Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has become a fascinating and much-discussed topic in recent years. This natural compound, derived from the hemp plant, has a wide range of applications and is being intensively researched for its potential health benefits. CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, but does not produce the psychoactive effects often associated with THC, another prominent cannabinoid. This characteristic makes CBD attractive to people who want to reap the potential health benefits without getting “high”.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at CBD-its origins, its medicinal properties, and the various forms in which it is available. We will highlight the current scientific findings on CBD and its potential effects on the human body. We will also explore the wide range of applications of CBD, from pain relief to improving mental health. Step by step, we will gain insight into the growing popularity and acceptance of CBD in modern society. Switzerland’s CBD test winner and CBD gummy bears will also be featured. Welcome to the world of CBD and its promising potential for overall wellness and health.
CBD, what is it all about?
- Natural compound derived from the hemp plant
- One of over 100 cannabinoids
- Being studied for its potential health benefits
- CBD does not cause intoxication
- Interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system
- CBD may help with anxiety, chronic pain, epilepsy, and sleep disorders
- Can be made into oils, capsules, creams, and even foods
- Legal in many countries where THC is absent or present in small amounts
What is CBD?
CBD is a product derived from the hemp plant. Let’s take a closer look at cannabidiol products to examine their effects.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, is a product extracted from cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound found in the hemp plant. To make CBD oil[1], CBD is extracted from hemp plants and diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. This oil is taken orally by placing it under the tongue and holding it there for a short time before swallowing. CBD oil is also available in capsule form or in foods and beverages.
What is CBD weed?
CBD weed[2], also known as CBD flowers, CBD flowers, or CBD hemp flowers, are the dried flowers and leaves of the hemp plant that are rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and very low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
What is CBD Liquid?
CBD liquid, also known as CBD e-liquid or CBD vape juice, is a liquid form of cannabidiol (CBD) specifically designed for use in e-cigarettes or vaporizers. It is one of the most popular ways to consume CBD, as it allows for faster absorption of the active ingredient and provides a discreet way to use CBD on the go.
What is CBD cream?
CBD Cream[3] is a topical application of CBD (cannabidiol) that is applied to the skin. It is a form of CBD product specifically designed for topical application. The cream contains CBD extract derived from the hemp plant, as well as other ingredients typically found in skin care products, such as carrier oils, essential oils and other natural additives.
Topical application of CBD allows the potential health benefits of CBD to be focused directly on specific areas of the skin or problem areas. It is believed that CBD cream may have anti-inflammatory, soothing, and pain-relieving properties. People often use it to relieve muscle tension, joint pain, skin irritations, eczema, and other dermatological problems.
What is CBD Hemp?
CBD hemp, also known as industrial hemp, is a special variety of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) that is rich in cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike other varieties of hemp, CBD hemp contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the high. In many countries, the THC content in CBD hemp is legally limited to a very low percentage, typically 0.2% or 0.3%, to be considered legal.
CBD is extracted from the flowers, leaves and stems of CBD hemp. It is being researched for its potential health benefits and multiple uses, including relief from anxiety, pain, sleep disorders, and inflammation. CBD hemp is processed into various forms, including CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, e-liquids, creams, and more.
What is CBD good for?
CBD (cannabidiol) is known for several potential health benefits[4] and is used by people for a variety of reasons, including
- Anxiety and stress reduction:
CBD can have a calming effect and relieve symptoms associated with anxiety and stress.
- Pain relief:
CBD can relieve pain from chronic conditions, inflammation, migraines, and muscle spasms.
- Sleep improvement:
CBD may help combat sleep disorders and improve sleep quality
- Neuroprotection:
There is evidence that CBD may protect against neurological disorders, including
- Epilepsy and seizures:
CBD is recognized as effective in reducing epileptic seizures, particularly in certain forms of epilepsy
- Skin problems:
CBD has been used to relieve skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Anti-inflammatory:
CBD may be anti-inflammatory for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
- Nausea and appetite stimulation:
CBD may help with nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting, especially for people undergoing chemotherapy.
What is CBD oil good for?
CBD oil is used for anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, epilepsy, and inflammation.
It also has the following other benefits
- Sleep improvement:
Many people use CBD oil to treat sleep disorders and improve sleep quality.
- Neuroprotection:
There is evidence that CBD oil has neuroprotective properties and may protect against neurological disorders
- Epilepsy and seizures:
CBD oil has been shown to be effective in reducing epileptic seizures, particularly in certain forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Anti-inflammatory:
CBD oil may have anti-inflammatory effects and is used for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
- Skin Care:
CBD oil is used in skin care products and can help with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
CBD (cannabidiol) is not psychoactive and has no intoxicating effects. It is used for anxiety, pain, sleep problems and more.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is psychoactive and causes the high from cannabis use. It is used for pain relief and appetite stimulation, but is illegal in many countries.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG?
CBD (cannabidiol) and CBG[5] (cannabigerol) are different cannabinoids with different chemical structures. CBD is used for anxiety, pain, and inflammation without being psychoactive. CBG shows promising potential in similar applications, but more research is needed. CBG is found in smaller amounts than CBD in hemp plants.
Why is CBD legal?
CBD is legal in many countries because it is non-intoxicating and offers potential health benefits, which has led to positive research and acceptance. Hemp, the source of CBD, is often regulated and grown in a controlled manner.
CBD – How it works
A prominent property of CBD is its anti-inflammatory effect, which is particularly beneficial for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. In addition, CBD shows a remarkable ability to relieve pain, both acute and chronic, through its influence on pain sensation and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, CBD possesses sedative and anti-anxiety properties that can reduce anxiety and stress, leading to overall relaxation. In terms of sleep, CBD can improve sleep quality and combat sleep disorders, which can lead to deeper and more restful sleep. CBD is also believed to have neuroprotective properties that may protect the nervous system from damage, especially in neurodegenerative diseases.
The bottom line
CBD can be a great alternative if you need painkillers or suffer from other things like depression. Because cannabis is natural, taking CBD is much healthier for the body than taking drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD and what does it do?
CBD is a product derived from the hemp plant. It can relieve pain and have anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, numerous studies have explored its potential for treating anxiety and sleep disorders.
What does CBD do in the body?
It relieves pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, potentially affecting mood and sleep patterns.
What are the disadvantages of CBD?
The effect may not be as strong as chemical medications. In addition, some people may experience side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight.
What do doctors say about CBD?
Many doctors support CBD and prescribe it to their patients. However, the medical community still advocates for more research to understand its full range of effects and applications.
Sources
- Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). doi:Read Article.
- Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., El Hage, C., Arboleda, M. F., & Prosk, E. (2021). Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3(1). doi:Read Article.
- Makhakhe, L. (2022). Topical cannabidiol (CBD) in skin pathology – A comprehensive review and prospects for new therapeutic opportunities. South African Family Practice, 64(1). doi:Read Article.
- Sholler, D. J., Schoene, L., & Spindle, T. R. (2020). Therapeutic Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD): a Review of the Evidence From Clinical Trials and Human Laboratory Studies. Current Addiction Reports, 7(3), 405–412. doi:Read Article.
- Salcedo Pérez, E., Fernández, J. R., Fitzgerald, C., Rouzard, K., Tamura, M., & Savile, C. K. (2022). In Vitro and Clinical Evaluation of Cannabigerol (CBG) Produced via Yeast Biosynthesis: A Cannabinoid with a Broad Range of Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Health-Boosting Properties. Molecules, 27(2), 491–491. doi:Read Article.
Leonard Eberding is a pharmacist, an executive, and a board-certified specialist in medication therapy management. Mr. Eberding holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from SUNY Binghamton University and a doctorate in pharmacy and philosophy from the University of Florida. He is also a contributor to numerous health magazines, where he uses his knowledge of pharmacogenomics to help patients get on the right medications the first time, rather than relying on trial and error.
