Are you currently using or curious about using CBD to treat your health ailments? We reveal 10 interesting CBD facts for new users.
It’s no secret that CBD (cannabidiol) is the new sliced bread.
News sources are constantly blasting information about this cannabis-derived plant that doesn’t get you high. This is because of the growing evidence in research and personal experience that it can treat a wide variety of ailments.
Keep reading to find out 10 unique CBD facts to grow your understanding of this popular trend.
1. Cannabis Use Goes Way Back
Although it seems like a new-age thing, cannabis has deep ties with humanity.
Recently archaeological evidence uncovered the use of braziers (which essentially vaporizers) in Western China burial sites. They had THC residue from 2,500 years ago, presumably from burning cannabis during burial ceremonies.
While we’ve been using cannabis for centuries, we only recently discovered CBD and its potential benefits.
2. CBD Was Discovered Recently
In 1963, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam was the first person to single out CBD from other cannabis molecules. This research is what provided the foundation for everything that we know about it today.
This shows how new CBD is in our vocabularies and understanding. Still, in the last 70 years, we have made impressive discoveries about the potential of this plant.
3. There Are Many Other Cannabinoids Besides CBD
While CBD sits front and center in the public eye, there are over 100 other cannabinoids in cannabis plants.
This includes the high-inducing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compounds as well as CBD, cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG). Each of these cannabinoids has unique effects on our systems, which we will continue to learn more about as time goes on.
Not only that: cannabinoids are found in other plants. Popular examples include black pepper, chocolate, and echinacea flowers.
4. Our Bodies Already Have an Endocannabinoid System
CBD has the effects that it does on the human body because it’s like a missing piece to our puzzle.
Just as we have respiratory and immune systems, we also have endocannabinoid systems that exclusively process natural cannabinoids in plants. This system has roles in regulating our central nervous system development, brain plasticity, sleep functions, and other key drivers in our overall health.
So, when we take CBD, we are plugging it into already-existing and essential roles in our bodies.
5. CBD Products Vary
There are three main types of CBD products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD includes all of the available cannabinoids in the Cannabis Sativa L (hemp) plant. This means that there are trace amounts of THC as well as beneficial parts of the plant, like terpenes and flavonoids.
Broad-spectrum includes all of these cannabinoids with the exception that the THC is removed. This is beneficial for those who have adverse reactions to THC or are worried about drug testing.
Isolate is a pure, CBD-only extraction from the hemp plant. It ends up in a crystalline or powdered form and tends to have higher concentrations of CBD.
On top of these differences, CBD products also vary in quality. Some products offer more CBD than others. Additionally, third-party lab-tested CBD tends to be of higher quality and is overall more safe than alternatives.
This is because lab tests prove that there are minimal or no amounts of THC and that the product is free from heavy metals, molds, and pesticides.
6. The Entourage Effect
Some people believe that taking the isolated form of CBD is the best option as it’s more potent.
However, there’s reach suggesting that CBD works better when there are other cannabinoids and plant molecules present. This is known as the entourage effect.
For example, some flavonoids and terpenes in cannabis are neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. This suggests that those who are able to may want to try full or broad-spectrum products to see if the entourage effects provide better results.
7. CBD is Federally Legal Under These Circumstances
While medical cannabis has been legal in some states for decades, CBD has only become federally legal in the past few years.
In 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill made hemp legal across every state. This allows for the growth and consumption of hemp-related products.
The main condition of this bill is that all hemp products must contain less than 0.3% THC in the entire product. This has created a standard for growers and distributors to conduct business by.
Plus, it allows most businesses to carry and sell CBD products. If you’re a business owner, you may want to start carrying CBD in your stores from wholesale suppliers (if so, check it out!)
8. The FDA Approved a CBD Seizure Medication
Another big thing happened for CBD in 2018: the Food and Drug Administration approved the first-ever CBD product.
This officially allowed CBD to enter into the medicinal realm. The drug is called Epidiolex and is used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy.
This is a huge step towards accepting the validity and efficiency of CBD in treating medical problems. This has encouraged more research on the use of cannabis, while also shifting public perspectives away from demonizing the plant.
9. CBD Can Potentially Treat Many Health Issues
You may be aware of the many potential benefits of taking CBD.
For starters, it may treat psychiatric and mood disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It also can provide neuroprotection and reduce the likelihood of getting various diseases.
CBD has also shown signs of effecting drug addiction in a positive way. It works with opioid and psychostimulant systems, meaning it could provide relief for those transitioning off of addictive drugs.
This also includes tobacco addiction, which is the most common addiction in the U.S. that affects more than 50 million people.
The research and benefits don’t stop there, either. CBD may also help with pain relief, inflammation, sleep disorders, cancer treatment, and more.
10. CBD Works Topically, Too
Aside from the internal benefits of CBD, there is also a range of applications for topical products.
It can address pain and inflammation in specific areas of your body without soaking into your bloodstream. This can potentially provide relief from the following problems:
- Acne
- Itchiness
- Hair growth disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin dryness
- Skin tumors
- Wound healing
CBD topical products usually come as creams, ointments, oils, or salves. They sometimes contain other beneficial ingredients for your skin, such as arnica.
More CBD Facts Are Yet to Come
These CBD facts came from years of research and clinical trials. As CBD continues to grow in popularity, we’re bound to see more surprising information and statistics about how this plant compound works.
Keep reading our blog to find out more about CBD.