By now you have probably heard about CBD along with the may promises about what it can do to address various health issues. It has gotten to the point that there is so much hyperbole over the benefits of CBD that we thought it might be helpful to give you some basic information and point you to some reliable sources where you can get more information.
What is CBD oil?
Hemp and marijuana are both in the cannabis family. Cannabis plants contain more than 85 cannabinoids, but it’s the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that produces weed’s classic “high.” By contrast, hemp is extremely low in THC but high in cannabidiol (CBD), which is believed to act with the body’s natural systems to reduce swelling and pain and regulate sleep and appetite. Hemp is so low in THC (less than .3 percent compared to 5-35 percent in marijuana) that it’s impossible to consume or inhale enough to experience psychotropic effects.
In the 1980s, scientists discovered the human endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). It regulates the general state of balance, affecting mood, sleep, appetite, hormone regulation, the immune system and the body’s response to pain. Theoretically, the ECS balances out those systems to keep us balanced and functioning. The system is common to all mammals, and comprises microscopic receptors found in the brain and central nervous system (CB1 receptors) and immune system (CB2 receptors). The human body can make cannabinoids that act in a similar way to CBD and control communication between cells.
CBD Products
The most potent product is pure CBD oil extracted from the stalk of the hemp plant. The concentration of CBD can be as high as 100 mg or more per serving. If you’d rather take your CBD in capsule form, a moderate serving of 25 mg or more is as easy to ingest as a daily vitamin. Tinctures and sprays are made by diluting pure CBD oil with an alcohol or other natural oil base. They commonly provide a lighter concentration of 1-20 mg per serving, and they come in various palatable flavors. Tinctures and sprays are also one of the most affordable alternatives. CBD is even available in chewing gum. If you don’t want to ingest CBD, you can use the oil or powder form to make a cream or gel that is rubbed onto the skin over arthritic joints.
The CBD Awareness Project
The CBD Awareness Project, a newly launched organization dedicated to bringing accurate information about hemp-derived products to the general public. While some studies have shown promising results for seniors using CBD, many people are confused about the safety, benefits, and side effects of CBD. Here are some useful links that will give you more useful information about CBD and hopefully inform your decision about whether or not try it.