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About CBD
About CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is the second most prominent compound in cannabis. The cannabis plant contains many different cannabinoids. Most people have heard of a cannabinoid called THC, which is the ingredient in cannabis that makes users high.
Unlike THC, CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and does not cause a high. CBD has antipsychotic effects. This means CBD works in completely the opposite way to THC. Numerous studies suggest that CBD also acts to reduce the intoxicating effects of THC.
About CBDa (Cannabidiolic Acid)
The most common naturally-occurring forms of CBD and THC are their acid forms: CBDa and THCa. Raw THCa is not psychoactive. It must be heated to form THC in order to become psychoactive.
Here at Endoca, we believe that oils containing CBDa are more effective than those that contain CBD alone.
Back To CBD Basics
So, let’s start right from the beginning. CBD is a type of compound found in cannabis sativa called a cannabinoid. In fact, there are over 100 types of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, with the most well-known being THC - the bit that gets you high.
However, (and this is important): CBD is not psychoactive in the respect that it doesn’t cause that euphoric, 'high' feeling.
Right now, cannabis (produced from the marijuana plant) remains illegal in most parts of the world thanks to its Schedule 1 status, which claims that it poses a high a risk of abuse as well as having no medicinal value.
However industrial hemp, a low-THC/ high-CBD variety of cannabis sativa, is legal. Therefore, most of the CBD oils on the wider market are derived from hemp.
How does CBD work?
When CBD was identified in the 1940s, scientists assumed it had little or no effect on the body. The main focus back then was researching THC and its pharmacology. Fast forward to the 1990s and a research team led by Professor Raphael Mechoulam (commonly acknowledged as the grandfather of cannabis research) discovered what has come to be known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS) - and this changed everything.
The ECS is a vast communication network of cannabis-like chemicals - called endocannabinoids - and receptor sites found across all cells in our bodies. It is known as a homeostatic regulator, meaning that its main action is to bring balance to our bodies and minds.
Think of it as being like a dimmer switch, turning up or turning down activity to ensure equilibrium is reached. After all, this is the perfect environment for optimum health. THC was seen to activate this system because it is an almost perfect fit for the receptors in our brain and central nervous system, as well as partially activating those in our immune system and gut.
Scientists believe that CBD does influence the endocannabinoid system, but in an indirect way. They have observed that CBD blocks an enzyme that breaks down anandamide: a key endocannabinoid otherwise known as the 'bliss molecule'. This means that taking CBD may allow more anandamide to be present in our bodies for longer, which is thought to potentially support and strengthen the endocannabinoid system.
However, this is not where CBD’s path of action ends.
We now know that CBD activates many non-endocannabinoid receptors, which may explain why CBD has such a diverse array of effects. So far, scientists have identified that CBD:
- Binds to the TRPV-1 receptor, which is known to mediate pain perception, inflammation and body temperature.
- Directly activates the 5-HT1A (hydroxytryptamine) serotonin receptor, bringing about an antidepressant and antianxiety effect. This is further compounded by CBD’s ability to activate the Adenosine receptor.
- Activates the peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, which is believed to decrease cancer cell proliferation
- Blocks the orphan receptor GPR55’s signaling, which may act to decrease bone reabsorption
Which CBD Product Is Best For Me?
Choosing a product can often come down to a question of personal taste:
- CBD Oil drops are a useful way to gradually build up and control dosage
- CBD Capsules avoid the sometimes strong hemp taste
- CBD Paste is less filtered, containing parts of the plant sometimes removed, such as waxes
- CBD Suppositories offer a good absorption rate as well as being useful for people who have problems swallowing
- There’s even CBD Chewing Gum for taking CBD on the go in a discreet way
If you’re still finding it a trial to navigate the world of CBD oil, why not speak to one of our customer service team members via the live chat on our webshop?
While they can’t give you any advice for specific health conditions, they can explain the differences between our products and help you come to a conclusion about which CBD oil is best for you.
For more information about how to take our CBD products, discover our guide on how to take CBD oil.