What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
What is CBD? Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is a chemical compound that is widely known for its health benefits. It comes from the cannabis plant, which contains hundreds of compounds that studies have shown to be very beneficial and contain many healing properties. These compounds are called cannabinoids. Every human contains a bodily system that is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), so the cannabinoids that make up the cannabis plant mimic what our bodies produce naturally to help regulate things such as mood, sleep, appetite, pain responses, as well as our immune systems. Not to be confused with THC, CBD does not have the same types of psychoactive affects that THC contains. CBD is a very recommended alternative to THC seeing as it does not alter the mind in any way that could potentially be negative and increase anxiety in some individuals.
Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum
The spectrum of CBD is a very wide range, but can be reduced to broad spectrum and full spectrum levels. The main difference of the two is that a full spectrum CBD oil does contain residual amounts of THC levels. The levels may range from small trace amounts to larger amounts depending on the preference of the individual. THC is controversial because of the psychoactive and mind-altering effects that it has, however, broad spectrum CBD treatments do not contain any amount of THC so there are no psychoactive elements involved. A huge reason as to why some people stray away from full spectrum CBD treatments is because they do not want, or cannot have the psychoactive affects due to their work profession. Since THC is not legalized in all states, broad spectrum CBD oils may be the only treatment that is available for use in some areas. CBD is made up of many different compounds (terpenes and flavonoids to name a couple) but it can also be used as an isolate, meaning that it is stripped from other substances and composed into just pure CBD via the entourage affect.
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a theory that the entire makeup of the cannabis plant provides a greater benefit used as a whole than it does stripped into different components and used in an isolated concentrate. This is considered a theory because although there has been extensive research, there is still not enough to prove that it is more beneficial medically. However, with the cannabis plant being more widely talked about and accepted among individuals, new research is always being conducted.
A Promising Alternative
CBD and the use of products containing CBD has been quite a controversial topic over the years, however, extensive research has been done to prove its benefits. Some of the benefits include pain relief. CBD is commonly used by many cancer patients who may experience discomfort during the duration of their illness/treatment. This includes side effects like nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. The physical and emotional toll in cancer patients has been reported to be very overwhelming, and ultimately effects the way that they live their everyday life. CBD offers a promising alternative to help individuals struggling with cancer to get some aspects of their normal life back. Research has shown that it also has the potential to serve as an anticancer drug because it showed signs of contributing to cancer cell death. More research about this is still being conducted to provide the general public with more conclusive information about the subject.
A Natural Treatment
The benefits of CBD do not just decrease physical discomfort, it is also used for individuals who experience anxiety and depression disorders. Studies from the World Health Organization claim that depression is one of the highest reported disabilities among people. Typically, anxiety and depression disorders are treated by numerous types of pharmaceutical drugs which may have serious side effects, including risk of addiction which could be fatal. CBD is a natural treatment that can be used without having the risk of such extreme side effects. It is seen as a safer alternative to treat insomnia and anxiety in children as well. The cause of such disorders is due to a lack of serotonin in the brain, CBD targets specific neurotransmitters that regulate mood levels and restore the missing serotonin, thus creating a happy and euphoric sense of mind.
Kubala, Jillian. “7 Benefits and Uses of CBD OIL (plus Side Effects).” Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 Feb. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_9.
The Hemp Oil Benefits. “What Is the Difference between Full Spectrum & Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?” The Hemp Oil Benefits, Cannabinoid Information Platform, 13 Mar. 2019, thehempoilbenefits.com/what-is-the-difference-between-full-spectrum-broad-spectrum-cbd-oil#:~:text=The%20main%20difference%20between%20Full%20Spectrum%20%26%20Broad,basically%20the%20same%20thing%20but%20without%20the%20THC.
The Hemp Oil Benefits. “The Theory of the Entourage Effect of Cannabinoids & Less Drug Interaction.” The Hemp Oil Benefits, Cannabinoid Information Platform, 13 Mar. 2019, thehempoilbenefits.com/the-theory-of-the-entourage-effect-of-cannabinoids-less-drug-interaction.
CBD Awareness Project. “CBD for Cancer: Benefits & Treatment Guide.” CBD Awareness Project, 23 June 2020, www.cbdoil.org/does-cbd-help-cancer/.