Wisdom
If there has ever been a buzz word in the late 2000s, it’s definitely CBD. Well, that’s technically an acronym… but you get it, CBD has been everywhere! Billboards, video ads, and even print are leaning toward this more forward thinking medicine. Medicine some say, but, do you really know what CBD is or how it works?
What is CBD?
Let’s break down what CBD actually is, and where it’s sourced. CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of several identified cannabinoids from the cannabis plants. 113 to be exact, and CBD accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract! CBD is great for relaxing, calming the muscles, even lowering blood pressure with little to no side effects.
Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which sometiems has strong side effects.
THC high versus CBD calm
Not to fret, CBD will simply clarify the mind and release the tension you may be feeling. A bit in your tea after a long day is wonderful. This can leave you feeling rejuvenated and weightless, but not high, like THC can. THC is also found in the cannabis plants and has many medical properties of it’s own, but it does ha
s a few significant side effects, too. Sometimes these side effects work well with the overall goal. For example, a patient who cannot sleep may want to try a bit of THC, as it often causes drowsiness and relaxation, but with no addictive qualities or ‘hangover’.
Other times, people simply need a little pain or anxiety management, and CBD is a perfect option. Since CBD has no side effects, and just slowly fades away, it’s a great option for every day life. You won’t have mid swings with CBD like some can get with THC. Ofcourse, its legal in all 50 states, so you can also bring it anywhere you go, and get it anywhere you go. No subscription required! Plus, you can’t overdose on CBD either! That’s not even possible because cannabinoid receptors aren’t found in the areas of the brain that control our respiration.
How does CBD work with our body?
If you’ve made it this far, I’m glad you’re with me. A treat of simple knowledge awaits you. So we know what CBD is, and how it affects us, but do you know why our bodies react that way?
We have a system in our body that regulates several processes of homeostasis, or overall balance of the human body. In other words, this system makes sure you’re all good. It also yells at you for drinking too much the night before. This system is simply named, the cannabinoid system! And it works through groups of receptors called CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) and CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2). CBD and THC can attach to these receptors and work with the body in different ways.
And this system can only be balanced by two different sources; one source is the human body itself, as it produces it own cannabinoids, while the second is the cannabis plant where the CBD and THC is found! Woah… starting to sound a lot more like medicine than a drug, right? Let’s repeat it… the only other source that can balance this highly important human system (besides the human itself) is the cannabis plant. Aka hemp, aka weed, aka marijuana, aka that’s right, those hippies really were onto something.
Cannabinoids 
With cannabinoids complex actions in our immune system, nervous system, and virtually all of the body’s organs, the endocannabinoid system is literally a bridge between body and mind. Ever feel extra moody or irritated during that hangover we mentioned earlier?
Here’s some degree certified knowledge for those that need the facts: The brain scientist Professor Andreas Zimmer from the Bonn Institute of Molecular Psychiatry is investigating what the function of this endocannabinoid system is. ‘Mice without CB1 receptors show psychological abnormalities,’ he explains. ‘By contrast, CB2 regulates the growth of bones, for example.’
All in all, I think we can safely say that cannabiniods are important to our body. We should really keep ourselves tracked and regulated with help from medicines like CBD oil. I’m interested to see who has done this alread. Please comment if you are an avid user, or if are tyring CBD or THC for the first time.