Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40%[1] of the plant's whole extract.
Cannabinoids are chemicals found in cannabis - the most notable ones are THC and CBD. When ingested or topically applied, they mimic the activity of naturally-occurring endocannabinoids that our body produces; namely, they lock into and react with endocannabinoid receptors to promote homeostasis (process used to actively maintain fairly stable conditions necessary for survival) in the body.
CBD & THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS)
CBD works directly with the body’s very own Endocannabinoid System, also known as ECS. The main role of ECS is to help the body naturally regulate itself regardless of the circumstances around it. Endocannabinoid points are spread throughout your body, regulating many important physical functions including muscular and skeletal health, immune system, neural system, skin health, and mental well-being. It plays a role in how our bodies react to factors like pain, stress and inflammation, aiding our bodies' adaptiveness abilities.
HEALING WITHOUT THE 'HIGH'
You probably have heard of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol), the two most notable cannabinoids in cannabis plants. While they may have similar chemical structure, they have very different properties. THC is what gets you 'high' on cannabis.
CBD's psychoactivity is different to THC. While CBD does affect the body and the brain in some ways, it is considered 'nonintoxicating'. It also prevents users from getting 'too high' and combats psychosis-like effects of THC, which is why it's currently being tested as a possible treatment for schizophrenia.
THC binds to CB1 receptors found in the brain and central nervous system. Cannabinoids binding to these sites are responsible for the psychoactive highs from cannabis. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. This acts as an effective method to 'come down' if you feel too high because CBD will act as a block and prohibit your body from absorbing more THC.
CHEMICAL NITTY GRITTY
5-HT receptors trigger various intercellular chain reaction chemical messages to produce either an excitatory or inhibitory response, depending on the chemical context of the message. CBD directly activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which can help reduce autonomic responses to stress and its emotional consequences
[2].
FINDING YOUR IDEAL CBD DOSAGE
The amount of CBD that you need will depend on your particular ailment or need. Each body is unique and, therefore, reacts differently to CBD.
As everyone metabolizes compounds such as CBD differently, the proper dosage will vary for each individual. If you are new to using CBD, we recommend that you start with small amounts and gradually increase until you find your body’s ideal dosage.
What might seem to work for some people, might not be as effective for others. It is important to remember that everyone's body is built differently and the needs will vary.
Remember: Always seek the advice of your physician before you start taking CBD, especially if you take other medication.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CBD TO WORK?
There are several factors to consider when judging how long it will take for CBD to take effect on your body. The symptoms you are targeting, the method of consumption and the dosage all play a role.
From our full lineup of CBD products, Wildflower’s
CBD vaporizers and
CBD tinctures offer the fastest method of application. Our
CBD Cool Stick and
CBD Healing Stick, on the other hand, have a relatively slow and uniform absorption, ensuring that the skin remains moisturized and receives CBD over a longer period of time.
CBD Capsules will take effect within an hour or so, depending on when and how much you ate during your last meal. For optimal effect, use for 30 to 60 days to build up the CBD within your system.
CO2 EXTRACTION
CO2 Extraction or CO2 Supercritical Fluid Extraction is one of the most effective and safest ways of reducing cannabis into its essential compounds. The extract is made using botanical extractors that use immense pressure and carbon dioxide to separate the oil from plant material. The carbon dioxide (CO2) then becomes a state of matter that is similar to both a liquid and gas. When cannabinoids are exposed in this state, the active components like THC, CBD, and terpenes can be extracted.
ARE HEMP AND MARIJUANA THE SAME THING?
Both Hemp and Marijuana are both parts of the Cannabis family as they come from the same plant. The flowers that Marijuana is known for are the female version of the plant as the male plants die shortly after they have completed pollination. In its application, however, Hemp and Marijuana serve completely different purposes.
Marijuana, as it is widely known, is used for medicinal or recreational purposes while Hemp is used in a variety of applications including dietary supplements, skin products, clothing and accessories.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, also called THC, is the chemical responsible Marijuana’s psychological effects. An average batch of Marijuana contains anywhere from 5-20% THC content
[3]. Some premium Marijuana can have up to 25-30% THC
[3]. Hemp, on the other hand, is regulated to only contain a max THC level of 0.3%
[3]. Rather, Hemp contains high Cannabidiol (CBD) content that acts as THC’s antagonist, essentially making the minimal amount of THC useless.
Hemp and Marijuana can both be sources of CBD. However, as explained above, Marijuana is naturally lower in CBD and higher in THC. In Hemp, CBD dominates the plant’s makeup and that's why it's more common to derive CBD from Hemp. In the US, CBD derived from Hemp is federally legal, however, the production of Hemp still illegal. For that reason, all CBD sold under the federal law is imported.
SO ARE CBD OIL AND HEMP OIL THE SAME THING THEN?
CBD oil contains Cannabidiol (CBD). It is extracted from the cannabis plant and usually combined with a base oil (eg. coconut). Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the Hemp plant and should not contain any cannabinoids. That means there should be no CBD in Hemp oil.
TERPENES AND CBD
Terpenes are the fragrant oils that give each strain of cannabis its signature scent. Secreted from the sticky resin glands of cannabis plants, terpenes have their own unique set of therapeutic properties. You can think of them as naturally-secreted essential oils, each with their own set of properties. Though terpenes are not unique to the cannabis plant (they are also found in various other fruits, herbs, and plants), they do act synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance and produce new effects to our bodies. This is why different strains of cannabis can feel like they are working in very different ways.
FULL SPECTRUM, BROAD SPECTRUM & ISOLATE
Full spectrum means that the CBD product contains all phytochemicals that are occurring naturally in the cannabis plant. Good quality full spectrum CBD products are usually high in CBD, with only trace amounts of minor cannabinoids, and very low in THC (less than 0.3%).
Broad spectrum CBD contains Cannabidiol and all the other compounds within the plant, but THC, which is completely removed after the initial extraction. On the other hand, Isolate is the purest form of CBD, made by pulling it from its natural environment and removing it from all other ingredients.
A 2015 study from The Hebrew University of Israel concluded that whole-plant, CBD-rich extract (Full Spectrum & Broad Spectrum) had a better therapeutic value to single-molecule CBD extract (Isolate)
[4]. This is called the Entourage effect and means that all the
components work together to enhance the potential benefits of the plant.
WILDFLOWER'S CBD
All Wildflower CBD products are made in the USA and third-party laboratory tested for content and safety, so you can be sure you’re getting only the very best products made to the highest ethical and safety standards. We use only superior CO2 extraction methods, and source our CBD oil from whole plant cannabis imported from Europe which has not come into contact with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
Wildflower CBD Wellness products are available for sale at over 200 retail locations in the US and UK, as well as online at buywildflower.com. Wildflower CBD Wellness products are also available for International Shipping through selected online retailers. Store locations can be found HERE.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Warning: For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes, do not apply to wounds, damaged or irritated skin, do not cover with bandage or wrap. Do not apply heat to the area. If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Use otherwise than as directed may be dangerous, keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental poisoning.
If you would like to further expand your knowledge of Cannabinoids and plant-based wellness, we recommend a visit to Hempsley. Hempsley is a wellness guidance company that introduces you to the basic science of natural wellness. The information Hempsely provides on Cannabinoid is extremely well written and beautifully illustrated.
Click on the link below to learn more:
