What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds that can be found in the hemp plant. Hemp is one variety of the cannabis plant that is distinguished by its lack of THC; by definition, hemp has less than three-tenths of one percent (.3%) of THC. While THC is the molecule responsible for feelings of euphoria, CBD does not have an intoxicating effect and cannot get you high. CBD is known as a phytocannabinoid, meaning it’s a cannabinoid that comes from a plants. Our body generates its own type of cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids (endo meaning ‘within’) -- the most prominent are 2AG and Anandamide.
What does CBD do?
Some define good health simply to be: physiological homeostasis. Remember homeostasis from Science class? We learned about it in terms of body temperature and thermogenesis – one example of homeostasis. When we’re too cold, we shiver to warm up. When we’re too hot, we sweat to cool off. Basically, homeostasis refers to a dynamic system of balance and maintenance in our body. The main function of cannabinoids, whether they are endocannabinoids like 2AG and Anandamide, or phytocannabinoids like CBD, is to help create homeostasis. This is accomplished by engagement with what is called, The Endocannabinoid System (ECS), the “Master Regulator” of other systems in our body. It is vital that our ECS is nourished, and CBD has been found to be an effective agent in this process.
Why has CBD become such a big deal?
Although clinical studies are not yet possible with CBD, there is pre-clinical research and anecdotal evidence of its therapeutic potential. Due to its broad range of healing applications and absence of intoxicating psychoactivity, people are looking to CBD as potential alternative to harmful pharmaceuticals. (Have you seen the commercials for pharmaceuticals to help you with the side effects of other pharmaceuticals?). One reason for the popularity of CBD is that it offers a natural way to supplement or make up for deficiencies in our Endocannabinoid System. The fact that the CBD in hemp can perform an essential service to our health, is one clue that humans and hemp have evolved together. We have a symbiotic and synergistic relationship with the plant, so it’s truly a Plant for the People!