What Exactly Does CBD Stand For and What Is It?
You have probably heard of CBD if you have done any research into healthcare products, cannabis, or have been around the internet recently.
CBD has gained tremendous popularity over the past few years. After its legalization, it has quickly become one of the most popular compounds found added into skin and beauty products. Some of the most common are CBD oil, CBD lotions, and CBD salves.
So, the question on everyone’s minds is what does CBD stand for and what is it exactly? In this blog post, we’ll discuss what CBD actually is, why it is called CBD, and touch a little on its legal journey.
What Exactly Does CBD Stand For?
As an acronym, the word “CBD” stands for cannabidiol. As it became more popular, it was easier to market and speak about it as CBD. As a result, it has created more awareness around the health benefits of CBD products.
However, additional education is needed to ensure that people understand the difference between CBD and other cannabinoids. Cannabidiol is found in the cannabis plant. It can be extracted from hemp or marijuana plants depending on the intended use and its legality.
It is also important to understand a bit of context about which type of cannabis plant they originated from. One important difference between CBD sourced from hemp and that derived from marijuana is in the level of THC found in the raw cannabis plant material. In most cases, CBD coming from marijuana cannabis will be found together with THC and if present at high levels, could result in an intoxicating effect.
In most cases, hemp plants are used to remain legally compliant and because it is more affordable as a source of Cannabidiol for CBD manufacturers. Hemp-derived CBD products are made from concentrated forms of the plant. Full-spectrum hemp extract and pure CBD isolate are two of the common concentrated forms. These forms are used when processing final CBD products such as CBD oil.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants usually referenced as hemp or marijuana. The difference between hemp and marijuana is most simply the 0.3% THC limit required to be considered a hemp plant variety at the federal level.
CBD is one of over 100+ chemical compounds found in these plants. The family of compounds that CBD is a member of are called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are lipid-based compounds that interact with some of our body’s most important systems, like the Endocannabinoid System.
Compounds in cannabis plants are most often fat-soluble, not water-soluble, including CBD and THC. This explains why THC may show up on drug tests for a while after ceasing use.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychoactive and “high” feeling one gets from consuming cannabis, while other cannabinoids like CBD and CBN can contribute to feelings of relaxation.
Is CBD a drug?
Yes, in defining a drug as a medicinal application, many people would consider CBD a drug because of its effect on health and wellness.
It does this with the help of the human body integrating with the active compounds that mimic our bodies’ natural endocannabinoid, anandamide. This fatty acid neurotransmitter participates in binding to cannabinoid receptors similar to how CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors.
Is CBD safe?
Yes, since CBD is non-intoxicating and it has few adverse effects. It is safe for human and pet consumption.
Proper dosing is very important and professional medical support should always be consulted before starting a new wellness routine.
How is CBD legal?
Brief CBD Legal History
Throughout the history of the US, the cannabis sativa plant has been outlawed many times. This is mainly because of the yellow journalism and propaganda that cannabis is dangerous and creates addiction problems for those who use it. If you are interested in learning more, the agenda to demonize hemp during the 1920s is summarized well in Jack Herer’s “The Emperor Wears No Clothes.”
The demonization of the hemp narrative changed after “Hemp for Victory” was released. A 1942 U.S. federal government film advocating the production of industrial hemp during World War II and encouraging farmers to grow it so that they could take advantage of its beneficial uses to save our country. The uses for industrial hemp included the making of clothing, canvas, rope, and twine, to name a few.
Although, after the war, hemp production was decreased again. This changed all of a sudden with the Farm Bill of 2018. After the farm bill passed, it set up the system to legally cultivate hemp on a commercial level. This was the catalyst that perpetuated the rapid increase in United States hemp production. CBD stands to once again shift its course in history.
Current Legal CBD
Currently, CBD and hemp production is legal in the United States and most other countries. CBD has remained legal because it has no psychoactive effects, which means its impact on a person’s mental state does not lead to an altered perception of reality or cause impairment, unlike THC.
Since CBD derived from hemp is legal, it can be used for medical reasons without the need for diagnosis. On the other hand, medical marijuana requires a recommendation from a doctor. CBD and THC have both continued to gain popularity but how exactly does hemp CBD work in the human body?
How does CBD work?
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound that has many therapeutic effects. CBD interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System because it stimulates the cannabinoid receptors in your brain and throughout your body.
The Endocannabinoid System regulates a person’s mood, appetite, sleep, and other bodily functions. CBD oil can be used to help develop and maintain homeostasis leading to better wellness. The way it interacts with each receptor is similar to a lock and key mechanism.
Does CBD really do anything?
CBD does really do something. However, what that something feels like can change from person to person. The properties of CBD are dynamic to the individual treatment.
For individuals looking for symptom relief, CBD will be more noticed than with those that are not experiencing symptoms.
Individuals looking to use CBD recreationally will likely not have as much fun as they desire, with minimal to no intoxicating effects.
What are the benefits of CBD?
CBD offers many beneficial effects. Some of the more popular ones are symptom relief and mood enhancement. Mood enhancement varies from person to person but users have reported a better outlook and increased life wellness.
When CBD is added to a product, typically it is intended to add additional wellness or therapeutic benefit to an existing product form.
Since it is a natural alternative, the health and wellness industry has used it in all types of popular products. This can sometimes have a wonderful synergistic effect.
For example, user studies suggest CBD lotions and hemp creams can aid in localized chronic pain relief along with moisturizing dry skin at the same time. This is convenient for users that will benefit from fewer products overall to satisfy their needs.
Where can you find CBD?
CBD is sold all over the world. CBD can be found in many places such as health food stores, head shops, and CBD dispensaries.
It also can be purchase through online retailers. Please use caution when purchasing from online stores as many unethical people will use these products to scam new users seeking relief. It is important to do your research before trying new products. Make sure to always ask for third-party lab tests to make sure it is contaminant-free.
In Conclusion
The CBD revolution has brought with it a new understanding of the body and how to maintain balance. It is our hope that this information will help you make an informed decision about whether or not CBD would be beneficial for your health. To learn more about the basics of CBD, please follow this link.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out! We are happy to answer them as best we can!
*This CBD information is not meant to diagnose or recommend treatment for any disease or medical condition. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse practitioner, health educator, pharmacist, or other qualified health professionals before starting a new therapy.