Last Updated 2 years by Upright
Cannabis to CBD is a journey just like Facebook that was first discovered by Mark Zuckerberg to communicate within University campuses and now reportedly 3.5 billion people use Facebook by connecting with each other. Social media becomes an addiction to us!
Now we found CBD which spreads over the globe with its unique traits.
Once Marijuana is only used for being high, chilling enjoying knowing it is an illegal drug. But now another version of the cannabis plant “Hemp plant” largely produced for CBD is actually helpful for our health! It is getting popular day by day. Within a short span of time, CBD is spreading across the globe.
What is cannabis?
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What is cannabis?
In an action movie, we see a Hero and a villain. Just like the cannabis plant have both Marijuana and Hemp. Hemp with no psychoactive effects plays the role of a hero and marijuana with psychoactive effects plays the role of a villain.
So, basically, marijuana or hemp whether they have psychoactive effects or not both are originated from cannabis and scientifically Cannabis Sativa.
And one of the two natural compounds of cannabis is CBD and THC.
Today in the market we can find cannabis products such as Cannabis Oil, Beauty or Skin Care Products, Beverages, Chocolates, Gummies, supplements. But before using any cannabis product you should properly check its THC amount, third-party lab test report & online reviews.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a plant. It came from the same origin as marijuana scientifically Cannabis sativa plant. But unlike cannabis/marijuana, hemp contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), less than 0.3%. Hemp can not make you high; no matter how much you take it. It is legal to sell hemp and hemp products in the U.S with many other countries in the world. Almost every part of the hemp plant like flowers, leaves, seeds can be used as food or medicine.
Hemp is a multi-talented plant on Earth. Its versatility comes from its ability to grow almost anywhere, withstand harsh weather conditions. Hemp can be used for making fiber, paper, food, medicine, building materials, clothing, biofuel, bioplastics, paint, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, animal feed, and much more.
Hemp is sometimes called medical cannabis. Because hemp produces CBD that has medical benefits.
What is THC?
What is THC?
THC is the major psychoactive component of cannabis. Taking up THC may enhance cognitive processes. Dopamines are neurotransmitters that help the body experience rebirth in different ways. THC induces the release from the dopamine receptor which produces increased emotional excitement. THC can be found in all most every cannabis derived product.
THC can be slightly compared with other drugs but reportedly it is not as harmful as others.
Chemicals related to the THC effect can bring psychiatric disorders. Though there is not enough accepted medical evidence in this regard.
what is CBD?
CBD is the second most active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). CBD is derived directly from the hemp plant that possesses not more than 0.3% THC. Today CBD is the most essential component of medical marijuana. CBD oil is largely manufactured in plants by various extraction methods. CBD has nothing that can make us high by itself.
According to a report published by World Health Organization in 2018, “Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”
The chemical structure of Cannabidiol is C21H30O2.
Hemp plants produce 20 to 30% CBD and its efficiency can really blow your mind. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive & proven by various research that it is beneficial for our health in various ways.
If someone asks me in one word about CBD!! I will just say an “Angel”. It can be an angel for mankind in this 21st century. The only reason is, it is 100% natural, organic & is a special gift from Mother Nature which has enormous benefits.
Hemp seeds carry a high volume of protein and fiber. They also contain essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6. The hemp seed oil contains many vitamins and minerals.
There are few folks; who think Marijuana derived CBD products which is the wrong term. CBD is cannabis derived or hemp derived is more suitable.
Is cannabidiol legal?
CBD is obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status has been in flux. All 50 states have their own laws legalizing CBD with some kind of restriction. In 2018, the Farm Bill made hemp legal in the United States in a very complex way. Like you can drink wine but cannot carry grapes! Similarly, hemp-derived products are okay but keeping hemp strains is not okay.
Currently, all non-Epidiolex CBD products are considered to be illegal as medicine by the FDA
GW Pharmaceuticals CEO Justin Gover stated, “The notification from DEA fully establishes that Epidiolex, the only CBD medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is no longer a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).”
Reportedly, “Epidiolex” is the first hemp derived CBD based medication that is FDA approved. Medical benefits of Epidiolex include treating rare epileptic seizure disorders.
CBD vs THC
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the most well-known cannabinoid in cannabis. It is the protagonist or the main psychoactive compound that gives users the “high” feeling.
THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain. When THC binds to these receptors, it triggers an increase in dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, movement, and pleasure.
When you smoke weed, THC travels through your bloodstream and attaches itself to CB1 receptors. Once attached, THC causes the release of more dopamine than normal. As a result, you get a euphoric rush.
On the flip side, CBD does not bind to CB1 receptors. Instead, it interacts with another type of receptor called TRPV1. TRPV1 receptors help regulate inflammation and immune response.
As a result, when CBD attaches to TRPV1 receptors, it reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. In addition, CBD has anti-anxiety properties that calm the mind.
Both CBD and THC have their unique effects on complementary and integrative health conditions.
CBD is associated with an immune network that can affect various psychiatric issues through tetrahydrocannabinol receptors in the system, as it reduces pain. CBD doesn’t normally generate THC as high as marijuana. CBD treatment includes treating cancer, pain & panic disorders, and anxiety. It may also help diagnose and treat cancer and edema. Hemotherapy is similar to THC but no psychoactive substance.
Cannabinol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH) both are naturally occurring components within the marijuana species. Cannabinoid drugs interact in an endocannabinoid-producing manner in different ways. THC is an extremely strong and powerful marijuana drug.
Though both CBD and THC originated from natural compounds of cannabis; one has adverse effects another has favorable effects.
FDA Regulation on Hemp Derived CBD products
FDA has approved hemp-derived CBD products only when CBD is extracted from hemp that has not more than 0.3% THC. FDA officials do not approve marijuana products.
CBD Legal or Illegal
Is CBD Legal or Illegal?
In late 2018, 31 states have enacted laws prohibiting marijuana or other drugs using psychedelic substances if they were approved for commercial use. Other federal states allow the purchase of recreational marijuana products. While CBD can legally be obtained in certain forms in many states; there are still differences regarding legal and recreational THC and CBD products in several states. Currently, the laws surrounding marijuana have a major effect on marijuana use in the broader world. It can also influence your choice on the usage of the drug.
2018 farm bills removed hemp from CSAs. These changes could speed the development of drugs such as marijuana for use in the pharmaceutical industry. The government believes that clinically supported evidence derived from cannabis will be the most useful for patients for treatment based on these findings. Earlier cannabis regulatory officers announced they would publish draft guidance for pharmaceuticals in July 2019 and other substances formulated by cannabis and. Expanded access may open up a new opportunity for patients to use research-based medications to treat the effects of a specific condition. More and more research on cannabis derived products can really find new ways for promising health benefits.
Brief History : Cannabis to CBD
Roger Adams, in 1940, first discovered CBD (cannabidiol) from the cannabis plant. He also hypothesized the existence of the psychoactive chemical THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in hemp/marijuana or cannabis plants.
In 1996, California was the first state to give permission to use botanical cannabis (mainly to produce CBD) for medical purposes. It was done under the enactment of the Compassionate Use Act.
Officially, “Epidiolex” was the first CBD-based drug that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2018. It has been commercially used for treatments like rare/severe epilepsy.
And soon enough other companies conducted further research on CBD and CBD oils for medicinal use. In the US market now You can find various kinds of CBD products with their unique supervision on different health hazards.
In January 2017, California declared act SB 566 that authorized the commercial production of industrial hemp. This act gives relief for researchers & companies to come forward and develop further research on the medicinal use of CBD. Now, many CBD products are in the market that is approved by the food and drug administration (FDA).
Cannabinoid Receptors
Our endocannabinoid system is made up of two types of receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located fundamentally in the brain and spinal cord. CB2 receptors are mainly located in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. CBD interacts with both of these receptors. When CBD binds to CB1 receptors, it produces anti-anxiety effects. When CBD binds with CB2 receptors, it reduces inflammation.
Both THC and CBD can connect to your body’s cannabinoid receptors.
How Does CBD Work?
CB1 receptors are located throughout the central nervous system including the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum. These receptors play a role in learning, memory, sleep, appetite, pain perception, and emotions.
CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract. These receptors help regulate immune function, digestion, and inflammation.
There are three main ways that CBD affects the endocannabinoid system:
1) By interacting with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system.
2) By inhibiting enzymes that break down endocannabinoids.
3) By stimulating the release of endogenous cannabinoids.
What Is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol oil is one of the many compounds found in cannabis plants. It is extracted from hemp seeds using CO2 extraction.
Hemp seeds contain very little THC, making them safe for human consumption. Hemp seeds also contain other beneficial nutrients like omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Because CBD oil contains less THC than regular cannabis, it is legal under federal law.
Chemical composition of CBD Oil
There are two main types of CBD oils: Full Spectrum CBD and Broad Spectrum CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains over 85 different cannabinoids and terpenes. Other hand, Broad-spectrum CBD oil removes only THC but it keeps all the other cannabinoids. Both types of CBD oil provide numerous health benefits.
There is another type of CBD oil called “CBD isolate”. The specialty of CBD isolate is it removes everything except CBD. However, each type of CBD oil has unique properties.
CBD oil is made up of over 100 different compounds. Some of the most commonly found medicinal properties in CBD are:
- Cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Flavonoids
- Amino Acids
- Polyphenols
- Lactones
- Saponins
- Essential Oils
- Other Compounds
CBD For Cancer Treatment
According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, CBD may be useful for reducing chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain. It may also help people suffering from sleep disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder.
So, a patient with cancer treatment can get pain relief by taking help from CBD. Though much research is needed.
A study at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine showed that CBD may have positive effects on patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Another study at the University of California San Diego suggested that CBD may be effective against some forms of cancer.
Medicinal Purposes of CBD Oil
Medicinal Purposes of CBD Oil
Research published by WHO says; “CBD has been demonstrated as an effective treatment of epilepsy in several clinical trials, with one pure CBD product (Epidiolex®) with completed Phase III trials and under current review for approval in the U.S. There is also preliminary evidence that CBD may be a useful treatment for a number of other medical conditions.”
Other potential ongoing research shows that the health benefits of cannabis related products might have medical applications in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, pain, cancer, epilepsy, chronic illnesses, and more.
CBD oil benefits include:
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antioxidant protection
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased focus and concentration
- Better mood
- Dietary Supplements
- And much more!
Reportedly CBD oil can be used to treat a variety of health issues.
CBD oil can relieve us from:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Inflammation
- Multiple sclerosis
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD
- Autism
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Tourette syndrome
- Spinal cord injury
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- IBS
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Skin cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- ADHD
- Asthma
- Addiction
Best way to take CBD?
CBD mainly comes orally. If you are looking for faster results of CBD then you should absorb the product under your tongue rather than digest it directly. It is proven that sublingual products affect faster than edible products.
Children and Pregnant Women
FDA-approved drugs are evaluated based on safety and efficiency. Except with the exceptions of Epidiolex Marinol and Syndros, marijuana-based medicine hasn’t been accepted as a suitable or effective alternative medication for adults, children, or adolescents. The FDA wants children not to be exposed to cannabis or alcohol.
So, children and pregnant women should seek doctors’ consultation strictly using any kind of CBD-based products.
Mitch McConnell and Cannabis!
Many activists praised advocate McConnell dedication for handling these hemp provisions in the Farm Bill 2018. Without Mr. McConnell’s efforts, the hemp provisions would not have found their place in the legislation. And although his position as Senate leader gave him overwhelming institutional influence over the law, he went further by appointing himself to the conference committee that would bring together the House and Senate to agree on a final version.
Side effects
CBD and THC tend not to show any serious side effects that cost a life.
CBD may cause several side effects, such as loss of memory or poor concentration. Studies suggest cannabis is associated with decreased functioning and cognitive damage.
THC can improve function in hippocampal & orbital brain regions. This portion of the brain is essential to developing and shifting attention to other processes of the brain as they happen. These issues can affect someone’s affluence in learning and developing new memories, in addition to requiring difficult job tasks.
Sometimes, CBD can cause dry mouth, mild diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Only a licensed physician can provide medical advice on your health conditions about it.
Final Thoughts: Cannabis to CBD
Now we found CBD which spreads over the globe with its unique traits. The journey from cannabis to CBD goes through so many phases. We believe the next generation will use CBD in their daily life for natural wellness!
Clinical research on CBD that is an active ingredient derived from hemp can actually find new ways for integrative health issues. We will see more CBD products with well medical research, peer-reviewed studies under strict sourcing guidelines that FDA will approve.
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