Cannabidiol: An Introduction to CBD

CBD is everywhere these days. Sure, you can buy CBD joints and topicals at the dispensary. But you can also get CBD chocolates at the grocery store. You can get it in states that have yet to legalize cannabis. You can get it in toothpaste form or infused in your pillowcases. You can get it for your dog. And you can find it in all forms of beauty products. So what exactly is CBD and why is it so popular? 

Considerably Benign Drug 

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is the second most prevalent cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, the most prevalent cannabinoid, CBD is non-intoxicating. It does, however, have a wide range of therapeutic benefits and plays a large part in why cannabis is so effective as a medicine. 

CBD still falls under the umbrella of a psychoactive substance (aka drugs), because it can cause mood changes and slightly alter perception. Again, it doesn’t get you high like THC but it still counts as a drug. Why then, can you get it infused in your hair pomade or your toilet paper? Unlike most cannabis products, CBD is federally legal…as long as it is derived from industrial hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC. And although it’s federally legal, it’s not regulated by the FDA. Which is why you get things like CBD potato chips at your grocery store. We’re not knocking edibles, but just be conscious of what you’re buying. Because these things aren’t regulated, they may not be super legit. 

What Grows Together Goes Together

One reason to be conscious of the ever-growing range of CBD products is that many use CBD isolate. This is strictly CBD. But you know about the entourage effect. You know that cannabinoids usually work best when they work in conjunction with other cannabinoids. What grows together goes together, baby. CBD is at its most therapeutically beneficial when paired with other cannabinoids, terpenes and other byproducts of cannabis. If you insist on buying those potato chips, try to get ones made with “full spectrum” CBD. 

For all you fans of getting The Most High, CBD is a great partner to THC. It really brings out the best in its intoxicating counterpart. While THC gets you stoned, it can also cause paranoia and side effects like heart palpitations. CBD can help minimize these effects. If you overindulge and get a little too high, CBD can help mellow you out and calm your buzz. It doesn’t stop you from getting high, just balances it out. 

The Miracle Drug

No, it’s not actually a cure all, even though it’s often touted that way. It does help with a wide range of ailments, but significantly more research is needed to be done. It has been proven to have anticonvulsant properties and is often used to help epilepsy. It is also anti-inflammatory (which is why you see it so often as a topical) and has analgesic properties. 

Many people use CBD for its anti-anxiety and mood boosting effects. CBD, like other cannabinoids, interacts with the endocannabinoid system, including both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as other receptors in the ECS. But its interactions–and reactions– aren’t limited to the ECS. It has been shown to activate serotonin receptors in the brain, which can explain some of the effects regarding anxiety. 

Chill So Hard

It may not be a miracle drug, but it’s definitely worth seeking out. CBD won’t get you The Most High, but it will ease your pain and chill you out.