What is CBD?
The cannabis plant (cannabis sativa) is made up of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is a narcotic substance which causes the feeling of getting “high.” As CBD does not have psychoactive properties, it appeals to people who are looking for symptom relief (e.g. pain relief) without the ‘high.’
The cannabis plant also contains many volatile organic compounds, such as terpenes. These affect the taste and smell of the product, and also have medicinal benefits of their own.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are substances which act on the endocannabinoid system via the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. The stimulation of these receptors effects many different processes throughout our body, both mental and physical. These include sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response.1
More than 100 different cannabinoids are found naturally within the Cannabis sativa plant .2 The most well-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main psychoactive component in cannabis, and Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive ingredient.
How Does CBD work?
When CBD is absorbed by the body it flows through your bloodstream to different parts of the body where it binds to neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids and metabolising enzymes are part of our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which regulates factors such as pain, anxiety and sleep. When CBD reaches these receptors, it tells your body to relax, eat, sleep, etc, thus helping to relieve many symptoms.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The primary function of the endocannabinoid system is to keep all the important systems of the body in balance. It regulates a variety of functions, including anxiety, appetite, mood, pain, and sleep. It is present in all mammals and consists of:
- Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). These are cannabinoids which exist naturally within the body and which activate the cannabinoid receptors
- Cannabinoid receptors
- Enzymes that digest endocannabinoids after use.
The cannabinoids and endocannabinoids exert their effects by acting on two main receptors (CB1 and CB2), though more receptors may be involved. The CB1 receptors are mainly found in large quantities in the brain and in lower numbers outside of the central nervous system. THC mainly exerts its psychoactive effects via the CB1 receptors. The CB2 receptors are present in large numbers outside of the central nervous system. They are mainly found in the gastrointestinal tract, immune system and in a few neurones.3,4 CBD mainly exerts its effects through the CB2 receptors, though it may be a partial agonist of the CB1 receptors.
What is hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil is made from pressed hemp seeds and is a very nutritious oil. Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil do not contain significant amounts of CBD. Hemp seed oil and CBD hemp oil are not the same but are often confused.
Oil pressed from hemp seeds contains no CBD, no THC, and no plant cannabinoids to speak of, but has many uses. These include being used to make paint. varnish, soap, protein supplements, etc. In addition, hemp seed oil has many nutritional benefits, having, for example, high levels of omega-3s. In fact, hemp seed oil has been called “Nature’s most perfectly balanced oil”, as it contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition.
What is the difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds whereas CBD Oil is made from the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. Hemp seed oil contains practically no CBD, and possibly only traces of THC (maximum 0.3%). CBD Oil (also known as CBD hemp oil) is a liquid concentrate of CBD and contains significantly more THC than hemp seed oil. CBD Oil can contain only CBD or both THC and CBD in a variety of ratios. CBD oil can be suspended in hemp seed oil as a carrier of the CBD. Other commonly used carriers of CBD hemp oil include MCT oil and coconut oil.
In summary, CBD oil is not the same as “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil.” Some companies manufacture inferior products by spiking hemp seed oil with a CBD isolate. Such products lack the synergistic array of beneficial components found in full-spectrum CBD-rich oil.
Dosage Forms available
CBD is available in several different forms, the most common of which are:
Oils and Tinctures
These are liquids, usually oils, which are infused with CBD and placed under the tongue with a dropper. These are a good choice for anyone who cannot take tablets or capsules. The CBD is rapidly absorbed in the oral mucosa. As the CBD is usually in the form of an oil, the mouth must be completely dry for maximum absorption sublingually. The absorption is improved if the drops are put on a small piece of bread or in a spoonful of milk.
Creams and Lotions
CBD-infused creams and lotions are used to treat joint and muscle pain. They are also used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and inflammation.
Capsules and Tablets
CBD tablets and capsules are used for the systemic treatment of seizures and digestive disorders. The disadvantage of these dosage forms is that they have a slow onset of action.
Edibles
These are foods or snacks cooked with cannabis-infused oil or butter. The effects of orally ingested cannabis are felt after 30-90 minutes but can persist for 4-6 hours, which is longer than inhaled cannabis. The slow onset and long duration of action make it ideal for treating chronic conditions. Gummies are one of the most popular ways to take CBD. They’re portable, tasty and discrete.
Sublingual Sprays
Sublingual sprays are made from cannabis extracts which are mixed with other substances, such as coconut oil. It is sprayed under the tongue where it is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa. Effects are usually felt within 5-15 minutes.
Vaping
Vaporized CBD oil can be inhaled using e-cigarettes for CBD. The vaporizer heats the cannabis oil without burning it and so the active ingredients are inhaled as a vapour. Smoking is therefore not involved. Vaping has the fastest onset of action as it is inhaled and absorbed directly from the lungs into the bloodstream. This dosage form should be used with caution as it is not known if it damages the sensitive lung tissue.
Full-Spectrum, broad-spectrum or Isolate?
In order to get the full health benefits of cannabis, purchase products made with full or broad-spectrum oil, rather than distillate or isolate. Full-spectrum oils contain all cannabinoids, including both CBD and THC. Broad-spectrum oils contain most cannabinoids, but usually not THC.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD but is the least effective form as it lacks the synergistic array of beneficial components found in full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD-rich oil. In addition, it does not contain any of the naturally occurring and beneficial terpenes.5
Several studies show that THC and CBD have a synergistic effect and so work better when taken together, rather than alone.6 In fact, CBD has been shown to reduce the ‘high’ associated with THC.
Full and broad-spectrum products are also less processed, and so contain more of cannabis’ natural volatile organic compounds, such as terpenes. These affect the taste and smell of the product, and actually have medical benefits of their own.
Health Benefits of CBD
Cannabis has several health benefits, but the more common ones include:
1. May Relieve Chronic Pain
CBD, especially in combination with THC, may be effective in the relief of chronic pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15 When used to relieve pain in cancer patients, in most cases, the patients can reduce their doses of opioid painkillers, such as morphine and pethidine.
2. May Help Reduce Anxiety and Social Anxiety disorder (SAD)
Studies show that CBD oil helps to relieve anxiety and social anxiety disorder.16,17,18,19
3. May Reduce Depression & Improve Mood
As CBD reduces the symptoms of anxiety, studies show that it may help with depression and improve mood.20
4. May Reduce Stress
Several studies show that CBD helps to relieve stress. This is expected as it helps to relieve anxiety, depression and improves mood.
5. May Relieve Insomnia
Studies show that CBD may relieve insomnia.21
6. Can Relieve Cancer Pains and Symptoms
CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer (such as pain) and side effects related to cancer treatment (such as nausea and vomiting).22,23,24,25,26,27,28
7. Can Help Prevent Seizures
Studies show that the endocannabinoid system plays a primary role in the brain’s internal defence response to neural seizure activity.29
CBD helps many patients who suffer from seizures. Between 10-15% of severe childhood epileptics who are given CBD oil products have an almost complete cessation of seizures. Most patients improve (though the seizures may not be completed eliminated), but some children may have worse seizures when they take CBD.
Epidyolex has been recently approved in the EU and by the FDA for the adjuvant treatment of severe seizures (usually associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS)) and which are not responsive to other treatments.30,31,32
Epidyolex is a plant-based cannabis medicine for epilepsy which contains 99% CBD. The studies show that it reduces seizure activity by up to 54%. Epidyolex tends to have more side-effects than CBD oil. This is because it has been processed and the other beneficial compounds present in the cannabis plant have been removed (such as cannabiniods, terpenes, etc).
What are the Side Effects of CBD?
CBD is usually well-tolerated and considered safe but it may cause some side-effects. Even though side-effects are rare, the most commonly reported include:
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia (usually associated with high doses)
- Nausea
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Low blood pressure leading to dizziness. This is rare.
Whether or not you experience side effects usually depends on the amount of CBD you ingest, your age, your weight, any health conditions you may have and any medication you may be taking.
In order to reduce the risk of side-effects, always start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose until you achieve the desired effect.
Does CBD Interact with Other Medicines?
CBD interferes with the cytochrome P450 enzymes. This is a group of enzymes that are important for drug metabolism in the liver. As a general rule, the medicines that interact with grapefruit will also usually interact with CBD. Always speak to your doctor before taking CBD, especially if you are taking other medication.33
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough evidence to suggest that it is safe to take CBD while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Children
There is not enough evidence to suggest that it is safe for children to take CBD.
CBD Safety Checklist
When selecting a CBD product, keep the following safety tips in mind.
1. Review the ingredients
As CBD products are not regulated always review the ingredients carefully to ensure they are safe. Always pay attention to the CBD content and ensure there is no THC as this is illegal in most countries. Always buy from reputable suppliers.
2. Prefer CBD oil
Always prefer CBD oils as these are most likely to be labelled correctly. CBD vape liquids are more likely to have inaccurate labels.
3. Avoid synthetic CBD
Look for pure, plant-based CBD products. Synthetic CBD is more likely to include dangerous ingredients.
4. Look for CBD products sourced from hemp
CBD can be sourced from hemp or marijuana. Products sourced from hemp will contain 0.3% THC or less, while marijuana-sourced CBD can contain high levels of CBD and/or THC.
5. Check manufacturer reviews online
Unhappy customers are more likely to share their experiences with online reviews. Choose manufacturers with good online reviews, and who have transparent ingredient and sourcing information on their website.
6. Talk to your doctor
If you are taking any other medication, speak to your doctor before starting CBD.
7. Start with the lowest dose
Start with the lowest dose and gradually increase until you feel the desired benefit. At this point, stop increasing the dose. People do not develop a tolerance to CBD.
Which Brand of CBD Should I Buy?
There are many brands of CBD on the market and they are definitely not all of the same quality. Through our research and our own personal experience, the best and most reliable brands of CBD include Endoca, Touchstone Essentials, Kiara and Nature Science.