CBD has seen significant interest from the scientific community over the last few years for its potential therapeutic benefits. Although the knowledge we have gained from this research has been enlightening, there are still many things about CBD that the average user does not know. To help broaden your knowledge of this amazing compound, here are three things about CBD oil that you didn’t know.
1. CBD Interacts with a Crucial Regulatory System in Your Body
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over a hundred naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis sativa known as phytocannabinoids. However, cannabis isn’t the only source of cannabinoids in nature.
Your body produces its own type of cannabinoid compounds known as endocannabinoids. These natural compounds are vital for controlling one of the most essential regulatory systems in your body: The endocannabinoid system.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in your body. Research has shown that it controls a variety of functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, pain perception, energy, muscle control, immunity, and inflammation.
To control and maintain homeostasis, the endocannabinoid system uses three main components: Endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that break down endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids act like chemical messengers in the body, relaying messages along the endocannabinoid system. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Anandamide is linked with functions such as memory, pregnancy, and exercise recovery. The 2-AG operates predominantly on emotional regulation, seizure protection, and cardiovascular health.
Cannabinoid Receptors
In order to receive and translate the messages coded by the endocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system is equipped with receptors at various locations around the body. The receptors sit on the surface of cell walls waiting for cannabinoids to activate them. There are two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and central nervous system, and at a lower concentration in other areas of the body. CB2 receptors are found predominantly in the immune cells, working to moderate the body’s response to inflammation and pathogens.
Enzymes
Enzymes catalyze chemical reactions in the body and work to break down cannabinoids to stop the release of hormones and proteins that elicit certain functions. Enzymes are effectively the “off” switch for the production of endocannabinoids.
How CBD Interacts with the Endocannabinoid System
Unlike endocannabinoids, CBD does not bind directly to your endocannabinoid receptors. Instead, it modifies the receptor, altering its ability to bind to your body’s endocannabinoids. In some cases, it may inhibit a message, while in other cases, it can activate a receptor.
CBD also works to increase the production of endocannabinoids, making more of them available for your system. CBD also interacts with the enzymes in the system to inhibit or boost the breakdown of endocannabinoids.
2. CBD Is Derived from an Ancient Plant
CBD is derived from a species of cannabis called cannabis sativa, which contains many strains of plants. The two most famous strains are cannabis and hemp. While cannabis contains high levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, hemp contains minimal THC and extremely high levels of CBD.
Hemp has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years and was one of the first known plants to be processed and spun into fiber for use in textiles and tools.
Early Uses of Hemp in North America
Hemp was first introduced to North America in 1606. Early settlers were widely encouraged to cultivate the crop to produce oil for use in foods and as an energy source, as well as fiber for use in sailcloth, rope, and clothing.
Hemp: The First Alternative Fuel
In the early 1900s, Henry Ford began to mass-produce the automobile and was so enamored with hemp that he envisioned making a car that ran purely on hemp oil. However, before Ford’s vision could come to fruition, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed in 1937. This legislation banned the growth, production, and sale of any products derived from cannabis sativa plants, regardless of whether it was hemp or cannabis.
Both hemp and cannabis are strains of cannabis sativa; however, each of the plant strains contains a slightly different chemical makeup, which gives each plant different properties. While cannabis contains high levels of THC, hemp contains relatively little. Industrial hemp grown for producing CBD contains less than 0.3% THC which means you will not get “high” from using CBD.
Unfortunately, during this time, the government did not recognize the difference between hemp and cannabis and simply banned all cannabis sativa products.
A History of CBD
The first recorded instance of cannabis being used for medicinal purposes was in China 2727 B.C. Emperor Shen Nung, who is credited with bringing agricultural practices to China, was renowned for using cannabis tea to treat a variety of ailments from malaria to gout. He also used it to enhance his memory, which proved useful as he also was responsible for discovering and cataloging more than 300 other medicinal plants.
Throughout the 1800s, cannabis was used by many high-profile individuals, including Queen Victoria, to alleviate discomfort. A medical paper was also published in the mid-1800s detailing the versatility of cannabis and promoting its therapeutic uses. However, due to the psychoactive properties and side effects of cannabis, the substance was banned by the early 1900s.
While many other cultures have also used cannabis plants medicinally, it wasn’t until CBD was isolated in 1940 by a team of researchers at the University of Illinois that people in the West began to understand that cannabis could have therapeutic benefits.
With the isolation of CBD, it became apparent that hemp and cannabis products contained compounds that were not psychoactive and could be harnessed for medical use.
After the ban and subsequent classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug in the 1970s, cannabis products began to earn a poor reputation, and their health benefits were largely forgotten. However, with the recent legalization and the implementation of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD is now widely recognized as a powerful supplement for your health and well-being.
3. Different Methods of Taking CBD Oil Have Different Benefits
While some proponents of CBD oil believe that the product is a cure-all for enhancing health and well-being, various CBD oil products induce different benefits, depending on how it is administered and the dosage you take.
Sublingual Tinctures
Sublingual simply means “under the tongue.” Sublingual CBD oil tincture should be placed under the tongue. Hold it for 60 seconds, then swallow.
This is the preferred method for many CBD oil users as the CBD is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream due to the dense network of capillaries underneath your tongue. It also minimizes any deterioration of the CBD product due to digestion.
You can expect to experience the benefits of CBD between 20-40 minutes, which can last up to 8 hours, depending on your dosage and metabolism.
Edibles
Edibles such as gummies, chewing gum, and even baked goods are an excellent and discreet way for users to try CBD. The flavoring used in the edibles also masks the natural herbal taste.
One disadvantage to consuming CBD in edibles is something called the “first-pass effect.” Before the CBD can access the endocannabinoid system, it has to pass through the digestive tract and is partially broken down by the liver.
This means that you will only absorb between 20-30% of the CBD, and it can take up to 2 hours before you feel the benefits that last for about 6 hours. Fortunately, most CBD edibles are created using potent CBD isolate to help you feel the strongest CBD benefits possible.
Topical Creams and Salves
Topical CBD applications offer one of the fastest ways for CBD to boost your well-being. Your skin contains endocannabinoid receptors, and the oil-based creams are easily absorbed into the skin. Topical CBD products are ideal for providing targeted relief from activity-induced soreness or inflammation. Creams and salves with CBD can also be incorporated into your skincare routine.
You can expect to feel the benefits of topical CBD products within 20-40 minutes and last from 2-4 hours. However, as the bioavailability of CBD topicals is relatively unknown, it is a good idea to use a salve that has a high concentration of CBD.
Finding Your Dosage
Age, height, weight, and metabolism can affect the dosage required to elicit your desired CBD benefits. The best way to find the correct dosage for you is with a little trial-and-error, or by talking to one of the knowledgeable Kats Botanicals staff.
If you currently take any CBD products, avoid CBD for two days to allow the compound to leave your body. Using a journal, rate how you feel emotionally and physically before taking CBD.
Take 1 mg of CBD sublingually and wait 45 minutes. Rate yourself again. If you do not notice any change, take another 1 mg. Continue to repeat the process until you reach the well-being boost you desire.
You cannot overdose on CBD. Studies have found that even consuming up to 1500 mg a day does not have any detrimental effects on the body.
The Wrap-Up
The booming, yet unregulated CBD industry makes it easy for disreputable companies to sell substandard CBD products. Research CBD and buy your CBD products from quality vendors. These vendors should provide third-party testing so you can ensure you are getting a pure and potent product.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Disclosure
This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program. This product is not for use by or sale to any persons under the age of 18. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an active and naturally-occurring phytocannabinoid derived from the industrial hemp plant. Kats Botanicals does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). All products contain less than 0.3% THC.
