What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD for short) is one of the two major compounds found in cannabis plants, the other one being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabidiol is also the second most abundant compound found in cannabis accounting for up to 40% of the plant extract [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958190/]. Cannabis Ruderalis, one of sub-species of Cannabis genus, commonly known as ‘hemp’, is particularly low on THC and high on CBD content.
The major difference between the two is that CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive. CBD doesn’t alter consciousness and, consequently, doesn’t produce potentially harmful side effects. In fact, some studies suggest that CBD is anti-psychotic and alleviates THC influence [https://www.scielo.br/j/bjmbr/a/5sGSHxqFkYHxCYhRZh6fWKH/?format=htm]. Moreover, by now it is absolutely clear that CBD is non-toxic and can be used rather safely by everyone [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425762/ ].
CBD was discovered and isolated more than 80 years ago [https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja01858a058#]. However, extensive scientific research on CBD started only a few decades ago. This research led to the discovery of the important endocannabinoid system (ECS) that has an intimate and beneficial relationship with CBD [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3316151/]. By today the science is sure that CBD has a major connection to sleep and appetite, metabolism and inflammation, weight loss and recovery from traumas.
Medical studies also have revealed that CBD can give positive results treating a variety of maligments and health disorders, including epilepsy, dystonia, anorexia, depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, addictions, nause, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, Parkinson and Crohn diseases, multiple sclerosis, asthma and many more. The most recent studies even suggest CBD effectively combats a new nemesis of humanity COVID-19 [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abi6110 ].
Today scientific research on the exact mechanics of wonderful CBD effects is still ongoing. However, the potential CBD benefits are too numerous and, probably, are too valuable to be ignored while enough scientific data is amassed. As the public interest in CBD constantly grows, more and more CBD-based products get introduced each day. However, as the CBD market is new and still under regulated, products are often mislabeled or have questionable quality. So certain caution is advised. Just to be safe, make sure to read our guide to informed and responsible CBD shopping.
