Cannabidiol (CBD) Explained

August 22nd, 2016

CBD Explained by Care By Design

To date, more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant.

Up until a few years ago, the only one that got any attention was tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Over the past few years, however, another cannabinoid has increasingly gained attention for its therapeutic benefit.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been particularly effective in the treatment of chronic pain, Crohn’s, diabetes, arthritis, anxiety, and other conditions that have been historically difficult to treat.

 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD is a component of the cannabis plant with enormous healing potential. According to Project CBD, “Scientists refer to CBD as a ‘promiscuous’ compound because it offers therapeutic benefits in many different ways…tapping into how we function physiologically and biologically on a deep level.”

Specifically, CBD acts on the Endocannabinoid System, a recently discovered biochemical communication system in the human body that plays an important role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience.

Endocannabinoid receptors respond to cannabinoid compounds that our own bodies make, and they respond to similar compounds in cannabis.

 

What can CBD treat?

Extensive preclinical research and some clinical studies have shown that CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective qualities.

Recently, it was discovered that cannabidiol can change gene expression and remove beta amyloid plaque, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s, from brain cells.

 

What About THC?

As CBD has become more popular, THC is often looked at as the black sheep of the cannabinoid family. Many describe CBD as the “good” healing cannabinoid, and THC as the “bad” psychoactive or “high” cannabinoid. But this is patently untrue. In fact, CBD and THC appear to work best together.

For example, CBD is believed to boost THC’s painkilling and anticancer properties. CBD can also lessen the side effects of too much THC like anxiety and rapid heartbeat. CBD and THC both stimulate neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells, in adult mammals, which may prove helpful for stroke and Parkinson’s patients.

Scientists call this the “entourage effect” where the sum is greater than it parts.

 

How Do I Figure Out the Right Ratio of CBD:THC?

There’s no single ratio that’s right for everyone or every condition. You’ll want to find the balance of CBD and THC that works for you.

A person’s sensitivity to THC is the most important factor in finding the right ratio and dosage. Lots of people like the “high” from cannabis; but others find it uncomfortable. CBD can lessen the intoxication of THC, so, a greater ratio of CBD-to-THC means less of a high. Care By Design offers several ratios of CBD: THC so you can adjust or eliminate psychoactive effects as you prefer.

In a recent survey of Care By Design patients, patients with mood disorders like anxiety and depression reported the greatest benefit from CBD-dominant products (18:1). Whereas patients with cancer, pain, and sleep issues reported more benefit from a balanced ratio of CBD: THC like the 4:1 or 2:1 gel capsules and sprays.

Some patients report that they use different Care By Design ratios at different times of the day, using more CBD in the day, more THC at night.

 

Cautions

Medical cannabis and CBD, in particular, are very safe, but patients taking other medications should check with their doctor about drug interactions.

CBD is a more potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 than the grapefruit compound Bergapten, so ask your doctor if grapefruit interacts with your medication. If it does, then CBD probably does, too. Your doctor may need to monitor the blood levels of prescription medications and make adjustments.

At BPG, we always stress the importance of making sure that your products are safe to consume. The following product recommendations have been lab-tested and formulated, and contain no harmful ingredients!

Mary’s Medicinals

Say goodbye to unwanted aches and pains with Mary’s Muscle Freeze. The infused topical combines CBD and other whole-plant nutrients to provide quick pain relief and a soothing, cooling effect.

Mary Medicinals creates the most effective, accurately-dosed natural pain-relief products utilizing clinically tested, clean, and accurate delivery methods. Most importantly, Mary maintains industry-leading accountability driven by her patient-first mentality.

 

Kanha

Unwrap the power of tasty watermelons infused with only the highest quality CO2-extracted organic cannabis oil.

Each treat is powered with 9.5mg of CBD and 0.5mg THC. Kanha Treats reminds you of the playfulness and joy to be found in life. Medicate without compromising your taste buds.

Kanha utilizes nanomolecular technology to create cannabinoid particles smaller than a wavelength of light, which makes for a quicker onset and higher absorption rate. The average onset is around 15 minutes!

 

Care By Design

Meet pure and potent cannabis vaping. 1:1 ratio is equal parts CBD and THC plus minor cannabinoids THCa and CBDa, it’s an ideal option for relaxing after a long day.

Easy to carry and even easier to dose, you’ll feel more relaxed and taste the subtle notes of terpenes with every puff. With a balance of CBD to THC, you get the powerful effects of both cannabinoids to help you find the comfort and calm you deserve.

Made from carefully selected cannabis strains grown in the California sun and carefully extracted to preserve the full spectrum of cannabis compounds. Care by Design vapes are always free of additives for a clean vaping experience.

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Written with our friends at Care By Design, adapted from Project CBD with permission.
Resources: drugabuse.gov.