Have you heard of the CBD? Today many want to smoke CBD-based cannabis. It is the new trend of new legal cannabis genetics that is in fashion due to its multiple benefits.
And, so that you do not get left behind with the information about it, in this article we tell you some important aspects about this component of cannabis, that is causing a sensation.
What is CBD and where does it come from?
CBD or Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and for the most part in the flower. It is a component safe and non-addictive capable of generating remarkable relaxing effects on the body and without causing psychoactive effects.
Being non-psychoactive components, it is not considered a drug, since it is used as medicinal and therapeutic substance, increasingly common around the world.
CBD is sold in multiple formats as in CBD flowers, extracts, sweets and oils extracted directly from the cannabis plant among others.
In this vein, unlike the most frequently used medicines and chemical treatments, CBD has no side effectsThat is why the use of oil has also become an optimal option for many people who do not smoke and who have severe pain and other ailments.
Differences between CBD and THC
While THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the substance responsible for causing a psychotropic effect in the body of the user, CBD (cannabidiol) is a substance that causes relief and relaxation, without affecting the mind.
Although obviously only one of the substances can be used for recreational purposes, both can be used for therapeutic purposes, however, the differences they present are very marked:
- THC has psychotropic and psychoactive effects, CBD protects the nervous system.
- Unlike THC, CBD can be used to treat anxiety-related disorders.
- CBD can be indicated to lower blood glucose levels, THC cannot.
- It is proven that CBD has an effect on bacteria, eliminating them from the body. The same has not been proven with regard to THC.
How does CBD work?
The body has cannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for intervening in physiological functions of the body such as: appetite, memory, mood and pain.
The cannabinoids CB1 and CB2 are the receptors through which CBD fulfills its function
CB1 is a type 1 cannabinoid receptor with greater presence in the brain. For its part, CB2 is a type 2 cannabinoid receptor that is mostly found in the body's immune system.
When cannabidiol enters the body through these receptors, you immediately begin to feel the beneficial effects of this substance, without the neuronal system being affected or altered.
How is CBD extracted?
Cannabidiol is originally found in the cannabis plant as CBDA (carboxylic acid), which is an inactive component, which becomes active when it is transformed into CBD, different methods can be used to achieve this:
Carbon dioxide extraction
This is the most complex and expensive method so far, it is usually used by corporations dedicated to the mass commercialization of CBD.
To carry it out, the use of several pressurized chambers. In the first chamber, the properties of carbon dioxide will be brought to critical conditions, until obtaining a CO2 supercritical, whose state varies between liquid and gaseous.
Then said component will be sent to another chamber, in which the cannabis plant has been placed. The same will be decomposed by the effects of CO2 supercritical, which causes the CBD oil to separate from the plant.
To end the extraction process, the extracted oil and the carbon dioxide in a gaseous state are sent to a last chamber, in which only the cannabidiol oil extract remains, due to the fact that the gases evaporate.
Solvent extraction
Solvent extraction can be used domestically, since it is one of the simplest methods to perform.
Consists in raising the temperature of a liquid solvent to its gaseous state. The most commonly used solvents are isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and ethyl alcohol.
When these gases come into contact with the cannabis plant, their molecules are dissolved and cannabidiol oil separates Of the same. Eventually the gases evaporate and only the CBD extract remains.
Although it stands out for being an easy and inexpensive method, it is fair to say that it is also one of the least safe, since many solvents used can leave residues and can be harmful and are also flammable. To avoid this, it is a process that must be done with great care and know and treat the processes well.
Steam extraction
For this technique, the use of water is necessary, at which the temperature is raised to turn it into a gas. This produced water vapor comes into contact with the cannabis plant and in this way the CBD oil is separated from it.. Finally, the mixture is distilled until the final result is achieved.
The main advantage of this extraction method is that it is a very safe and economical procedure.
Extraction with vegetable oils
This is one of the safest and easiest methods to perform, being so one of the most used at home, especially for those who are taking their first steps in the world of extraction.
This requires the use of some edible vegetable oil, which may well be olive or any other seed.
The temperature of the chosen oil is elevated in order to evaporate it and once it is in a gaseous state acts on the cannabis plant decomposing it and separating the cannabidiol.
This procedure is much later than other methods and the final result will not be as concentrated, so it is often necessary for users to require higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
CBD properties
What makes CBD the most sought after therapy in recent times is the amount of properties it contains, as they make it an effective and efficient substance that can be used against a large number of conditions and that has few or no no side effect.
Some of its properties are the following:
- Anxiolytic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Anticonvulsant.
- Anticancer.
- Antiprolifera.
- TOntibacterial.
- Antioxidant
- Antispasmodic.
- Antipsychotic
- Pain relieving.
- Soothing.
- Neuroprotective.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Reduces the production of sebum in the skin.
Uses of CBD
CBD has multiple therapeutic and medicinal applicationsThis is why in recent years it has become so popular, not only for those suffering from ailments, but also for researchers and developers of new alternative therapies.
That said, among the current uses of cannabidiol oil, the following can be mentioned:
- Stress: CBD is a tranquilizer capable of relaxing body and mind, to the point that it significantly lowers stress levels.
- Insomnia: This substance is capable of relaxing the nervous system to the point of being a very effective therapy to prevent insomnia.
- Anxiety and depression: Among its most outstanding properties, it stands out that it is a powerful anxiolytic and therefore, an antidepressant par excellence, since its effects do not have psychoactive results.
- Epilepsy: Thanks to its anticonvulsant effects, CBD is used as a therapy for diseases such as epilepsy and other types of seizures.
- Schizophrenia: Because CBD is a painkiller that acts directly on the neural system, it is able to effectively prevent the appearance of psychotic outbreaks and improve the symptoms of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
- Alzheimer's: Among the main characteristics of this condition are the increase in beta-amyloid protein and the phosphorylation effect of Tau proteins. It has been proven that CBD is able to intervene in the decrease in their production, thus alleviating the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
- Multiple sclerosis: The reason why CBD is effective against this disease is because it has the ability to significantly reduce inflammation of neural tissues, this being the main symptomatology of multiple sclerosis.
- Arthritis and rheumatism: CBD is one of the best therapies to combat ailments that cause diseases such as arthritis, this is because it has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
- Gastrointestinal diseases: Due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD is an excellent therapy for gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis or Crohn's disease. It also helps to improve nausea.
- Acne: In addition to being a powerful anti-inflammatory, Among other effects of cannabidiol is to prevent the appearance of sebum on the skin, therefore, it emerges as an effective treatment to combat and prevent the appearance of acne breakouts.
- Other diseases: Thanks to its multiple properties, CBD has also been shown to have medicinal and therapeutic effects in diseases and conditions such as diabetes, coronary syndromes, cancer, stroke, Parkinson's, dystonia, Huntington's disease, liver diseases, and atherosclerosis. It is also used as smoking cessation therapy.
How to consume CBD?
Cannabidiol use is legalTherefore, in the market it is possible to find different ways and means to do it:
Cannabidiol oil (CBD)
This is the most commonly used form of CBD consumption. In this case a few drops are swallowed or placed under the tongue to be absorbed. In a short time the substance will start to work.
CBD crystals
For those who want to enjoy a much faster and more effective effect, CBD in crystals is the best option, because they have a higher concentration of cannabidiol, reaching a purity up to 99%.
CBD capsules
CBD capsules are perfect for people with severe conditions who wish to have a strict control of the amount of cannabidiol they consume, since each capsule has a specific concentration.
CBD creams
There are creams made from CBD, these are for topical use and is indicated to treat muscle aches or skin-related conditions. They are generally quickly absorbed and the results are usually appreciated in a short time.
CBD E-Liquid
For lovers of vaping or electronic cigarettes who want to enjoy the benefits of CBD as a therapeutic method, it is also possible to get E-Liquid of different concentrations of cannabidiol.
This form of consumption is very used by those who want to quit smoking.
Smoking CBD Marijuana
This is the method most loved by plant lovers, but only legal in some places, such as the USA. Smoking is not the best way to take advantage of all the therapeutic power of CBD, but it is very sweet for those who like the aroma and flavor of marijuana.
Benefits of using CBD
Some of the best known benefits of cannabidiol are as follows:
- It is not a toxic substance.
- It is safe for health.
- It is legal.
- Alleviate the pain.
- Improves and prevents diseases.
- Different forms of consumption to adapt to the needs of each consumer.
What are its adverse effects and contraindications?
CBD is a completely natural substance with very few adverse effects and that, according to statements by the World Health Organization, it is totally safe for human consumption.
It is not toxic, that is, it can be consumed without the risk of severe or fatal poisoning. It also does not cause psychotropic reactions. to the nervous system, but rather it is a neuroprotective substance.
However, depending on the individual organism and the concentration of CBD, it is possible to experience some of the following mild reactions in very high shots:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue.
- Variations in weight.
- Changes in appetite
It has been scientifically proven (according to an article published in the journal Current Drug Safety) than cannabidiol does not alter the nervous system, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, psychological and physiological functions.
Regarding contraindications, it is advisable not to use cannabidiol in case of:
- Hypersensitivity to cannabis and any of its components.
- Pregnancy or suspicion of it.
- Serious mental disorders.
Frequently asked questions related to CBD
It is likely that like many other people, you also ask yourself the following questions:
Does it cause addiction?
Does not cause addiction and the reason is because it is a substance without psychotropic effects. In fact, among the substances that make it up are fatty acids such as Omega 3, vitamins and amino acids.
Can it be used in high doses?
CBD is non-toxic, highly tolerable by the body and can be used in high doses in a safe way.
Can it be used in children?
If it can be used in children as a medicinal and therapeutic method (under medical indications), since it is a natural substance, non-toxic and without psychotropic effects.
