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You’ve probably heard great things about CBD. Maybe you know someone that uses it or maybe you’re curious because you always see it advertised at gas stations and smoke shops. You know it helps with pain, stress, anxiety, etc, but you aren’t sure exactly what it is, how it works, or what kind you should get. To be honest, I didn’t really know a whole lot either. However, I did some research and summed it up for you so you don’t have to wonder any longer.

Words to know:

Cannabis Sativa – one of the oldest known plants used for its recreational and medicinal purposes. The two species of this plant that you may have heard about are hemp and marijuana. The Cannabis Sativa plant contains more than 400 different chemicals called phytocannabinoids (phyto- means plant), over 100 of these chemicals can have effects on your body, however the two most abundant are CBD and THC.

CBD – Cannabidiol. This chemical is anxiolytic, meaning it decreases anxiety. Brain imaging shows that CBD has a direct effect on the areas of your brain that control fear and anxiety. CBD is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It decreases inflammation in your joints, GI tract, and brain. Research shows that CBD can help with joint pain, digestion issues (IBS), anxiety, depression, and has remarkable affects on those suffering from seizures.

THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol. The major psychoactive chemical in Cannabis Sativa. THC binds to the CB1 receptor (I’ll explain this later) in your brain and produces the “high” effect. It is anxiogenic, meaning is increases anxiety. It can increase your heart rate, in the same way caffeine does, which causes some people to feel panicky or anxious. However, the anxiogenic effects are diminished when combined with CBD. THC, when paired with CBD can be therapeutic for many things, including autoimmune disorders, like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). THC has been shown to help with pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, bladder problems and tremors.

Terpenes – Terpenes and Terpenoids (modified Terpenes) are the primary building blocks of the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers. They create the scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, lavender, and orange peel. The do not produce a psychoactive effect, but they have been shown to act on the body in a similar way to cannabinoids. There are many different types of Terpenes, many of which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety effects. They also contain antioxidants, which help prevent cancer.

The “Entourage Effect” – Some research suggests that taking CBD and THC together, along with other chemicals in the cannabis plant including terpenes, is more effective than taking CBD and THC alone. This interaction multiplies potential health benefits and is called the “Entourage effect.” Research on this shows that terpenes and phytocannabinoids together may be beneficial for pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, cancer, and fungal infections. Not to mention, CBD may help reduce the unwanted effects of THC like anxiety, hunger, and sedation.

What should I look for?

Full Spectrum – contains less than 0.3% THC. Contains mostly CBD and all the other naturally occurring cannabinoids including plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, plant proteins, and trace amounts of THC. Full spectrum may have a strong, natural flavor and smell.

Broad Spectrum – contains zero THC. Contains CBD and all the other naturally occurring cannabinoids, except it is processed further until the THC is fully removed. Broad spectrum may have a strong, natural flavor and smell. This can be more expensive to produce, but it still delivers the benefits from the whole plant, minus the THC.

CBD Isolate – contains zero THC. Contains 99.99% pure CBD, no THC or any other naturally occurring cannabinoids. All that remains is a white powder that is tasteless and odorless and is applied to various CBD isolate products such as oils, edibles, topicals, and vapes. This tends to be less expensive than broad spectrum, but it doesn’t deliver all the benefits from the full plant – the “Entourage Effect”

What form of CBD is best for me?

There are many different ways to ingest CBD to get the effects: oils, tinctures, pills/capsules, creams, lotions, edibles, smoking, vaping etc.

Vaping/Smoking – Although smoking, vaping, and inhalation of smoke directly into your lungs has its own set of health issues associated with it, smoking and vaping allows for a quick and easy way to get CBD/THC into your blood stream by bypassing the digestive tract to allow you to feel the effects quickly and efficiently.

Oils/Tinctures – Oil from oral applicators are taken under the tongue and held for about 30 seconds before being swallowed. The oil is absorbed through the glands in your mouth to enter directly into the blood stream.

Lotions/Creams/Topicals – Topical CBD is extremely moisturizing, if it contains Terpenes, this is an analgesic, meaning it relieves pain. Full spectrum and broad spectrum offer benefits from the vitamins and minerals found in the plant as well.

Where to Buy CBD

I did some research and looked into the ingredients and quality of ingredients of a company I came across called Charlotte’s Web. They grow their own hemp here in the USA, do their own extraction, and don’t use additives or dyes.

Charlotte’s Web – https://www.charlottesweb.com/maximum-strength-hemp-extract-cbd-oil

Until Next Time!

I hope this post gave you a better understanding of the science behind CBD & THC and maybe now you have a better idea of what to look for if you’re interested in trying it. By no means am I a CBD expert, I simply find research and translate that information to you the best way I can. Knowledge is power, and ignorance breeds hatred. The more we learn, the more we understand and appreciate the world around us! I’ve posted some resources below for you to learn more and I started a “Cannabis” section under the “Research” tab because there is sooooo much research out there on CBD/THC that I couldn’t possibly fit it all on this page. Until next time, I look forward to learning more with you!

Resources

Healthline: CBD vs THC – https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#side-effects

Safety and Side Effects – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/

Full Spectrum vs Isolate – https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-full-spectrum-cbd-vs-isolate-whats-the-difference-n1131#:~:text=Full%2Dspectrum%20CBD%20is%20made,other%20hand%2C%20contains%20only%20CBD.