CBD 101: What is CBD, Where is it From, and What are it's Benefits?

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has gained a lot of attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. But what is CBD, where does it come from, and what are the benefits of using it? Let’s take a closer look.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It belongs to a family of compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. Unlike its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high” or alter a person’s state of mind.

Where Does CBD Come From?

CBD can be derived from both the hemp plant and the cannabis plant. Hemp-derived CBD is legal in the UK as long as it contains no more than 0.2% THC. CBD can be extracted from the plant in a variety of ways, including using solvents like butane or ethanol, or using CO2 extraction, which is considered to be the safest and most effective method.

What are the Benefits of Using CBD?

CBD has been studied for its potential health benefits, and while research is still ongoing, there is evidence to suggest that CBD may be useful for a variety of conditions.

Pain Relief: One of the most well-known benefits of CBD is its ability to relieve pain. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. In fact, a 2020 review of studies found that CBD was effective in treating chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, arthritis, and cancer-related pain.
Anxiety and Depression: CBD has also been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety and depression. A 2019 study found that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder, while a 2020 study found that CBD was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder.
Sleep: CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality in people with insomnia. A 2019 study found that CBD improved sleep in 66.7% of patients with anxiety and sleep disorders, while a 2020 study found that CBD improved sleep in 48% of patients with chronic pain.
Skin Health: CBD has also been studied for its potential to improve skin health. CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation, redness, and signs of aging. CBD has also been shown to regulate oil production in the skin, making it a potential treatment for acne.
Neuroprotective Properties: CBD has been studied for its potential neuroprotective properties, meaning it may protect the brain from damage caused by injury or disease. A 2017 review of studies found that CBD was effective in reducing seizures in patients with epilepsy, while a 2020 study found that CBD may be effective in reducing cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained a lot of attention for its potential health benefits. CBD is non-psychoactive and can be derived from both the hemp plant and the cannabis plant. CBD has been studied for its potential to relieve pain, reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, improve skin health, and protect the brain from damage caused by injury or disease.

While research is still ongoing, CBD shows promise as a natural and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. If you are interested in using CBD for its potential health benefits, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it is safe for you and to discuss the appropriate dosage.

When purchasing CBD products, it is important to choose a reputable brand that uses third-party testing to ensure the purity and potency of their products. Look for products that are labeled as “full-spectrum,” meaning they contain all of the beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

In conclusion, CBD is a natural compound with potential health benefits that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, CBD shows promise as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. If you are interested in using CBD, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider and choose a reputable brand.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most well known and thoroughly researched cannabinoids.

Dr. Roger Adams and his team at the University of Illinois were the first to discover CBD back in 1940. THC was later discovered at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, with colleagues Dr. Yehiel Gaoni and Dr. Haviv Edery. It was Mechoulam that was the first to map the chemical structure of both compounds, and is now sometimes referred to as “the godfather of cannabis research.”