WHAT IS CBD?

CBD and THC are two of the most prevalent and extensively studied cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. While similar in structure they offer different therapeutic benefits and most importantly different effects on the mind and body.

CBD exhibits wide-ranging properties useful for health and wellness including anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-arthritic and neuroprotective effects.

A study involving patients with type 2 diabetes who were given both CBD and a placebo aimed to analyze its effects on resistin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, assessing its potential as a natural treatment for diabetes.

CBD is non-intoxicating and unlike THC will not make you ‘high’, dizzy or incapacitated. It is however shown to have mood-altering effects and has proven moderating effects on anxiety, depression, pain and inflammation.

 

WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS IN THE CANNABIS SATIVA PLANT?

 

Within the cannabis plant, there are over 120 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These special compounds can produce effects on one of the human body’s complex regulatory systems - the endocannabinoid system. The system helps to regulate the chemical and hormonal functions of the body and keep it in homeostasis (balance).

CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant, which is often extracted to create CBD oils and tinctures.

While we currently estimate that over 120 cannabinoids actually exist, we only know a substantial amount about two (THC and CBD), a little about ten of them and virtually nothing about the others. To understand all the different properties and potential medical benefits of cannabinoids is going to be a long and interesting journey.

 

HOW IS CBD MADE?

 

Most CBD products use either isolate or distillate within their products, which is extracted and purified from the cannabis plant using a number of steps:

Hemp-derived CBD products are legal if they contain less than 0.3% THC, as per the 2018 Farm Bill.

 

Step 1: Cultivate a high CBD cannabis strain. Hemp strains tend to have higher CBD content and cultivation laws around hemp are less restricted, which is why they have become such a good source of CBD.

 

Step 2: Dry and process hemp materials. Hemp or cannabis is harvested, hung and dried for a few days in temperature and humidity controlled rooms. The flowers tend to shrink during this period and the aroma changes to a slightly earthier tone.

 

Step 3: Extract the CBD using natural emulsifiers. Using a binding agent to locate the CBD we isolate and pull the molecules out before running the formulation through an emulsifier to produce a water soluble powder.

 

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CBD OIL?

 

There are three types of CBD products to consider: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. When choosing a CBD product, it's important to consider factors such as the type of CBD, its strength, THC content, and the form it comes in, such as topicals, oils, or gummies.

Full Spectrum CBD: This holds all components of the cannabis plant, including THC. To be federally legal in the US, the level of THC must be under 0.3%. For the rest of the world, THC is generally a banned substance. Broad Spectrum: Has all components of the plant, except THC CBD Isolate: Pure CBD, and nothing more.

 

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CBD?

 

The compound, CBD has been used for pain relief since 2900BC. It engages with the body’s endocannabinoid system which is responsible for regulating sleep, pain, immune system response, appetite and metabolism.

With anti-inflammatory properties also amongst the list of benefits, CBD can reduce swelling. This is how the compound helps relieve numerous conditions. By reducing swelling CBD promotes healthy blood flow. This is particularly important in the brain, where minor swelling can lead to headaches, anxiety or worse.

Customers report CBD cream helping to relieve joint pain when applied to troublesome areas.

A study in 2021 of 2,701 people with fibromyalgia reported slight to significant improvement of pain levels in those treated with CBD.

 

WHY CBD DRINKS?

 

Drinks taste better and using a water-soluble isolate approach ensures that the process is natural, efficient and repeatable.

We extract a single cannabinoid to ensure we know exactly what goes into the product then add to the liquid formula to ensure good bioavailability while maintaining great flavour and a good experience. Cannabis should be enjoyable after all.

Many CBD oils are produced using ethanol and broad spectrum extraction, which can produce distasteful flavours or products that have unreliable constituents - some cases were found to have lower reported levels of CBD and higher levels of THC than advertised.

 

IS CBD LEGAL?

 

Yes. CBD is legal in the UK, the EU, North and Latin America but some regulations may vary from country to country. To be legal CBD must be hemp-derived and there will be a legal limit for THC content – this can vary from 0% THC in Japan to 1% in Switzerland.

The 2018 Farm Bill impacted the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act, specifically allowing the legality of hemp-derived CBD products with low THC content.

Our CBD is sourced sustainably, rigorously tested, guaranteed zero THC and fully compliant with all local regulations.

 

WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS CAN CBD TREAT, INCLUDING CHRONIC PAIN?

 

There are several conditions that CBD is now used to treat, they include, but are not limited to:

• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Acne
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of appetite
• Parkinson’s disease

CBD is also potentially beneficial in producing effects against multiple sclerosis and in treating multiple sclerosis-related central neuropathic pain.

CBD oils, drinks and gummies provide a daily dose of CBD to help support the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Visit our Goodrays journal to learn more about the best way to take CBD.