Your guide to what CBD is today

This is your guide to what CBD is all about. In this eBook, you will learn from the basic definition of terms
related to CBD to the science behind this magic compound taking the world by storm. Let's have a look
at what is in store for you in the table of contents below.

What is CBD
Defining CBD
CBD SOURCES
Hemp Vs marijuana
What are cannabis strains?
The endocannabinoid system and CBD
How to use CBD
Inhaling CBD
Sublingual CBD
CBD topicals
CBD edibles
The different types of CBD extracts
Full-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD
CBD isolate
What to look for when choosing a good CBD company
Method of extraction
Broad vs Full spectrum
Third-party lab testing
Organic hemp
Testimonials
Finally
What is CBD
Let us start from what we know to what we don't know so you get to understand everything in the
simplest and easiest way.

Defining CBD

CBD is the short form for cannabidiol. The compound is among the over 100 phytocannabinoid
compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the most active compounds and also accounts for
nearly half of the plant’s extract. It is the main focus of the medical cannabis industry and is breaking
into a variety of products from health and wellness to beauty.

Ever since the compound was discovered in the early 1940s, it has become a huge topic of research in
the cannabis industry. However, it is until 1963 when its full chemical structure was elucidated and
differentiated from other active cannabis compounds.

Cannabidiol has been in use for many centuries even before it was discovered. Today we see it as the
backbone for medical cannabis. During the ancient age, medical cannabis was a big thing. There is
evidence of how it was used to treat pain and anxiety.

One of the earliest pieces of evidence of CBD use is documented in the Pen Ts’ao Ching ‘s premiere
edition. This is one of the earliest pharmacopeias known today and it has information on over 300 herbs
used during the ancient Chinese ages. In the book, the Chinese emperor of the time, Shen Heung, is said
to have used medical cannabis in his teas and as ointments.

Did you know about the queen who used medical cannabis to calm the excruciating pain experienced
during menstruation? Yes, it is said Queen Victoria had medical marijuana prescribed for her by the royal
doctor, Sir J. Russel Reynolds.

The compound has remained a key part of therapeutic treatments especially for chronic conditions to
date. The discovery of CBD led to more research into its benefits as part of modern medicine. Probably,
the biggest breakthrough is when the FDA approved the use of CBD in Epidiolex to treat seizures in
special cases. This was in June 2018.
CBD sources

As already noted, CBD is found in cannabis and so it can only be extracted from the cannabis plant.
However, there are companies producing synthetic CBD in laboratories.

We’ll need to understand the whole subject of CBD extraction better if we had a look at its source, the
cannabis plant.

The cannabis plant is made up of a number of compounds. The known active ones are

● Terpenes

● Flavonoids

● Phytocannabinoids

What are terpenes?

This group of compounds is evident in all plants with a smell. Terpenes give plants their characteristic
smell. In cannabis plants, you’ll hear people talk of earthy, fruity or diesel smell when it comes to
describing different strains. We shall look at what strains are as we move on.

The most common terpenes found in cannabis plants are

● Limonene

● Linalool

● Myrcene

● Humulene

Flavonoids

Our second group of cannabis compounds shares the role of helping us perceive the cannabis plant with
terpenes. This time around through color. At first, you may be deceived to believe that flavonoids are
responsible for the cannabis plant’s flavor. The flavonoids heavily impact a plant’s pigmentation.
Just like terpenes, flavonoids can be found in all other pigmented plants. Some flavonoids can however
be only traced in cannabis plants and are known as cannaflavins.

Phytocannabinoids

This is the most active and most abundant group of cannabis compounds. There are over 100 of these
compounds.

Here are some facts that you’ll need to understand about phytocannabinoids real quick.

1. They are the only cannabis compounds that have a direct and active impact in our bodies

2. The two most common and most studied phytocannabinoids are CBD and THC. They form the
better part of cannabis plants together.

3. Phytocannabinoid extracts can be used to supplement endogenous cannabinoids

(endocannabinoids) produced in our bodies.

Note the difference between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. The latter refers to
cannabinoids found in cannabis plants while the former refers to endogenous cannabinoids synthesized
in all animals with a vertebra.

CBD vs THC

We already understand what CBD (cannabidiol) is. THC is the abbreviation for the tetrahydrocannabinol
phytocannabinoid. We shall be having a deeper look at the main differences between these two
phytocannabinoids as we explore their impact on our bodies.

After understanding phytocannabinoids, here is an interesting topic that usually arises. There are a
number of terminologies that are often misused. Let’s get to the bottom of each below.

Hemp Vs marijuana

It is common to see the three terms, cannabis, hemp and marijuana used as synonyms. This should,
however, be not the case as they all mean differently. We shall be looking at the difference which is
actually very crucial when it comes to legal CBD matters.

What is hemp and what is marijuana?

These two are varieties of the cannabis plant. You may not find these terminologies in the binomial
nomenclature of the cannabis plant. This is the main reason why many people confuse the two. As for
cannabis, it is a genus in the Cannabaceae family. Under the cannabis plant, we have two main species,
Sativa and Indica. A third minor species is becoming popular in cannabis circles called Ruderalis.

The two varieties were cloned after the discovery of CBD and THC. The difference between hemp and
marijuana is a stack point of reference for how legal the CBD that you will buy is.

How is this possible?

Hemp is mainly made up of less than 0.03% THC. On the other hand, marijuana is made up of THC
composition higher than 0.03%. In many jurisdictions, hemp is considered legal for CBD extraction as it
contains lesser amounts of THC.

Wondering why this is so?

THC has been identified as the primary course of increased psychoactivity in cannabis use. This makes it
more prone to abuse. It is also known to cause dependency among other negative side effects.

What are cannabis strains

A long time ago, we used to have pure cannabis species (landraces). These were either Cannabis Sativa,
Cannabis Indica or Cannabis Ruderalis. With modern agriculture catching up on cannabis plants, the
need for hybridization arose. New breeds of cannabis plants are created every day. These are what we
call strains.

Strains are formed by having a mix of the three species in one plant. This way, we have an intensification
on an identified effect of the plant. Ideally, we can now breed CBD rich hemp plants. Phytocannabinoid
rich (PCR) hemp plants are becoming the real thing as they have little to no THC levels while capitalizing
on high CBD content.

It is possible to have hemp or marijuana strains depending on the phytocannabinoid levels.

The endocannabinoid system and CBD

In this section, we are going to learn the science behind how CBD affects our bodies. How do all the CBD
benefits come to be? All these are captured under the endocannabinoid system. Yes, there is a system in
our bodies named after the cannabis plant. That is why we take CBD to supplement it.

Read on for more insight into this.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. As already
noted, the system is found in all vertebrates. This includes human beings, cats and dogs. That explains
why CBD is penetrating the veterinary world in a big way.

The function of the ECS is to help in sensing abnormalities in body functioning. It doesn’t end there as it
also helps in settling this imbalance. This is how everything works out.

Endocannabinoids are protein compounds that are formed when there is an offset body functioning, say
pain, inflammation, anxiety, insomnia or the usual symptoms of diseases and conditions. These
compounds are formed by the body to help identify the cause of the upset and aid in signaling for the
appropriate response in the body.

Once the endocannabinoids are synthesized, they will attach to their respective receptors. The
attachment activates the receptors to begin their work in the body. Note that endocannabinoids are
only formed when the need arises. They can not be stored in our bodies.

Sometimes, the endocannabinoid system is overwhelmed. This happens when the stimuli become too
severe and take a longer time to even out due to fewer endocannabinoids formed at this particular time.
This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome.

To avert this condition, your body will need to be supplemented with phytocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids have the same structure and will work to achieve the same
goal, a healthier and happier you.

When you take phytocannabinoids, they have their specific receptors awaiting them in the body. The
two receptors for phytocannabinoids are CB1 and CB2.

Cannabidiol binds directly to CB2receptors. This group of receptors is associated with the body's
immune system. They can be found under your skin, in peripheral organs and internal organs too. On
the other hand, THC will bind with CB1 receptors. Did you know why you get high after smoking
marijuana? CB1 receptors are most abundant in your brain and the entire central nervous system. Now
that THC is CB1 receptor-specific, you have the reason for the increased psychoactivity.

To understand the function of endocannabinoid enzymes, they are present to stop the action of
endocannabinoids. They inhibit further homeostatic reactions signaled by cannabinoids so as to avoid
offsetting body functioning once back to normalcy.

How to use CBD

The differentiation of CBD effects from THC is the main driving force in the spiraling of medical cannabis.
This is evident in matters legality, research and investment in the invention and production of new CBD
products. Thanks to the force generated this way, you can enjoy CBD in a number of ways.

We are going to look at each of the intake routes for CBD and the products involved in each. Each of
these routes has different bioavailability.

Talking of bioavailability, this is the amount of the phytocannabinoid that gets into direct circulation to
get attached to cannabinoid receptors over a given time. The rate at which CBD gets into circulation
determines an intake route’s bioavailability. The higher it is the faster you will feel the effects. For
instance, a higher bioavailability means faster pain relief.

Primarily, there are four ways you can use CBD

1. Inhaling

2. Topicals

3. Edibles

4. Sublinguals
Inhaling CBD

Inhaling CBD has to do with taking it through your nose. Inhaled CBD is deemed to be one of those with
the highest bioavailability. This is especially when comparing it to edibles which are already a big thing
today.

The CBD is taken through the nostrils into the lungs. Of equal measure to the rate of respiration, the
compound goes into direct circulation just like oxygen. You can now understand why inhaled CBD will
realize faster effects.

There are two main ways to inhale CBD

Vape CBD- Utilizes a vaporizer that heats a CBD concentrate. The heat forms CBD vapor which can then
be taken through the nose by breathing in.

Smoking- Old school just like smoking a cigarette or marijuana. With hemp flower development you can
actually smoke a joint that is made of a CBD rich hemp strain.

Sublingual CBD

Salivary glands have proved to be another way to take CBD with high bioavailability. Some products
embrace nanotechnology to increase their rate of diffusion through the membranes of these glands that
are located below the tongue.

For sublingual CBD, you place your CBD using a dropper for liquid products or have a piece of its solid
form below your tongue. The CBD will dissolve and enter your body through sublingual gland
membranes.

CBD topicals

Welcome CBD topicals. These are products that are meant to be used on your skin. They range from
salves, oils, ointments, and creams to lotions. While most of the CBD topicals are meant for beauty
products, they can also help in treating Inflammation in joints and muscles. Additionally, CBD topicals
can be used to curb pain due to disease, chronic pain, and pain due to an injury.
You will need to scoop some of the CBD topical products and apply it to the area of interest. By these, it
means if you have localized pain in your left knee joint, apply the CBD on and around this area.

For CBD beauty products, you can apply them on your face or whole body as you wish. The
anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD make it perfect for getting rid of acne on your skin caused by
inflammation of oil glands. CBD can also help optimize sebum. High sebum production also leads to
pimples and acne.

CBD edibles

CBD edibles are formed by anything infused with the cannabinoid taken orally through the mouth into
the stomach. Here are some of the most popular CBD edibles in the market today

● CBD tincture

● CBD oil

● CBD cookies

● CBD gummies and candies

● CBD oil cooked food

One key advantage of CBD edibles is that their e effects tend to last longer in your body. They may not
be the best when it comes to seeing your pain off but once their effects kick in, it will take longer before
you can feel the pain again if it is unresolved.

The reason why CBD edibles effects take more time to manifest is that the compound had to go through
a long digestion process before it is achieved into the body.

The different types of CBD extracts

Not every CBD product out there is the same. There are different extracts of the phytocannabinoid. The
difference is in the accompanying compounds including THC. To be specific, compounds extracted with
CBD from hemp.

Based on the contents, we have three main CBD spectrums.

 1. Full-spectrum CBD

2. Broad-spectrum CBD

3. CBD isolate

Full-spectrum CBD

Remember all the constituents of the cannabis plant? We have phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids
and a number of other useful essential oils. A full-spectrum CBD will have all these compounds
wholesomely. The THC compound is also included in a full spectrum product.

Research has shown that full-spectrum CBD products produce the best effects. The entourage effect
caused by the synergistic action of all these compounds produces superior positive effects.

Broad-spectrum CBD

The basic definition of full-spectrum CBD is a full spectrum without THC. Broad-spectrum is perfect for
professionals who want to enjoy the synergistic effect of all hemp compounds but still don’t want to test
positive for THC use.

CBD isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of the cannabinoid. It contains zero impurities including all compounds
existing alongside it in the cannabis plant. CBD isolate is mostly used to enhance the potency of other
products since it records the least of effects when matched with its broad and full-spectrum
counterparts.

What to look for when choosing a good CBD company

CBD businesses are cropping up in every city today. The online world is saturated with tonnes of
companies purporting to sell cannabinoid products with lots of medical claims to it. Here is your guide to
selecting a brand that will get you the CBD quality that is safe and highly potent.

We shall be looking at the following pointers

 ● Method of extraction

● Broad vs full spectrum

● Third-party lab testing

● Organic hemp

● Testimonials

Method of extraction

There are a number of methods used to extract CBD from hemp plant matter. Some of the methods
employed never adhere to food standards. Some methods use solvents that will not be fully filtered out
of the CBD. These chemical compounds will find their way into the body and do more harm than good.

The internationally coveted and vouched for method is CO2 extraction. This method produces pure CBD
without remnants of any harmful compound.

Broad vs Full spectrum

We have already looked at the difference between these two. Despite broad-spectrum offering a
percentage of the entourage effect evident in full-spectrum CBD, it serves a special group of people.
Professionals who undergo regular tests need to choose between the two.

A good CBD company will label all their products and also have one for everyone.

Third-party lab testing

There is a reason why a good CBD company tests its products with a third party reputable laboratory.
There is no better way to ascertain or certify if what a company is selling is CBD. There are tales of
buyers getting duped and buying products having less than the advertised CBD or none at all.

All third party lab tests are crowned with a certificate of analysis. To you, the buyer, be keen to
understand the amount of CBD in your chosen product so you understand its potency. You should also
check for any other chemicals found in your products. These can be additives such as flavors for edibles
or chemical remnants of the extraction and processing phases.

Organic hemp

Where is the hemp from which your CBD company extracts its phytocannabinoids? Were the hemp
plants organically grown? Organic growing methods ensure kittle chemicals get into your final CBD
Products. The safety of your CBD starts at the farm where hemp plants are cultivated.

Testimonials

It's common today that we do our research online before buying any products. We will look for
testimonials and reviews of our products before making the decision on whether to spend the cash or
not.

CBD is not an exception either. Do your homework on your chosen brand. See if the products offered
really work. Does your company have a money-back guarantee? Does it offer exceptional customer
support? This way you will filter out brands slapping their names in just any CBD product.

Finally

Thanks for reading this far. you have gained a lot of knowledge and skills that will enable you to get the
best out of your next CBD product. congratulations!!!