CBD 101 : An Introduction
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100+ cannabinoids identified and found in the cannabis sativa plant, which has two primary species: hemp and cannabis. Both contain CBD, but there's a much higher percentage in hemp, which also has a lower (less than 0.3%) level of THC. We'll explain how it's produced by the hemp plant and how CBD is separated from the plant. And how our bodies and CBD interact. There's a lot of information, but it's worth it!
HEMP.
Hemp has been grown for thousands of years. Until the early 20th century, hemp was an important source of tough fiber—used in shipping before the Age of Steam for example.
In the US, from 1938–2018, with only a few exceptions, hemp was illegal to grow, possess, or use for research. Revisions to the Farm Bill in 2018 legalized the growth of industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.3 percent—what can be called trace amounts—of the cannabinoid called ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound cannabinoid that causes noticeable intoxicating, euphoric effects. (CBD and THC are just two of hundreds cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant)
FROM HEMP TO CBD.
CBD comes from the hemp flowers, leaves, and stems, which are separated from the stalks at harvest. The CBD can be extracted in a number of ways, including the use of alcohol, ethanol, or CO2. Whatever method is used, the CBD must be also heated to activate it, a process known as decarboxylation.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FULL SPECTRUM, BROAD SPECTRUM, AND ISOLATE CBD?
Isolate products contain only CBD that has been isolated from all the other components of the hemp plant. The extraction process used, removes all of the other cannabinoids, including THC, as well as, terpenes and waxes, leaving just pure isolated CBD.
Broad Spectrum products are a blend of cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids that naturally occur in the hemp plant. An extraction process is utilized to remove the THC compound, while maintaining substantial levels of other valuable cannabinoids.
Full Spectrum products that contain all of the plant’s naturally-occurring compounds. This includes other cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids, as well as, having THC.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
Humans, and most vertebrates, naturally produce endocannabinoids that interact with cell receptors throughout our bodies.
Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one giant regulatory system involved in many physiological functions, including pain, sleep, inflammation, memory, digestion, immune functions, and neuroprotection. When CBD is introduced to the body—whether in a carrier oil, a topical cream, or as an edible product—it interacts with the ECS, but does not bind directly to the system’s main receptors. As a result, CBD is not known to cause the intoxicating, euphoric effects that THC does; in fact, it may help reduce these effects.
The decades-long criminalization of all forms of cannabis delayed extensive research into the full effects of cannabinoids within the body, but scientists are now highly engaged in the type of clinical trials necessary to formalize the anecdotal evidence and theoretical science that indicates CBD’s effectiveness.
WHY TAKE CBD?
CBD has the potential role to ease several symptoms from stress & pain while increasing your overall well-being by getting a good night’s rest. Maintaining homeostasis in the body by supplementing the endocannabinoid system with CBD when naturally your body is deficient/depleted from exercise, age or illness. CBD does not get you “High” . Non-intoxicating unlike THC but has similar health benefits. CBD is Federally Legal with growing public acceptance.
Generally safe alternative to the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals.We always recommend to first talk to your licensed physician before taking CBD about dosing and if there might be any current drug interactions from prescriptions you are taking.
If you have any questions about DEFY products please send us a message.