There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids within the cannabis plant, called Cannabis sativa. Many people have heard about the psychoactive compound that creates the euphoric high people often aim for when they consume cannabis. This is called Delta 9. But there are other cannabinoids that aren’t psychoactive and can have great benefits on the body. Another cannabinoid is CBD. And it has seen a rise in popularity, legality, and accessibility in recent years.
CBD
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a common cannabinoid found within the stem of the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that research has shown to have several benefits to humans. In recent years, this cannabinoid is known to help stop seizures and prevent new ones from starting in patients with chronic seizure conditions, like epilepsy. That’s not all it does though. Additionally, it’s reported to help with inflammation, depression, sleep apnea, and is also a neuro-protectant. This little cannabinoid packs a powerful punch in the medical world.
Effects
CBD works by binding to different receptors in the nervous system, specifically in the brain. By binding to different neurons and receptors, CBD helps protect the brain from various outside harmful stimuli. One receptor in the brain, 5-HT1A, is the serotonin receptor. A lack of serotonin in the brain is one of the main factors that causes depression according to scientific research. CBD compounds attach to the receptors and act like an antidepressant medication. This helps the brain keep serotonin. This, in turn, helps consumers with their depression.
Another study has shown that CBD can help reduce fear responses in the brain. Anxiety is the brain’s response to a chronic stressful situation. While CBD can’t cure anxiety, it can help retrain the brain, in a sense, to not fear the chronic stressful situation. This helps people who suffer from debilitating anxieties and open them up to different opportunities.
Finally, CBD acts as an antinociceptive. Research has shown that molecules will, again, attach to sensory neurons in the brain to block pain stimuli. This means it could possibly be a non-addictive pain medication. Some consumers have even reported that they have switched off of their opioid pain medications and have gone fully to CBD products to help with their pain. Before making any switch in medication, discuss different options with your doctor to find what is best for you. Never make the decision to switch on your own as that can have negative effects on your body and could end up being more harmful than helpful.
Legality
The biggest concern that people have when it comes to CBD is if it is legal or not. Technically speaking, it is legal on the federal level. In the 2018 Farm Bill, products containing less than 0.3 percent of Delta 9 THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) became legal. CBD is typically combined with other common cannabinoids to produce different effects on the body. As long as Delta 9 THC is less than 0.3 percent, then it is legal to consume.
That being said, CBD may be illegal or restricted in individual states. Make sure to check what your state laws are on CBD and cannabis as a whole before purchasing or consuming any products containing CBD or other cannabinoids.
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