Phytocannabinoids are a byproduct of cannabis sativa plants undergoing photosynthesis. While most know cannabis and associate it with marijuana; hemp and other strains actually fall under the genus as well. Thanks to the legalization efforts of medical marijuana, and the Hemp Farm Bill of 2018, focus on cannabinoids has greatly expanded.
CBD, or cannabidiol, in particular has seen a surge in popularity as a supplement for pain management and neurological disorders. Cannabinoids see research by the National Institute of Health, PUBMED, and other scholarly sites publishing positive lab results often.
The Hemp Farm Act allowed hemp, classified as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC, federally legal to possess and grow. The floodgates have subsequently opened with major corporations like Coke even looking to use CBD in soda.
Recent studies with medical marijuana have lead researchers to discover and coin a brand new system, like the lymphatic or sympathetic nervous, called endocannabinoid. The endocannabinoid system is present in all mammalian species and encompasses most vital organs, along with the gut, and some specific neural pathways.
The endocannabinoid system contains C1 and C2 receptors that react with phytocannabinoids on the molecular level, sending neural signals to the brain to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, as well as, other regulatory homeostatic processes that are regenerative in nature. Studies have shown that this endocannabinoid system is extremely proficient in helping stem pain, some of the main reasons medical marijuana and cannabinoids in general are so advocated for legalization in health circles.
Cannabidiol (CBD) carries an important distinction because it, as an extract, acts similarly to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), yet doesn’t have psychoactive properties. CBD will not cause the “high” or euphoria people associate with a drug. There are a certain proportion of people that have adverse or negative side effects when using marijuana because of the high, CBD is an excellent alternative for this.
CBD is said to inhibit “pro-inflammatory” molecules and modulate pain receptor sites by blocking access to the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the brain from neuropathic or inflammatory sources. Using CBD for pain is the most effective way to supplement. CBD Oil is obtained from cannabis flowers using different extraction methods; it is always best to look for high-quality organic oil that has been minimally processed. Oils contain terpenes, vitamins, and other antioxidants that are excellent supplements to include in ones diet.
CBD Oil is purchasable in many ways, but is most commonly sold in tincture vials. Tincture oil is administered sublingual using the dropper attached to the top. Oil administered in this way will see a more immediate response due to instant absorption.
Oils can also come in pill form, and are an excellent way to supplement if you do not care for the taste of hemp. Recently companies also have begun a bit of experimentation and have added CBD oil and isolate to edibles. Edibles come in many interesting forms, from gummies and candy, to the more exotic coffees and ice creams! Traditional methods may be most inline with targeting pain because they tend to be more concentrated. Oils come in varying strengths, its is best to increase the concentrated amount of CBD present in your oil to match the intensity of the pain you are suffering from.
Useful links:
How to Take CBD Oil and Maximize Its Benefits
In-depth Comparison: CBD vs. THC
