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  • Writer's pictureArabella Iglesias

What is CBD? - A comprehensive beginner's guide



What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a compound that is unique to the cannabis plant; making it a cannabinoid. CBD is the active ingredient in medical cannabis; not to be confused with THC, which is the active ingredient in recreational cannabis and is responsible for the psychoactive effects that most people associate with marijuana..

CBD is gaining popularity with people in treatments for a wide variety of ailments, including anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, inflammation, arthritis, MS, and many other conditions.


The scientific studies that have been done in this area are relatively new. Some studies have been done on the psychoactive compound THC but there is little research done on the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD.


There has been a push to continue the studies and build a solid evidence base for the benefits of cannabidiol.



Is a Cannabinoid a Scientific term?

Even though THC and CBD are technically cannabinoids, they are not technically cannabinoids in western science. Cannabinoids are distinguished from other compounds that have similar effects from plants. The cannabinoids in cannabis are called phytocannabinoids.


The phytocannabinoids in cannabis is produced by cannabis plants. There are at least 85 different phytocannabinoids in cannabis that belong to at least 10 different families.


THC is also slowly starting to gain favor as a treatment for certain conditions. But because of THC’s psychoactive properties, it was outlawed as a controlled substance until relatively recently (2001).


CBD is believed to have health benefits without psychoactivity. CBD and THC both bind to the cannabinoid receptor that is present in all mammals. The two have very similar effects. The main difference is that CBD does much more good as a pain killer than THC.

CBD is thought to have a medicinal effect in treating different ailments. In the last decade, there have been several studies into the benefits of CBD. These benefits are mediated through the body’s endocannabinoid system.


In the endocannabinoid system, the body produces endocannabinoids which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in different organs and parts of the body, including the heart and gut. Some of the endocannabinoids help carry messages between the brain and organs.

In the brain, endocannabinoids help control mood, sleep, appetite, and pain. In addition to receptors in the brain, there are endocannabinoid receptors in the immune system and they are believed to be responsible for immune function.

In the body, endocannabinoids are linked to anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties. CBD is thought to help reduce inflammation and pain in the brain and the body through endocannabinoid receptors.

To many people, the legalization of cannabis has raised many questions. The legalization of cannabis has raised a lot of questions in the minds of some people. People may not know how cannabis will promote their health or the benefits it may have for them.

The good news is that there is a viable alternative to cannabis. It is a substance that is produced within cannabis called cannabidiol (CBD). CBD may help people without the mind-altering effects of THC.



Cannabinoids: Understanding the Difference Between THC and CBD

Cannabinoids are the compounds that are responsible for the recreational and medicinal effects of Cannabis.


They can be described as a natural and biologically active compounds formed by Cannabis. Cannabinoids can affect our mood and behavior. They can either lift or lower our spirits depending on them.


There are 113 different cannabinoids and over 400 different types of terpenes found in Cannabis.


Cannabinoids include various compounds like THC, CBN, CBC, CBG, and CBD; also known as Cannabidiol.


Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound. CBD can be found in cannabis seeds, leaves, flowers, and resin. It is also found in high amounts in industrial hemp.


CBD has been found to have numerous medical and therapeutic properties. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-epilepsy, and anti-psychotic effects.


These results have been seen in research. However, more research is needed to determine all of CBD's effects on the human body.


CBD has been used to treat epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.


THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effect of Cannabis. THC is the acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol. It can also be found in hemp seeds.



What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil comes from Cannabis Sativa (a common hemp plant), and is a concentrated cannabinoid-rich oil.


CBD (Cannabidiol) is the chemical compound of the hemp plant.


CBD has no psychoactive effects whatsoever, which means that you cannot get high from using it. CBD is believed to help with pain relief, stress relief, and anxiety.


CBD oil is also beneficial to people with epilepsy and other conditions where they have seizures.


CBD oil has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It started in China and eventually made its way to Western medicine. However, CBD is being used mainly for pain management, and it has been shown to help in this way.


Although CBD is relatively new in Europe, it is already pervasive in the US (although this could change soon).


CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants and is a mixture of the chemical compounds obtained from the plant.