An Introduction to CBD

Introduction

Cannabidoil or “CBD” is one of the 113 cannabinoid compounds found in Cannabis. Contrary to Tetrahydrocannidoil (THC), CBD doesn’t alter your mental state, getting you “high” (see also: Baked; Stoned; Wonky; Blitzed). Both compounds do work in a similar way though, reacting with natural Cannabinoid receptors within the brain and immune system to administer their own unique effects. As I mentioned before there are at least 111 other cannabinoids however these two are the only ones we’re concerned about for now.

Cannabinoid (CB) receptors were only discovered in the 1980s when previously scientists thought that cannabinoids directly interacted with membranes until it was found that instead they interacted with membrane-bound receptors specially designed to interact with cannabinoids. These receptors are highly common throughout nature, being found not only in humans but also other mammals, plants, reptiles and fish which sparked great debate around Cannabis-activists stating that as it’s so naturally occurring, we (humans) are supposed to consume cannabis, even going so far as to call it a “human right.”

There has obviously been much backlash against this notion by governments across the globe for many reasons, primarily political, medical, and religious.

Medical Use and Side Effects

By now you’ve probably heard of doctors using marijuana to treat certain illnesses. CBD oil can be used in the same way to treat a growing number of medical conditions both physical and mental. In tests it’s shown the most responsive the in patients with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s
• Colitis
• Chronic Pain
• High blood-pressure
• Liver injuries

Other uses include Stroke rehabilitation, period pains and other psychological illnesses such as schizophrenia.

CBD may help with your condition and side effects are rare and minor but may include:

• Drowsiness
• Diarrhoea
• Changes in weight
• Changes in appetite

CBD is a fast-growing global industry, you can likely get it at your local health-food shop, vape-store or even some corner shops. If you live in the UK like me, a ten ML bottle of 500mg that you put in your e-cigarette mixed with your chosen e-liquid will set you back about £30. On the surface that seems like quite a lot but when you break it down and consider you only need to put 2-3 drops per two ML tank and depending on use that ten ML bottle can last you well over a month.

Use

CBD can be used in multiple applications. Most common is the pure liquid which is administered orally and held in the mouth which has a 90 percent absorption rate, and is one of the fastest ways to consume CBD. Similarly there are also those who rub the oral solution on their gums. Another way to use CBD is via the aforementioned e-cigarette. A few drops combined with your chosen e-liquid can administer a small dose of CBD to be absorbed directly through the lungs. Another way, predominantly for period pain, is to put CBD oil on, wait for it, your tampon. This absorbs the CBD through your vagina and helps to ease pains and cramps. Another, less legal, method is to simply smoke a high-CBD strain of cannabis. This will give you the CBD you want with a more mellow high, reminiscent of old-school weed, for which the Indica plants are known for however there are a lot of CBD rich hybrid strains available. For dosage strength you can refer to this handy guide:

• 100-250mg is ideal for a daily health-boost for revitalising nourishing effects
• 500-1000mg is ideal for specific issues such as aches and pains as well as milder cases of anxiety or other mental health issues.
• 1000+ is ideal for treatment of high-levels of pain or treatment of extreme cases of anxiety or other mental health issues.

CBD and Hemp oil

CBD and Hemp oil are not the same thing. CBD oil is, as previously discussed, used as medication and thusly treated as such. It is extracted from the flower of the Hemp or Cannabis plant via CO2 whilst Hemp oil is extracted from ground up Hemp seeds and is considered a food additive.

Conclusion

After this short introduction you may be interested in trying CBD for yourself to which I say, go for it. The side effects are minor and sparse and it’s not always as expensive as you think. There is much more information out there if you’re interested, you need only look. I myself have used CBD to treat depression, anxiety and major back and hip pain and every time I’ve used it CBD has offered significant if not total relief.

This is not THE guide on CBD, simply an introduction to CBD. For more information please visit your local health food shop, vape store or dispensary.