What are the Benefits of CBD and Why Does it Work?
Dec 30, 2022
CBD is become extremely popular over the last decade, and with good reason. This article will discuss what it is, why it works, the benefits of CBD from using it, and what to look for when purchasing CBD.
Firstly, let’s take a quick look at what it is exactly. CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is a Cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. There are well over 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant, but there are only a few that we know much about. Some cannabinoids have been extensively studied, whereas some are very new to us. Another common cannabinoid from the hemp plant is THC. CBD and THC are very different. Up until recent years, THC was more well-known. Recently scientists and the public alike have been very interested in the therapeutic benefits of CBD.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
Well, let’s start with the similarities. First, they are both cannabis but are different species of the plant. Just as you have various species of a plant, such as lavender, cannabis has multiple species. You have the hemp species and the marijuana species. THC is primarily found in the marijuana plant. CBD is found mainly in the hemp plant. The hemp plant had been originally grown and used for fibers. These fibers include paper, plastics, and fabric.
The Endocannabinoid System
Without understanding the endocannabinoid system, it’s difficult to understand the benefits of cannabis. The cannabis plant is amazing. However, there would be no benefit to us without the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for providing balance and homeostasis in our bodies. This system was not discovered until around 1990.
So how does this system work? This endocannabinoid system is comprised of two primary receptors (there are more, but these are the primary). Those receptors are called CB1 and CB2. Additionally, our body naturally creates cannabinoids. However, the amount we produce has minimal effect on our bodies.
The cannabinoids will trigger the effects of CB1 and CB2 receptors and non-cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. This is the beauty of cannabinoids. Some of the receptors that it will activate are your serotonin receptors for mood and pain receptors. It can decrease inflammatory responses and sleep disturbances and increase energy.
Although both CB1 and CB2 receptors can be found in the entire body, they are concentrated in certain areas. CB1 receptors are primarily found on nerve cells. This includes cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There are also CB1 receptors found in white blood cells and the spleen, endocrine glands, reproductive system, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal system.
CB2 is mainly in the peripheral organs such as the immune system, spleen, tonsils, thymus, and the brain’s microglia. CB2 is very much connected with our immune system, and CBD is a powerhouse in this area.
The cannabis plant is impressive. The reason why it has so many beneficial effects on our body systems is due to the intricate design of our bodies. So, just as you would stimulate the production of other natural substances in the body with supplementation, CBD can be thought of in the same manner.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
Well, let’s start with the similarities. First, they are both cannabis but are different species of the plant. Just as you have various species of a plant, such as lavender, cannabis has multiple species. You have the hemp species and the marijuana species. THC is primarily found in the marijuana plant. CBD is found mainly in the hemp plant. The hemp plant had been originally grown and used for fibers. These fibers include paper, plastics, and fabric.
The Endocannabinoid System
Without understanding the endocannabinoid system, it’s difficult to understand the benefits of cannabis. The cannabis plant is amazing. However, there would be no benefit to us without the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for providing balance and homeostasis in our bodies. This system was not discovered until around 1990.
So how does this system work? This endocannabinoid system is comprised of two primary receptors (there are more, but these are the primary). Those receptors are called CB1 and CB2. Additionally, our body naturally creates cannabinoids. However, the amount we produce has minimal effect on our bodies.
The cannabinoids will trigger the effects of CB1 and CB2 receptors and non-cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. This is the beauty of cannabinoids. Some of the receptors that it will activate are your serotonin receptors for mood and pain receptors. It can decrease inflammatory responses and sleep disturbances and increase energy.
Although both CB1 and CB2 receptors can be found in the entire body, they are concentrated in certain areas. CB1 receptors are primarily found on nerve cells. This includes cells in the brain and the spinal cord. There are also CB1 receptors found in white blood cells and the spleen, endocrine glands, reproductive system, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal system.
CB2 is mainly in the peripheral organs such as the immune system, spleen, tonsils, thymus, and the brain’s microglia. CB2 is very much connected with our immune system, and CBD is a powerhouse in this area.
The cannabis plant is impressive. The reason why it has so many beneficial effects on our body systems is due to the intricate design of our bodies. So, just as you would stimulate the production of other natural substances in the body with supplementation, CBD can be thought of in the same manner.
The Benefits of CBD
- Decreased Pain and Inflammation
- Helps with Migraines
- Regulates stress
- Effective in treating anxiety and depression
- Effective in treating PTSD
- Reduces signs of fine lines and wrinkles
- Beneficial to skincare
- Effective in treating IBS
- Enhances gut health
- Effective in treating epilepsy and seizures
- Improves eye health, including treating glaucoma
- Strengthens cardiovascular system
- Slow the growth of cancer cells
- Aid in weight loss
This list is by no means inclusive, and studies and research are happening at a rapid rate.
Not All CBD is Created Equal
Like many things, quality is vital. Just as I often tell people with essential oils, don’t buy them at a gas station or big box store; the same goes for CBD. Your best choice is to find a reputable company online or at a licensed dispensary. The quality will undoubtedly affect the therapeutic benefits that you’re searching for. In addition, there are, unfortunately, many synthetic substances being produced to replace the actual plant material. Reputable CBD companies sell their products online or in state-licensed dispensaries.
What Should You Be Looking for When you Purchase CBD?
You want to know your source. For example, the best quality oil will grow with environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. You want to look for a product that does not use harmful chemicals and pesticides. By doing this, you will ensure that there aren’t any unwanted substances found in your product. These can be harmful to you. You will want to find a domestically grown product that meets quality control standards that the USDA determines. Packaging also matters. If it is oil, you want the product to be in glass bottles, as CBD sticks to plastic material, decreasing the amount of CBD within the oil.
In addition, a third-party laboratory should test the product to ensure that it is safe and pure from pesticides and heavy metals. This also ensures an adequate percentage of CBD in the product. The CBD company should have a certificate of analysis or COA.
It is also important to look at how CBD is extracted from the plant. For example, there is a clean way of removing, and a not so clean way. To save time and money, some companies will additionally, use the entire hemp plant. The only part of the plant that has adequate amounts of therapeutic compounds isis in the plant’s flower. Therefore, when the stalk and other components have been ground up and used in the product, it will decrease the quality.
What Company I Choose and Recommend
Not all CBD products are created equal. If you’re looking to benefit from CBD, your product must be of good quality. I use and recommend Green Compass as a sustainable and reputable source. They start by having a USDA organic certification. Everything is organic. From the soils they use to grow their crop to the ingredients they use in their product. USDA’s strict standards will edit everything that comes into contact with the product. This is key. You can be confident that everything going into your body is organic.
Green Compass uses CO2 extraction which is the cleanest way to extract CBD oil from the plant. It uses the flower of the plant only, as its the source. Found in the flower are all the fantastic cannabinoid compounds. It can be labor-intensive and costly. However, Green Compass takes pride in knowing that its product is top-notch. Also, many of their products use essential oils for added therapeutic benefits (terpenes). All of their additional oils are also USDA organic certified.
In conclusion, check out Green Compass’s products, click here. To find out more about the benefits of CBD and how it may benefit you and your family, reach out @ [email protected].
Other articles that may interest you:
The Difference Between Mindset and Mindfulness
How Everything Touches Everything In Health and Wellness
References
livingwellwithtess.greencompassglobal.com
https://www.goodrx.com/classes/cannabinoids/how-to-shop-for-cbd
