What is CBD and What Are CBD Benefits?

According to a recent Forbes article the CBD market is expected to pass $20 Billion within the US by 2024 and it's no surprise - with the national shift in attitude regarding marijuana and CBD as a whole, it seems practically every day that we see a new CBD startup. But what exactly is CBD, what are some of the benefits and what impact could it have on your life? Today we're going to take a few minutes to address some of the questions, and hopefully better educate you on the potential medicinal benefits of cannabidiol. 

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid and a derivative of hemp. While THC is also a phytocannabinoid which is most frequently noted for its psychoactive effects, comparing CBD and THC would essentially be comparing apples and oranges - while they may both be fruit, both are vastly different entities in their own right. 

Cannabidiol can be taken into or absorbed by the body in a variety of manners depending on its delivery vehicle - often CBD oil is taken as the most popular delivery method, however CBD capsules, aerosol spray, gummies, topical applications, and more also exist.  Taken into the body by CB1 and CB2 receptors within our body's Endocannabinoid System, studies performed internationally have shown CBD to have a broad range of potential medicinal benefits. 

"Your Cannabinoid System" 2017Hawaiian Cannabis Expo Lecture by Mary Lynn Mathre RN/MSN/CARN 

TAKING CBD

Below I'll detail several frequently asked burning CBD questions, providing answers to each.

Does CBD make you high?
- No, CBD does not by itself have any psychoactive effects or get you high, as highlighted by a study by the World Health Organization*

What is a good starting dose for CBD?
- A consistent daily dose of CBD between 10-20mg is recommended for those just starting as it it believed CBD builds up within the body, with a 30mg dose being considered average. Those with severe pain and or chronic pain may use upwards of 50mg daily. 

Can you overdose on CBD?
- "There is no known risk of or mechanism for 'overdosing' on CBD." - from cbdunlimited.com. However, it is suggested that with taking any supplement, you ought to check with your primary care provider first.

Does Omega-3 Influence CBD?
- The short answer is yes. Using Omega-3 in conjunction with CBD can help to ensure that CBD receptors are not degraded and individuals receive the full potential benefits of CBD*

Is CBD legal?
- If you live within the US, this may depend on your state of residence, however many online CBD providers will ship nationally, regardless of your state. With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, the Federal Government no longer classifies hemp-based CBD identically as marijuana. As aforestated however, each state may institute their own laws in this regard.

CBD BENEFITS

Supplemental studies across international industries have shown CBD to have a massive range of potential medicinal benefits within the body. Perhaps some of the most well-known uses of CBD include acting as an anti-inflammatory, helping to minimize anxiety and the effects of schizophrenia. Further studies have shown CBD to have potential benefits in the treatments of cancer, arthritis, PTSD, ALS, headaches/ migraines, epilepsy, Crohn's disease and many more. 

It seems as though near daily more potential medicinal benefits of CBD are being found, however it should be cautioned that more research should and needs to be conducted. Regardless, the results are promising and CBD's future place within the medical community is appearing bright as echoed by Forbes and many others. Recent legislation in Colorado is allowing Doctors to recommend using hemp over other pharmaceuticals, and motions in State Houses across the nation seem to echo similar intents, or at least the intent to progress the usage of marijuana or CBD into more of the mainstream. 

Written 5/23/2019 by Zack Barth

Statements contained herein are intended for educational purposes only. I do not own the rights to any information contained herein, which is a combination of my own opinion and knowledge, supplemented by supporting articles as needed. Should your work be included in this release and you care for it not to, or you believe your work was improperly or not cited, please contact me via pm through my Findit account. 

***Sources

WHO CANNABIDIOL REPORT

OMEGA-3 INTERACTIONS WITH CBD