What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?

CBD (scientifically known as cannabidiol) is one of the main chemical compounds found in marijuana and has a huge impact on the medical marijuana field. CBD can be a lifesaver to some people and a relaxer to others. But what is so special about CBD? Learn about that, and more, right here.

In the marijuana community, many people study the chemical compounds found in marijuana. There are over 400 of these compounds found in the plant, however, only about 60 are specific to weed. This means that marijuana shares hundreds of chemical compounds with other plants. This is the reason why marijuana nugs can smell like pine trees or taste like lemons when smoked.

The interesting fact about cannabidiol is that we don’t know as much about it as we probably should. We do have some facts on it, but the compound is still a relatively discovery. There are still many questions that scientists have not figured out about CBD, but here’s what we do know:

Compared to THC

CBD is often compared to THC in the ways that it reacts in the human brain and body. THC is much different, however, and can give off different effects compared to CBD. For instance, THC is associated with giving a feeling of being high, while CBD cannot get you high. This is because CBD is not psychoactive, and thus cannot give off euphoric sensations (a.k.a. getting you high). So, if you were to smoke marijuana that contains CBD and no THC, you would not get high.

If CBD does not get you high, then why is it used so much? Well, that is due to its medical values. As mentioned above, CBD plays a big role in the medical marijuana community. It can treat many different types of mental diseases, illnesses, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the things that CBD can help within the medical world:

Medical Values

One of the biggest medical values of CBD is the fact that it can stop epileptic seizures. If you read Reefer Post’s strain review on Charlotte’s Web, it tells a story about a young girl who suffered from hundreds of epileptic seizures every month, then she started using CBD marijuana, and the number of her seizures reduced to only a handful every month. Her story proved the point that marijuana containing CBD can help treat these types of seizures.

Speaking of strains, Charlotte’s Web is one of many strains that only contain CBD. These strains were designed to have pure medical purposes. When a medical marijuana patient is prescribed marijuana, they are usually prescribed marijuana that contains CBD, and no THC.

Another thing that CBD can treat is pain. CBD marijuana strains are great pain relievers. Many painkillers can contain opioids, which are addictive and dangerous to digest. But since the discovery of CBD as a pain reliever, many patients are turning to marijuana rather than traditional pain relievers, since marijuana is not addictive or dangerous.

Did you know that CBD can also help fight cancer? It’s true, scientific studies have proven this before. One study done in 2015 showed that CBD slows down the growth of cancer cells, making it harder for cancer to spread. This includes many types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer.

There are many other things that cannabidiol can treat, the list just goes on and on. That list includes a wide variety of subjects, including inflammation, mood disorders such as PTSD, and anxiety. There are many other symptoms out there that CBD can treat, and if you feel as if you need CBD to help you out, then chances are you can get it prescribed to you.

Because CBD does not get you high, products that contain only CBD are legal. So, many products may not contain marijuana but can contain CBD so that they stay in the legal market. For instance, CBD oil is commonly used as a treatment for many of the symptoms listed above. Since it is oil and not marijuana, it is legal.

CBD Oil

Technically, marijuana is not illegal. What’s illegal in most states and countries is THC. If you were to take a drug test looking for signs of marijuana, the tester is not testing for marijuana but is testing for THC. So, if you smoke marijuana that only contains CBD, it would not show up in a drug test, thus meaning CBD marijuana is technically legal.

In the United States, some states have legalized medical marijuana, some have legalized recreational marijuana, and some have legalized neither. However, in states that have not legalized medical or recreational marijuana, there are still ways to obtain legal CBD-only products used for medical or even therapeutic reasons. In states that have legalized medical marijuana, CBD is common and easy to find.

The Future of CBD

With all of those facts about cannabidiol, it is almost certain that the chemical compound will have a bright future. By that I mean it will be accepted and used in more places for its values. More states and even countries may legalize medical marijuana because CBD plays a big role in it and can help many patients out there.

Due to many scientific studies, CBD has been proven to be a safe and effective medicine. It can fight back most serious diseases, and can also be used as a daily reliever of pain, stress, anxiety, and several other things. And one of the most interesting facts about CBD is that it comes from the natural world, unlike many medicines.

CBD also helps in driving the cannabis community to push for legalization within the United States and drives the cannabis industry to grow and create new products. This is why cannabidiol will most likely have a bright future.

Here’s what the chemical formula of CBD looks like:

CBD Chemical Makeup

As for THC, it still holds many values of its own but is very different compared to CBD. For more on THC, click here.

FAQ: What exactly is CBD

Q: What is CBD oil?

A: CBD oil is a type of oil extracted from the cannabis plant that contains high levels of CBD (Cannabidiol). It is commonly used for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Q: Is CBD the same as marijuana?

A: No, CBD is a separate compound found in the cannabis plant. It is different from marijuana, which contains high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and is known for its psychoactive effects.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using CBD?

A: Research suggests that CBD may have potential benefits for managing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and certain neurological disorders. It may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Q: Is CBD legal?

A: The legal status of CBD varies by country and state. In the United States, CBD derived from hemp is legal under federal law, but CBD derived from marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. It is important to research and understand the laws and regulations in your specific location before purchasing or using CBD products.

Q: Will using CBD make me high?

A: No, CBD does not have psychoactive effects like THC does. It will not make you feel high or alter your state of mind. However, some products may contain trace amounts of THC, so it is important to read and understand product labels before purchasing.

Q: Can CBD be used for pets?

A: Yes, CBD products specifically designed for pets are becoming increasingly popular. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before giving CBD to your pet and to use products that are specifically formulated for pets.

Q: How is CBD oil consumed?

A: CBD oil can be consumed in various ways, including sublingual ingestion (under the tongue), adding it to food or drinks, and using it in topical applications such as lotions or balms.

Q: Are there any potential side effects of using CBD?

A: Some people may experience side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, or changes in appetite after using CBD. However, these effects are generally mild and well-tolerated. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you are taking any medications or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Q: Is CBD regulated by the FDA?

A: The FDA has approved one CBD medication for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy, but currently, CBD products are not regulated by the FDA. It is important to purchase products from reputable sources and to carefully read product labels and third-party lab reports for quality and safety assurance.

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Evan Weston

Evan Weston is a contributor to Reefer Posts, a growing community for exploring the developing market of Cannabis and CBD-related products. He spends a lot of time researching the development of health-related products that utilize Cannabis and CBD oils. He also keeps tabs on the developing legal environment regarding medical, recreational cannabis use, and production.

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