CBD (CANNABIDIOL)

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD is short for Cannabidiol and is one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and it is used extensively for general wellbeing. CBD is also used as a supplementary remedial medication to treat many conditions, such as physical pain and inflammation, anxiety and depression.

The word CBD is short for Cannabidiol. CBD is a Cannabinoid (also called Phytocannabinoid) is a naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Scientist have discovered over 100 different Cannabinoids occurring naturally in the cannabis plant. Some of the different Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant including Cannabigerols (CBG), Cannabichromenes (CBC), Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabinodiol (CBDL) and other Cannabinoids including Cannabicyclol (CBL), Cannabielsoin (CBE) and Cannabitriol (CBT).

The most well know Cannabinoid are CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is not psychoactive and does not have mind altering effects like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

 

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS)?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a biological system of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates homeostasis across all major body systems ensuring that all systems work in concert with one another.

All Cannabinoids interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a biological system of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The body’s Cannabinoid receptors sit on the surface of cells and the two main types of Cannabinoid receptors found in the body are CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors are more highly concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors can be found more abundantly in the immune system, organs and body tissues. The body produces Cannabinoid molecules naturally called Endocannabinoids and these molecules interact and bind to the body’s Cannabinoid receptors which helps modulate the regulation of homeostasis across all major body systems ensuring that all systems work in concert with one another.

HOW DOES CBD WORK IN THE BODY?

When you take CBD it interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in an indirect way by helping the body produce more Endocannabinoids naturally. This can have the effect of increasing the effectiveness of the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), leading to better homeostasis across the body and ensuring that all systems work in concert with one another.

WHAT IS CBD USED FOR?

In many countries CBD is legal and can be purchased over the counter as a supplement. CBD is used as a remedial supplement and for general health and wellbeing. Commonly people use CBD to help treat physical pain and inflammation, anxiety, and depression.

In many countries CBD can be prescribed by a doctor and has been used to treat many conditions, including Epilepsy, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Bipolar Disorder.

HOW TO TAKE CBD?

Ingested CBD- Swallowing CBD takes several hours for it passes through the digestive system and is metabolized by the liver. People usually ingest CBD as an oil, food, beverage or capsule.

Sublingual CBD- CBD taken as a sublingual (under the tongue) is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream through mucous membranes in the mouth. Sublingual CBD oils and CBD tinctures can be a very effective way to take CBD. Sublingual CBD should be held under the tongue for several seconds to ensure maximum absorption.

Topical CBD- CBD can also be infused into products, such as creams and applied to the skin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation directly.

Inhaled CBD- CBD can be inhaled as an e-liquid. Inhaling CBD is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream through mucous membranes in the mouth and soft tissue in the throat and lungs.

HOW TO GET CBD PRODUCTS?

Many Australians choose to import CBD products for personal use, from countries where CBD is readily available and responsibly regulated. The most common way to take CBD is as a sublingual solution. For more information about sublingual CBD products, follow the link below.

Hemp products are legal in Australia provided they contain less than 0.005% THC. Isolated CBD products are also legal in Australia and accessing them is controlled and requires a script from your doctor which needs to be approved by the government.

However, CBD is widely available as an over-the-counter supplement from many western countries around the world. In particular companies in the USA and Europe are leading the way in developing great CBD products which are sold at health food shops and pharmacies.