What is CBD?

It’s a question that is most frequently on people’s minds as they hear more and more about it on the news, on social media and in the papers.

You may have heard it being described as cannabidiol, CBD is short for cannabidiol, a compound found in the cannabis plant.

Where CBD comes from?

Cannabis is actually the term for a whole family of plants, which are usually split into two distinct categories –

Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica.

Traditionally sativa refers to the tall European plants, and indica to the bushier, shrub-like Indian varieties

• Hemp refers to strains of cannabis grown for industrial use. These applications include biofuel, rope, paper and CBD.

• Marijuana refers to plants grown for recreational use i.e. getting high. This is why marijuana is often used to refer to cannabis as a drug.

There are two key ones that help differentiate between hemp and marijuana. The first, and most commonly heard of is THC. This is the compound that induces most of the effects typically associated with smoking cannabis, and is found in high amounts in marijuana.

The second most one being cannabinoid this is CBD. Research has continuously shown that CBD does NOT get you high, and is provenly safe for human use. It does not contain the levels of THC that marijuana does its, as low as 0.02%.

CBD & our bodies.

All mammals have an amazing system within their bodies, called the endocannabinoid system which contains many different receptors within our major organs, immune system and nervous system.

It works to ensure our bodies remain in a state of balance using something called homeostasis. Keeping things like body temperature, metabolism and pressure in check.

By adding CBD into our bodies, the ECS works as a carrier and integrates the CBD throughout our body via these clever little receptors CB1 and CB2.

So how do I take CBD?

There are various ways available, the most commonly used by many is CBD drops/oil.

This is taken sublingually, under your tongue, the fastest way for the body to absorb it, twice daily morning and night.

You can take via the wide range of CBD edibles too; these are a great way of topping up whilst on the go in your hectic daily schedules.

For muscular aches and pain, you can take CBD topically via salves or creams.

There are various flavours of vapes or natural additives available too.

People are using  CBD oil and other CBD-based products for different reasons, including reducing pain, controlling anxiety, depression, autism, adhd, sleep issues.

Although studies report few side effects with CBD use, its effectiveness for various medical conditions requires ongoing research.

People should seek advice from their doctor  if they wish to use CBD oil to ensure the drug is safe and whether CBD is more effective than other conventional medications.