The cannabis plant contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids, one of which is CBD or cannabidiol (pronounced cann-a-bid-EYE-ol). Manufacturers of CBD oil use different methods to extract the compound, which they then add to a carrier oil such as hemp or coconut oil to create CBD oil.
CBD oil comes in many different strengths, and people use it for various different reasons. Is advisable to start with a low strength to see how your body reacts to it but is always best to discuss CBD oil with a doctor before taking it in the first instance.
CBD is not psychoactive
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most active ingredient in marijuana and is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is this one that we associate with 'getting high', and does so when it is broken down by heat and introduced into the body. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive i.e. it doesn't alter the state of the mind of the person using it. It is perfectly legal and safe and there is no risk of addiction!
Hemp is the least processed form of the cannabis plant and contains most of the CBD used medicinally. Although hemp and marijuana come from the same plant (cannabis sativa) the two are completely different.
CBD linked to many health benefits
Just Vitamins operates in a heavily regulated industry that protects consumers. The regulations mean that we can't claim that a product we sell does something, unless it has approved health claims. CBD is new and as yet doesn't have any approved health claims so we can't tell you what people take it for. We strongly advise that you conduct your own research online where people can talk about their experiences and are not bound by the same regulations.
Here is a little information about CBD research, how it is believed to work and current research that is being conducted:
All cannabinoids, including CBD bring about responses in the body by attaching to certain receptors. The human body produces certain cannabinoids on its own called endocannabinoids - they form part of the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals from cannabinoids. The ECS helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain.
The body contains two receptors for cannabinoids, they are two called CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found all over the body but particularly so in the brain - they deal with coordination and movement, pain, emotions and mood, cognition, appetite and memories amongst others. It is THC that binds to these receptors.
CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the biological systems relating to immunity, specifically they affect inflammation and pain. It was originally thought that CBD attached to CBD2 receptors but it is now thought that instead it directs the body to use more of it's own cannabinoids, in other words it influences the body to use its own endocannabinoids more effectively.
2018 - The year of CBD
Because of its many potential health benefits, CBD oil is gaining unprecedented momentum in the health and wellness arena.
None of this research yet has any approved health claims therefore its validity cannot be proved. However you can search yourself online to find other peoples experiences and views, and then use these to make up your own opinion about CBD supplements.
To date it has been researched for it's potential role in providing natural pain relief, for reducing chronic inflammation and as natural alternative to the relief of side effects of some medical treatments including nausea, vomiting and pain. It has also been linked to treating health issues such as anxiety, depression, acne and heart disease.
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.