Anyhow, in a nutshell, the most common receptors in the ECS are CB1 and CB2 receptors which are found spread all throughout our immune system and nervous system. When the ECS is out of balance, it can bring on a litany of health issues including anxiety, depression, pain and many others. Thankfully, cannabinoids like CBD can help it get back into healthy alignment. This is done by its communication and indirect activation of CB receptors, and once this happens, balance is regained — also known as homeostasis.
So, What Does it Feel Like?
Considering everything we mentioned above, it’s not a question that CBD is beneficial. In terms of what it feels like, well that all depends on the kind of product you use. But generally, CBD should feel calming and soothing. If you are an anxiety sufferer, you can expect to feel CBD lift your spirits. If you have chronic pain, the work of CBD can help bring relief at the source of pain. For those of you who deal with stress on a daily basis (and given the pandemic, we can understand why), microdosing with CBD can help you manage this along with any other related symptoms. Want to get a good night’s rest? Consuming CBD or applying a CBD topical in generous amounts could help cradle you into a deep, peaceful slumber — all without the lethargy.
CBD is quite amazing, and seems to do the body a whole lot of good. It’s important to note though, that while there aren’t any known negative side effects of consumable CBD, there is some potential for adverse reactions. When consumed with other drugs and medications, the cannabinoid is said to be able to prohibit or inhibit their work. This intensity of this inhibition of prohibition, CBD amount consumed, and type of CBD Will all affect the severity of such effect.
Conclusion
No doubt, there is more research that needs to be conducted on CBD to solidify its efficacy and safety. However, from what we’ve discovered so far it seems like a promising health solution.
It’s important to understand that CBD works differently for everyone. As to how much you should take to feel the effects we spoke about above, there is no universal standard. Yet, a reputable CBD company will provide customers quality products made with labeling equipped with directions for suggested use. As a tip: start low and slow until you find what works best for you. Carefully monitor how you feel with every dose, increasing 5mg each time until you find your “sweet spot.”
It may feel like a bit of trial and error, but the experimentation will be worth it. You truly won’t be able to know how CBD will feel and what benefits it can offer until you try it yourself!
Interesting Reads:
What is Cannabis and its Use and Sales, Marijuana: Everything You’ve Been Afraid to Ask
