Cannabis Sativa The Most Natural Medicine In The World And It's ILLEGAL

Cannabinoids

Endocannabinoids (endo meaning “made in the body”) are chemical compounds that affect neurotransmitters in our brains. Humans and other mammals have what is called the endocannabinoid system, which regulates our bodies’ state of balance. It is amazing how our bodies are able to stay level despite numerous external factors. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptor sites called CB1 and CB2 that enable our cells to communicate and function well. Think of CB1 and CB2 as terminals and endocannabinoids as the vehicles. Because the ECS regulates homeostasis, it, therefore, plays a significant role in overall health. It affects the heart, lungs, GI system, and many other systems in our bodies. The CB1 and CB2 receptors can be stimulated through the ECS or through external cannabinoids such as those found in cannabis.

The ECS produces its own endocannabinoids in the form of anandamide and 2-AG. Both anandamide and 2-AG are thought to halt the growth and spread of cancer cells. Anandamide is also called the “bliss molecule” after the Sanskrit word ananda, which means happiness or bliss. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that affects mobility, fertility, memory, pain, and appetite and latches onto the CB1 receptor. Natural ways to increase anandamide in the body include eating chocolate and working out. 2-AG is another substance that plays a part in the immune system and it binds to the CB2 receptor.

The relationship between the ECS and a healthy body leads some scientists to believe that a lack of endocannabinoids is at the root of illnesses like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. While humans have naturally-occurring cannabinoids, these break down easily and this is the reason why we are not always in a state of bliss. A significantly low level of endocannabinoids is called Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS). Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids that come from plants such as hemp) can supplement what our bodies produce. No wonder cannabidiol is rising in popularity as it addresses the need to maintain a healthy level of cannabinoids.

However, the cannabis plant gets a bad rap even with the legalization of medical marijuana in more US states. The stigma attached to the cannabis plant is inevitable. But for plant products like cannabis oil, its potential for medicinal use is quite thrilling. In the next section, we’ll dive into more CBD oil specifics. We’ll answer questions such as:

• What is cannabidiol?
• Is it the same as medical marijuana?
• What are its benefits?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabinoid that can be found in the cannabis plant. There are over 113 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the most common type. THC is psychoactive, which means that it alters mental processes and is responsible for the high that marijuana users experience. CBD is the second most common type. It is found in hemp but unlike THC, it does not give users a high. These are the main differences between CBD and THC:
• THC = high in psychoactive cannabinoid, low in CBD (marijuana)
• CBD = low in psychoactive cannabinoid, high in CBD (industrial hemp, which has less than .3% THC concentrations)
In other words, while marijuana and industrial hemp are both cannabis plants, they are not the same. They are cultivated in different ways. Marijuana needs to be spaced out while hemp plants need to be packed together. As mentioned, industrial hemp does not give a high and it even acts as an anti-psychoactive ingredient. For this reason, medical marijuana is not the same as hemp oil. Because of its minimal side effects, hemp oil is becoming increasingly preferred as a medicinal product for a variety of uses. However, scientists and pharmacologists are yet to explore the oil’s full potential and the research surrounding CBD’s health benefits are still in its early stages.

Hemp Oil

CBD oil comes from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.). The plant usually grows in the northern hemisphere and the plant’s different parts have been used as textile, furniture, food, biofuel, pet feeds, and many others. Demand for hemp has increased as of late because of hemp seeds, which is considered a superfood packed with omega-3, ALA, and other nutrients to boost digestion and improve hormonal balance. Products like hemp seeds, flax seeds, and chia seeds are easily accessible and desirable for their superfood status. Oil from hemp is also used as a dietary supplement.
While hemp oil may contain traces of THC, the amounts are not significant enough to cause a high. Hemp oil can be extracted through super- or subcritical carbon dioxide extraction. Using carbon dioxide is said to be the cleanest way to extract the oil but it is also the most expensive. Another extraction method uses ethanol alcohol or other solvents. The risk of using solvents, however, is that it may dilute or remove the nutrients in the oil. There are other ways to isolate the oil, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to maintaining oil purity as well as cost efficiency.

Medicinal Cannabis

Cannabinoids are already being used to treat side effects in cancer patients. Because the endocannabinoid system’s purpose is to maintain balance in the body, cannabinoids found in plants like hemp and even synthetic ones could potentially eliminate cancer cells. Interestingly, THC has been used to combat cancer much longer than CBD. THC is available in synthetic form like the drug dronabinol, which is also used to stimulate the appetite of AIDS patients. However, because CBD has an anti-psychoactive property, cancer patients may be able to receive increased THC doses without experiencing a high. These two ingredients could actually work well–if not better–together.

The Entourage Effect

This phenomenon means that the ingredients in an entire plant work synergistically and therefore more potently than when the ingredients are used individually. The effects of each compound do not just add up but multiply when combined. It makes sense for compounds like THC and CBD to work this way because they balance out each other. As ideal as that sounds, there are restrictions on making products that take different active compounds from plants, whole cannabis plants included. These setbacks include lack of regulation and fluctuating weather conditions that affect cultivation of the plants. On top of whole plant use restrictions, medical marijuana and CBD oil by themselves still have some hurdles to overcome when it comes to wider use and distribution. In the U.S., farmers are not allowed to breed hemp for commercial purposes. Additionally, the DEA has categorized CBD under Schedule I substances, which is a list that includes drugs of abuse such as LSD and heroin.

CBD: What Are Its Benefits?

In recent years, hemp oil has been used as a muscle relaxant and it is a safer alternative to THC. Tests in animals show that CBD oil can reduce nausea and curb its effects such as vomiting. CBD oil can also be used as an anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety. You can order CBD oil—the pure kind—as a dietary supplement without the need for a prescription. Cannabidiol is also being used in trials to treat some forms of epilepsy and uncontrollable seizures in children. Since CBD is non-psychoactive and interacts with neurotransmitters, it also shows promise as a treatment for psychosis and schizophrenia.
Further cannabis plant cultivation, as well as research and human trials using CBD oil, are made more difficult by the laws set in place. This scenario is understandable since the cannabis plant is more known as an addictive drug than a natural and powerful medicine. Medical marijuana is still yet to break the negative notions completely but for now, while the progress is slow, the benefits of CBD may soon overtake the stigma. CBD may be the answer that patients of Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and those with mental illness are looking for.

Purchasing CBD Oil

Should you consider buying CBD oil? While the therapeutic claims of CBD oil are not guaranteed, it is a low-risk herbal product that is already being used as a supplement and holds a lot promising benefits. If you would like to experience using CBD oil firsthand, ingestion is not the only option available to consume it. In the following section, we’ll list some products where CBD oil is a primary or secondary ingredient.

Product Types Made from CBD Oil

Cannabidiol can come in many forms so you can find one that is suited to your needs. Some companies offer vegetarian and soy-free options as well.

Pure CBD Oil, CBD Essential Oil

This CBD product also contains other compounds such as fatty acids, other enzymes, and terpenes, which are supposed to boost the potency of CBD. CBD oil can be used in acne therapies, sleep disorder therapies, and anxiety reduction. It is supposed to help lower your heart rate to induce a feeling of calm to help you combat insomnia and stress. CBD essential oil comes in oral drops and varying concentrations.

CBD Tinctures

Hemp CBD tinctures are typically flavored and made especially for those who take the oil as a supplement. Natural flavors are added to the tincture to make it more pleasing to the taste while still keeping the CBD concentration high.

CBD Topical

Manufacturers produce CBD products to be applied on the skin and hair. The products could be either CBD oil-based or CBD-infused and mixed with other natural ingredients such as beeswax and a variety of essential oils. Topical CBD products come in the form of cleansers, moisturizers, and salves. The topical products are also targeted to relieve muscle pain and inflammation.

CBD Capsules

For those who would prefer not to use oral drops, CBD oil capsules would be a good choice. Capsules are a convenient way to consume CBD. Capsules include CBD in different concentrations mixed with other herbs or powdered roots.

CBD Edibles

Another interesting product is the CBD hemp oil edibles. These are quick and easy ways to get your dose of CBD or in conjunction with other CBD oil supplements you’re already using. CBD edibles are available as chewing gum, energy bars, and gummy candies.

Vape Pens

An innovative and possible way to consume CBD oil is in the form of vape (short for vaporizing) pens. “Vaping” is usually done recreationally or as a means to recover from nicotine addiction, but it can also be used to dispense vaporized cannabinoids. A vape pen functions much like an electronic cigarette where users can place their own mix of herbs. Vape pens are convenient and discreet and is claimed to be a safer alternative to cigarettes. Vape pens with CBD oil offer quick relief without getting users “stoned.”

Choosing the Right CBD Product

With all these CBD oil products for sale comes a risk. You can be sure that many manufacturers will ride the bandwagon and take advantage of unknowing consumers. In fact, a quick Google search will yield numerous results of companies that purport to be high-quality CBD oil sources. If you do not buy from a reputable CBD oil producer, what is intended to help support your health could leave you sick. These companies will claim to have a particular concentration of CBD in their products but do not actually live up to their advertising.
When it comes to efficacy, the best way to know if CBD oil will work for you is to test it out for yourself. It’s best to be armed with information, so here’s a brief guide to help you choose which CBD product to buy and how to discern whether or not it is worth investing in.

Hemp Seed Oil Concentrations

According to the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), hemp seeds do not contain CBD, nor do the stalks and fibers. Products that are marketed as “hemp oil” may not be the same as CBD-rich products that come from the bud and flowers. CBD in hemp seed oil products is present in low concentrations because the hemp used was not primarily for CBD extraction. The CBD in hemp seed oil is then only a by-product of the fibers and stalks after they have been processed. Because of this, the oil may actually be contaminated with hazardous materials as hemp parts absorb substances easily.

Do Your Homework

Look at your budget and know your dosage needs. Dosages range from 5mg to 190mg per serving. It may be beneficial to consult with a physician or health expert before purchasing any CBD oil products. Taking the time to talk to a professional could save you money and keep you from consuming excessive amounts of CBD oil. As a rule of thumb, you may want to begin with smaller doses and work your way up. If you are interested in a product, do you best to check the label for ingredients to know if you are allergic to any of them.
The body of knowledge for hemp oil is continuously growing so you can know more about its benefits. There are also companies that offer studies and the latest industry news to keep you up to date. If possible, reach out to those who have tried CBD oil for themselves to know the impact of the product on a particular condition.

If you have found a company where you want to buy CBD oil from, do some more research. Carefully read product descriptions. Look for information regarding their extraction process and what they do to keep the oil free from toxic materials. Be wary of companies that say you can get the oil by simply grinding the seeds and trying to liquefy it—that is not how you get pure CBD oil.

Usually, reputable companies would mention that the hemp plants they used were cultivated specifically for the purpose of CBD oil extraction. Examine their claims for each product’s benefits, and if there is no science to back it up, you should look elsewhere. While CBD oil is potent, be careful when the products are marketed to cure anything and everything. Check if the company has a track record of good customer service—try to weigh whether or not customer reviews seem fake and paid for.

What’s Ahead for CBD

The cultivation of hemp plants for CBD oil extraction is still an uphill battle with laws to be considered, as well as procedures and regulations that still need to be standardized. But scientists and supporters on the fringes will keep on finding ways to refine the process and shake up the system as the medical cannabis industry continues to grow.