Everyone knows THC. But also CBD? The ingredient in the industrial hemp plant is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its calming effect and great medicinal potential. For anyone who doesn't know CBD yet or would like to find out more about it, we have summarized the most important information here.
CBD – A valuable cannabinoid from the hemp plant
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol and belongs to the group of cannabinoids. These are compounds that occur naturally in the hemp plant. There are over 100 such cannabinoids, but the best known is certainly THC - the active ingredient responsible for the high from cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not have an intoxicating effect. However, it is still of great interest because it is said to have health-promoting properties. Several studies indicate, among other things, a pain-relieving and calming effect. Many people now use CBD as an alternative to conventional painkillers. The areas of application are large and range from the treatment of mild pain to use for pain and cancer patients.
The good thing is: everyone can benefit from the benefits of CBD. Since it does not cause a state of intoxication, it does not fall under the Narcotics Act and can be sold legally.
Obtaining CBD
Cannabidiol is present as a carboxylic acid in the hemp plant and goes through two processes to be extracted. First, the acid must be converted into effective CBD, then it is extracted from the plant.
The conversion of the acid into pure cannabidiol is called decarboxylation because a CO2 molecule is split off. It is usually carried out by heating. There are various procedures for the subsequent extraction. One of the most proven is extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide, as this produces a particularly pure product. However, this method is also one of the most complex.
Carbon dioxide is added to the hemp plant after decarboxylation. This is in a state between liquid and gaseous, which is referred to as “supercritical”. The carbon dioxide dissolves ingredients such as cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. By then adjusting the pressure and temperature, these can then be removed from other plants. Please take a look at our first-class full spectrum CBD oils .
Other methods for obtaining CBD include extraction with butane and alcohol.
Effects of CBD on the body
The endocannabinoid system
To understand the effects of CBD, you have to know that our body has a so-called endocannabinoid system. Sounds complicated? Actually it isn't at all. The endocannabinoid system is simply part of the nervous system and helps regulate certain body processes. For example, it has an influence on our mood and how we perceive pain. It also controls appetite and anxiety.
The endocannabinoid system consists of various receptors, which can be divided into cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1 for short) and cannabinoid receptors 2 (CB2). The former are mainly found in the central nervous system and organs such as the intestines and kidneys. They have a major impact on cognitive functions. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are mainly found in the immune system and play a role in the body's immune defense.
The cannabinoids can now dock onto these receptors and thus activate various processes. First of all, we are not talking about the cannabinoids of the hemp plant. The body itself also produces cannabinoids that interact with the system and thus control various functions. These are referred to as endocannabinoids. On the other hand, there are the phytocannabinoids, which can be supplied to the body externally and then also influence the endocannabinoid system. CBD is one of them.
Properties of CBD
If you take cannabidiol and it docks onto the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, it triggers various positive processes in the body. Here is a small overview of the most important effects of CBD:
- Calming
- Pain relieving
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anxious
- Mood-enhancing
The pain-relieving properties in particular have made CBD a popular alternative to conventional painkillers in recent years. This means that people who often take painkillers because of a chronic illness such as migraines or rheumatism do not have to burden their bodies with chemical substances.
But the calming effect of the cannabinoid also offers great potential. Many users who have previously suffered from problems falling asleep, mood swings or depressive phases can report great experiences with CBD. It also offers great potential for treating anxiety and psychoses.
Other areas of application open up due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the substance: CBD can provide relief for both simple skin irritations such as acne and the painful joint inflammation arthritis.
Since both CBD and the endocannabinoid system are relatively new discoveries, not all of the properties of the active ingredient have been researched. And there are currently many studies underway looking for further fields of application on the already known effects. New health-promoting properties of CBD may then emerge.
Side effects
A big advantage of CBD is that it is classified as a very safe product, as side effects can rarely occur. The most common problems with too high a dose include “just” a dry mouth and a feeling of tiredness. Overall, cannabidiol is considered very safe and tolerable and can easily be recommended for home use.
However, we advise you to speak to your doctor if you want to use CBD as a pain reliever for an illness. And even if you are already taking other medications, we recommend consulting your doctor. It should be clarified in advance whether medication with CBD can have adverse effects.
In what forms is CBD available?
One of the most common dosage forms of cannabidiol is CBD oils . They are available with different CBD concentrations, starting from 5% up to 30% .
Another dosage form is CBD flowers , which can be drunk as a tea. Since there are many different flavors, you won't get bored here so quickly. CBD is also available in the form of capsules, cosmetics and food.
