Benefits of CBD

by VANESSA MERGULHÃO

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the 104 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant, which belongs to the Cannabis sativa species. It is derived directly from the plant and is a non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive component that can have many therapeutic effects on the human body and mind.

 CBD mainly interacts with the body and the brain through the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) – the body’s “master regulatory system.”  Through the ECS, CBD works as a “multi-target” therapy. The core causation of many illnesses is due to an imbalance of key functions of the body, CBD can act as an effective preventative treatment for many different issues.  

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT THAN MARIJUANA?

CBD is a non-psychoactive component, it does not cause a “high” or the euphoric sensation that is generally associated with cannabis or marijuana. CBD oil has no or negligible traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – another compound found in the plant), which is indeed a psychoactive cannabinoid. It has been used as a safe alternative to analgesic pain medication.

A report from the World Health Organization states, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD:

CBD has been acknowledged to provide relief for a wide variety of health issues.

Some of the many benefits include:

- Relief from chronic pain and inflammation

- Promotes better sleep

- Reduces anxiety and depression

- Has proven anti-seizure properties

- Helps prevent the spread of certain types of cancer

HOW DO YOU TAKE CBD:

There are four primary methods for taking CBD:

Ingestion: Perhaps the most common way is to ingest it orally. When you ingest CBD oil, it passes through the digestive system and is metabolized by the liver, eventually sending its active compounds to your bloodstream. This can be done through capsules, edibles, beverages or taking the oil directly.
Sublingual: this means dropped and held under the tongue for up to 90 seconds. It is a very effective way of quickly absorbing the oil’s active ingredients. The CBD bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolization, allowing the compounds to reach your bloodstream and interact with the endocannabinoid system more quickly.
Topical: some products are designed specifically to be applied or interact with the skin. Topical products are ideal for isolated pain relief and can be found in lotions or salves. You can also find CBD in bath or body care products.
Inhalation: CBD cartridges are also available to be inhaled through vaporizing – commonly found in vape pens. The heat used in vaporizing releases its active compounds without harmful byproducts.

Research on the health benefits of CBD is ongoing and while there is still much to learn about the efficacy, results from recent studies suggest that CBD may provide a safe, powerful natural treatment for many health issues.