Where does CBD come from?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a powerful natural compound derived from the HEMP plant. CBD is one of over a hundred compounds know as phytocannabinoids. Others include CBN, CBG, CBC, and THC, all being studied for their medicinal benefits as they work in a similar way as the neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids found in the human body.

Hemp VS Marijuana

Both hemp plant and the marijuana plant belong to the cannabis family. And, this is why there is still much confusion between the two plants. While marijuana is high in THC, the famous psychoactive compound known for causing a “high”, hemp is quite different. While hemp contains the full range of pytocannabinoids, it does not create a high because it is very low in THC. Currently hemp is legal due to the fact that any hemp sold in the United States must have below .3% THC.

CBD, containing all the anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-spasmodic, and analgesic effects in the body, is found in very high amounts in the hemp plant, and lower amounts in the marijuana plant. People around the world are turning more and more to hemp derived CBD as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, and as a way to help their body heal by balancing their endocannabinoid system.

How does CBD work?

Your body has an endocannabinoid system which does two things:

1. Regulates energy, pleasure, and well-being
2. Pushes your body into recovery when sick or injured

This is how it’s done…

Your brain communicates to neurons throughout the body by way of messengers called neurotransmitters. In your endocannabinoid system, neuroreceptors referred to as CB1 and CB2 are located throughout your body within cell membranes, and are activated by the neurotransmitters AEA and 2-AG. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain, while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral body. This is an on-demand system that regulates inflammation, pain, formation of nerve cells, fat and sugar processing, mood, energy, brain health, hormone balance, as well as interacting with other key systems in your body. Once your body is in balance, the neurotransmitters are dissolved by enzymes and disappear until needed again. The importance of this system cannot be stressed enough.

When the phytocannabinoid CBD is introduced into your body, it interacts with the body consistently, unlike endocannabinoids, which appear on demand. CBD works indirectly on your endocannabinoid system by blocking enzymes responsible for dissolving the neurotransmitters AEA and 2-AG, which allows for greater neuroreceptor activation and a more essential endocannabinoid system to bring balance and healing to your whole body. As the medicinal properties of cannabis become more apparent, scientists continue to study CBD and other phytocannabinoids to understand their full potential as a natural alternative to today’s pharmaceutical drugs.

Why is CBD taken?

Anxiety and Stress

One of the main reasons people are turning to CBD is to deal with stress and anxiety without the use of prescription drugs. CBD has been shown to reduce chronic anxiety, temporary stress, and the overall physical damage stress causes to our bodies.

Cancer

Cannabinoids have gained much traction in their use to treat cancer due to their palliative effects in not only dealing with nausea, stimulating appetite, pain reduction, improving mood, and helping with sleep, but also in shrinking tumors and preventing the growth of new cancer cells.

Depression and Mood

Some research suggests that cannabinoids have an effect on serotonin levels, which can be cause for depression. In addition, chronic stress has been linked to a decrease in endocanniboids levels in the body. Introducing CBD may bring the body back into balance and elevate mood.

Pain

The most common use of CBD today is those looking for pain relief. Over 70 million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain, and opioid addiction is a major problem. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for pain relief and has shown to be safe and effective.

Sleep

An estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep related issues. As CBD has a relaxing and calm effect on the body and mind, many are finding it beneficial as part of their nighttime sleep regimen.