CBD is a chemical that the cannabis plant naturally contains. However, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), its more well-known sibling, CBD does not get you high. This is due to the fact that the cannabinoid receptors in your body and brain react to THC and CBD in distinct ways.

The three main types of CBD products available on the market are:

Full-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD
CBD isolate

Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the chemical elements present in cannabis, including THC. The majority of the chemicals are present in broad-spectrum CBD, however, THC has completely been eliminated. Isolate is just pure CBD.

There are several applications for CBD:

orally, by mouth, in capsules, or in gummies
sublingually, under the tongue, in tinctures or oils
topically, on the skin, in lotions, salves, or balms
inhaled, as a vapor, in vape pens or cartridges

Where Does CBD Come From?

Both cannabis sativa and indica plants are sources of CBD. But the majority of the CBD sold today is made from hemp, a kind of the cannabis sativa plant. Manufacturers use a variety of techniques to extract CBD from the hemp plant to create CBD products. The most used method is CO2 extraction, which draws the necessary chemicals from the plant using pressurized carbon dioxide.

CBD is often added to an oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil, once it has been extracted, and then utilized in a variety of goods. These goods may come in the form of tinctures, topicals, foods, and others.

Marijuana vs. Hemp

You’ve definitely heard of CBD, but you might not be aware that it comes from two distinct plant species: hemp and marijuana. Both are cannabis species, although there are some significant variations between them.

Although both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis plant, they differ in numerous ways. The main distinction is that hemp has very little THC (0.3%) compared to marijuana’s high amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

You won’t get high or experience any mind-altering effects from taking CBD products manufactured from hemp because of the negligible level of THC in them.

Affect of the entourage

The “Entourage Effect” idea explains how terpenes and cannabinoids work together synergistically. According to this notion, the chemical components of cannabis combine to have a bigger effect than the product of their individual effects.

In theory, full-spectrum products work best for the entourage effect. This is so that all components of cannabis, including THC, CBN, CBG, and terpenes, may be present in full-spectrum CBD products. The cannabis plant contains the cannabinoids CBD, CBN, and CBG.

Cannabis contains terpenes, which are also responsible for the aroma of the plant. They may also offer a number of health advantages. Terpenes and cannabinoids can either intensify or diminish one another’s effecting when they interact. In actuality, the terpenes and cannabinoids present in various cannabis strains can result in a variety of effects.

For example, a strain containing limonene (a terpene with a citrus scent) may have a stronger anti-anxiety effect than one with predominantly myrcene (an earthy-smelling terpene). This is because myrcene is thought to be a sedative, but limonene is known to increase mood.

Many individuals think full-spectrum CBD products work better than CBD isolate because of the entourage effect hypothesis. CBD isolate is a pure version of CBD that has been separated from other cannabinoids and cannabis-related chemicals.

Despite the possibility that CBD isolate is helpful, it is believed that full-spectrum CBD products are more effective due to the presence of other cannabinoids and other substances that contribute to the entourage effect.

What Makes CBD, CBN, and CBG Different?

The cannabis plant contains the cannabinoids CBD, CBN, and CBG. In contrast to CBN and CBG, which are only found naturally in trace amounts, hemp plants have large amounts of CBD. The differences between CBD, CBN, and CBG are found in their chemical composition and physiological effects.

While CBN is well-known for its sedative effects, CBD is recognized for its medicinal benefits. CBN is frequently used by people to promote sleep or reduce discomfort. Recent studies, however, suggest that CBN could potentially be useful in the management of inflammation.

A lesser-known cannabinoid called CBG is also regarded to have medicinal promise. According to certain research, CBG may be used to treat diseases including glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease. CBG is thought to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects as well.

Is CBD Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD in the US. However, several jurisdictions still ban the sale of CBD products derived from marijuana. This is due to the fact that CBD products produced from marijuana may include more than 0.3% THC, a substance that has intoxicating effects.

THC levels in hemp-derived CBD products are generally less than 0.3%. The quantity of THC that can be found in CBD products generated from marijuana is not restricted. Therefore, before buying CBD products, it is important to verify your state’s legislation.

Look for items with the labels “THC-free” or “wide spectrum” if you want to buy CBD that doesn’t contain any THC. All traces of THC are eliminated during the processing of these items.

Currently, all states in the union, with the exception of Idaho, South Dakota, and Nebraska, have legalized CBD products produced from hemp.

CBD Recommended Dosage

For CBD, there is no universal dose. It’s advisable to start with a modest dose of CBD if you’ve never taken it before, and then gradually increase it over time. Take twenty to thirty milligrams (mg) of CBD when starting off as a general guideline. After a week, if you still don’t see any results, you can up your dosage by five milligrams.

It’s important to remember that it takes time for your body to absorb CBD. As a result, it may take one to two weeks to fully appreciate CBD’s benefits.

The best course of action is to speak with your doctor or another trained healthcare practitioner if you’re unclear about how much CBD to take. They can assist you in choosing the optimal dose for your particular requirements.

The recommended CBD dose is determined by a number of variables, such as:

Your weight
Your body chemistry
The condition you’re treating
The severity of your condition
Other medications you’re taking

CBD’s health benefits (post-workout, stress/anxiety, etc.)

As more individuals learn about the potential health advantages of CBD, the demand for CBD products is rising. Consult your doctor before taking CBD if you’re considering it. They can assist you in choosing the right dose and product category for you.

The health advantages of CBD for athletes are said to be numerous and include:

reducing performance anxiety
decreasing stress levels
relieving pain
reducing inflammation
helping to improve sleep

Additionally, CBD may enhance performance by encouraging alertness, which boosts concentration and delays exhaustion.

When utilizing CBD to improve performance, you can apply a topical to relieve discomfort in certain targeted regions. Additionally, you may utilize it to speed up post-workout recovery by ingesting it or using a CBD-infused massage oil.

There are several CBD-related products on the market if that interests you. Make sure you do your homework and pick a reliable brand. Discuss the appropriateness of CBD for you and the recommended dosage with your doctor.

Summary of the Endocannabinoid System (CB1 and CB2 Receptors)

For the body to remain in a state of equilibrium, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is in charge. The ECS is a network of receptors spread throughout the body that is made up of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. The effects of cannabis, including CBD, are brought on by these cannabinoid receptors. The endocannabinoid system has two main receptors: CB1 and CB2.

The nervous system as a whole and the brain both include CB1 receptors. They are in charge of the psychoactive properties of cannabis, including the high. Additionally, memory, mood, hunger, pain, and mobility are all regulated by CB1 receptors.

Immune cells and other body parts include CB2 receptors. These receptors regulate pain and inflammation.

Both CB receptors are not directly occupied by CBD. It does, however, encourage the body to utilize more endocannabinoids—the body’s own cannabinoids. The two primary endocannabinoids in the body are anandamide and 2-AG.

Because of this procedure, CBD is believed to offer medicinal advantages. For instance, CBD’s interaction with human cannabinoid receptors may lessen pain and inflammation while treating a range of illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.

CBD does not directly bind to either CB receptor. It does, however, encourage the body to utilize more endocannabinoids—the body’s own cannabinoids. The two primary endocannabinoids in the body are anandamide and 2-AG.

Side Effects of CBD

CBD normally has an excellent safety profile and is well tolerated. The modest side effects that some people could see, however, include changes in appetite, dry mouth, or sleepiness. These adverse effects often don’t last long and are modest.

Rarely, more severe adverse effects such as liver damage or interactions with other drugs have been mentioned by people. Stop using CBD and see your doctor if you notice any serious negative effects.

In general, CBD is regarded as a safe substance with minimal possible adverse effects.

Do Drug Tests for CBD Show Up?

The majority of drug tests on the market only check for THC, therefore CBD typically doesn’t show up on them. Trace levels of THC (less than 0.3%) may be present in full-spectrum CBD products. As a result, if you use a full-spectrum CBD product, there is very little possibility that you will test positive for THC.

Choosing a CBD isolate product, which contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids, might ease your concerns about passing a drug test.