What is CBD? How does interact with your body?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a trending ingredient the natural products industry and is the focus of a new area of cannabis research. CBD is one of many cannabinoids, or molecules produced uniquely by the cannabis family. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t have a strong effect on cognitive brain activity and doesn’t cause the “high” associated with marijuana.
Every variety of the cannabis family produces cannabinoids, including hemp. While CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids, there are many different types. Our brains have specific receptors designed to accept cannabinoids, known as CB1 and CB2. These receptors are responsible for the assimilation of cannabinoid molecules into your system, resulting in the psychoactive and immune responses correlated with cannabis consumption.
In the last few years, there have been many advances in cannabis processing and consumption methods. Concentrated products such as oil and rosin (a sap-like product extracted via heat and pressure) have allowed for cleaner ingestion methods, such as vaporization, to become more widespread. These new technologies have brought more consistent, identifiable dosages to patients and enthusiasts alike, while potentially enabling safer methods of consumption.
Quality of Products
When it comes to the quality of any CBD product, you have to be very careful. CBD companies must be researched to understand where the company is acquiring the hemp used for manufacturing, what type of extraction process is being used, and potency of the product.
Hemp: Just like with vegetables, identifying where a company gets the hemp used for producing CBD is important. Make sure the company has performed testing for pesticides. Ideally, organic is the way to go.
Extraction: CO2 as an extraction method is ideal for botanical extracts. Although it is laborious and expensive, it is regarded as the best way to extract hemp oil due to its gentle action and high yield.
Potency: The purity of the CBD and what is paired with matters. Ask for testing for purity of the CBD and if the product has THC. In addition, how is the product manufactured. Some process helps with absorption of the CBD into the body.
When extracted correctly and verified for correct potency, CBD can provide the desired effect.
