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Frequently Asked Question!
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating component of the cannabis plant with enormous therapeutic potential. Researchers are currently studying the effects of CBD on a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia and more. Extensive preclinical research and some clinical studies have shown that CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective qualities.
The “endocannabinoid” system is an integral part of our neuro-immuno-endocrine network. This is the system of organ and tissue signaling in the human body that sends and receives chemical messages and is affects for many aspects of human health including mood, pain, inflammation, stress response and immune function.
Our bodies produce their own cannabinoids—endocannabinoids—primarily anandamide, and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). A “phytocannabinoid” or plant-derived cannabinoid like CBD or THC can activate the same receptors in the body and have similar or stronger effects than our endocannabinoids. This is similar to how morphine derived from the poppy plant can reduce pain by activating the body’s endorphin receptors.
We know the very specific receptors that THC activates in the body, primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, but are still learning all the different rectors CBD interact with- one research article estimated CBD may interact with 65 different receptors in the human body, leading scientists refer to CBD as a “promiscuous” compound.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has many health benefits, without producing the psychoactive, “euphoric” effects of THC. “Relaxing but not intoxicating” is how some of my patients have described the effect. That said, We did have one patient that felt that a low dose of CBD did make her feel high. This is why we recommend starting with very low dosages.
– CBD exhibits no effects on humans indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.
– To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.
– Chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.
Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that can affect the human body. They work by imitating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, that affect nerve, brain and immune cell activity.
Currently, there are two known primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, and in some peripheral tissues. They affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, and our stress response. CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells, and at a lower density in the central nervous system. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain. Although these two cannabinoid receptors have been studied relatively extensively, there are more cannabinoid receptors being examined.
Although both hemp and “marijuana” are technically variants of the Cannabis sativa plant, there are significant differences between them. Hemp is considered “industrial” under current regulations, and is defined as having less than 0.3% THC
In the United Kingdom specifically, CBD is legal as long as the product is derived from EU approved strains of hemp, and it doesn’t contain over 1mg of any other controlled substance in the container or bottle.
Marijuana generally refers to Cannabis sativa plants that have a high concentration of THC, and the word stems from the recreational use of THC rich cannabis for the purpose of getting “high.” Hemp plants possess a high concentration of CBD, with only traces of THC, and hemp extracts are associated with medicinal use.