Consumer interest in CBD is rising. A quick look at Google Trends reveals that almost no one was searching for the term “CBD” as recently as 2014.
Now, interest is at an all-time high and experts are projecting the market to hit $22 billion in the next two years.
Despite all the hype surrounding CBD, most people have questions. Where does CBD come from? And why is it so much better than its near relative, THC?
If any of these questions have crossed your mind, we can help. That’s why we created this beginner’s guide to CBD.
Are you ready to try CBD for the first time but want to know what you’re in for? Then keep reading because this one’s for you.
What Is CBD?
CBD is an acronym. It stands for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is an organic molecule, meaning its molecular structure includes Carbon, Oxygen, and Hydrogen.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD comes from the cannabis plant, specifically from the flowers of cannabis. One cannabis flower can contain more than 100 different cannabinoids (compounds with health benefits) and terpenes (flavor and aroma compounds).
These days, we differentiate hemp and marijuana as two different varieties of the cannabis plant.
Marijuana is cultivated for the purpose of extracting THC. Its flowers are typically higher in THC than any other cannabinoid, including CBD.
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government defined legal hemp as any cannabis plant containing high levels of CBD. Hemp must also contain no more than 0.3% THC by dried weight.
In sum, CBD comes from legal hemp.
Will CBD Get You High?
One of the most common questions about CBD is: will it make me feel high like THC? No! The federal government agreed to remove CBD from the list of controlled substances because CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t get you high.
In fact, there’s some evidence that CBD may actually counteract THC. A phenomenon known as the “entourage effect” may explain why.
But CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid that won’t get you high. Like CBD, cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) are non-intoxicating. For example, check out this wholesale THC-free CBG distillate.
How Does CBD Work?
Wondering why CBD doesn’t get you high? It has to do with the way CBD interacts with your body.
All humans possess a collection of receptors that are collectively known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for a number of bodily functions, including pain, homeostasis, and appetite.
THC directly activates the ECS, causing users to feel high. Meanwhile, CBD doesn’t directly interact with the ECS. Instead, it recruits other molecules to de-activate the system.
In this way, CBD and THC work against each other. If you ever take too much THC, this is why using a bit of CBD can help you calm down.
The Different Types of CBD
Have you ever heard the word bioavailability? Bioavailability refers to how fast or how slow and how strongly a certain compound takes effect.
For example, the different types of CBD have different bioavailabilities. Using a topical will take much longer to impact you than, say, using a disposable CBD vape.
That’s why different people prefer different types of CBD. Check out five ways to use CBD below.
CBD Oils
CBD oil is the most popular type of CBD on the market. Consumers place oil drops under the tongue and let them absorb through the mucus membrane. This method is by far the quickest-acting and most convenient way to use CBD.
CBD Topicals
From lotions to hair care products and everything in between, you can now find CBD in many beauty and self-care products. CBD and other cannabinoids absorb into the skin slowly. That means these type of products offer long-lasting effects.
CBD Capsules
Some people use CBD as a supplement or even medicine. That’s why it should be no surprise CBD comes in pill or capsule form. Compared to oils, capsules are just as convenient but absorb much more slowly, taking longer to produce effects.
CBD Edibles
Many brands offer CBD added to food and, more recently, drinks. CBD edibles and drinkables can be convenient and discreet ways to get your CBD fix. CBD in food and drinks is illegal in some states, so check your local laws before making a purchase.
CBD Vape Juice
Like e-cigarettes, you can vape CBD. There is some controversy about the health impacts and safety of vaping devices. We recommend steering clear of this type of CBD until more research comes out.
Potential Benefits of CBD
So, why is CBD so much more popular than THC? It’s not only because CBD isn’t intoxicating. Regular consumers and scientists alike love CBD because of its potential benefits for human health.
Here are only a few of the potential benefits of CBD.
CBD for Pain
Humans have been taking advantage of CBD’s benefits for pain for over 4500 years. Cannabinoids and CBD, in particular, influence inflammation, which in turn plays a role in pain.
Today, researchers are looking at CBD as a potential treatment for pain conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis (MS) to tactile allodynia.
CBD for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are unfortunately common today. These include conditions like social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD is a promising treatment for anxiety disorders, as seen in a trial using CBD to alleviate PTSD-related anxiety and insomnia.
CBD for Addiction
One of the more surprising effects of CBD is that it may influence the effects of addictive drugs. We’ve already mentioned that CBD can counteract THC intoxication.
There’s also some evidence that CBD can reduce cravings for morphine and other opioids.
The CBD Market Is Constantly Changing
By now, you have the answer to your question: where does CBD come from? We hope this guide will help you make more informed decisions about CBD and its fellow cannabinoids.
Are you looking for more educational guides just like this one? Then keep checking back for more new articles every week!
