What Is CBD Exactly?
With how popular CBD has become, it’s easy to forget that not too long ago, most people had never even heard of it.
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is one of the main cannabinoids found in both cannabis and hemp plants. This fact is the bulk of most people’s CBD knowledge.
To bring you up to speed on CBD, we’re going to cover some of the basics, so next time it’s brought up, you’ll know your stuff.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is among hundreds of “phytocannabinoids” found naturally in cannabis and hemp plants. Phytocannabinoids such as CBD interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various psychotropic and therapeutic effects.
CBD oil companies take CBD and dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut or MTC oil to produce CBD oil, which many are discovering may offer numerous benefits.
Some potential benefits of CBD include:
CBD is available in a variety of different product forms including CBD oils, creams, balms, smokable flower, and more. Additionally, CBD products are available in either full-spectrum or CBD isolate preparations.
Full-Spectrum CBD Vs. CBD Isolate
While shopping around for CBD, you’ll likely encounter products touting either full-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate as the main ingredient. Both work basically the same, though with some key differences.
To get the full benefit of the hemp plant, full-spectrum CBD products are your best bet. These products contain the full array of cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp, which include:
- Trace amounts of THC (the compound that produces cannabis’s “high”)
- Other beneficial compounds (trace vitamins, fatty acids, flavonoids, and chlorophyll)
- Terpenes
These compounds seem to work together in your body to produce an “entourage effect,” resulting in effects greater than achieved through the use of CBD or THC alone.
Full-spectrum CBD isn’t for everyone though. For those wanting to avoid THC, they are better off playing it safe with a CBD isolate product. As the name implies, CBD isolates are pretty much 100% cannabidiol. Though you’ll miss out on CBD’s full spectrum of benefits, isolates still produce therapeutic effects.
Does CBD Get You High?
Even though it is found naturally in cannabis, CBD does not get you high. Most full-spectrum CBD products contain very little THC, the active psychoactive component in cannabis.
This means that you aren’t likely to feel any of the euphoric effects associated with smoking marijuana unless you take an extremely large dose. And since CBD isolates contain virtually zero THC, they definitely won’t get you high.
Wrapping Up
While CBD won’t get you high, many find it provides them with an easy way to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Those who suffer from anxiety and depression have found relief when using CBD products, and so have chronic pain patients.
It may seem like CBD is everywhere now, though we must not forget that it wasn’t long ago that CBD was relatively unknown. Few studies have been done to validated anecdotal reports, though we expect this to change in the future.
What we do know is that CBD affects everyone a little differently. So consider trying a few different products before making up your mind on whether CBD is right for you.