More to Cannabis then CBD & THC!
CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant.
ExhalecbdApothecary.com
We are a Cannabis Dispensary & as a company Primarily Carry Full Spectrum & Broad Spectrum Cannabis Extracts. Customers as well as patients can benefit from the Entourage Effect, which helps synergize Marijuana Usage. Our products will have a variety of Rare Natural Cannabinoids like Delta 8THC, CBDA, THCV, THCA, CBC, CBN, CBGA, CBG as well as many others. Below will explain a bit more about Cannabinoids as well as CBD on its own.
There are a few important things to note here:
- First, CBD is just one of the compounds found in cannabis (there are over 500 in total).
- Second, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not get you high.
- Third, There are 4 Fundamentally Different Forms of THC; Delta-9, Delta-8, THCV, THCA.
- Delta-9 THC causes Paranoia as well as Anxiety, hence the Law.
A report from the World Health Organization states, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…”
We understand that there are some confusing terms related to Cannabidiol, so we wanted to take the time to explain them to you. Below is a list of the most important terms to understand related to Cannabidiol:
Cannabis – A type of flowering plant that includes three distinct variations: Cannabis ruderalis, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis sativa. Cannabis has a wide range of industrial and medical applications. It has been used since antiquity for its sturdy fiber, for oils, and for medicinal purposes. However, it has also been used as a recreational drug, a fact that renders the cultivation of cannabis strictly regulated because of some variations including high concentrations of THC.
Hemp – Hemp refers to the high-growing varieties of cannabis that are grown to be specifically used for fiber, oil, and seeds. These are then refined into numerous products including wax, resin, cloth, pulp, paper, rope, fuel, and hemp oil.
Cannabinoids – A very diverse chemical family that includes natural as well as artificially created substances. Different cannabinoids have widely varied effects, with some cannabinoids proven to have soothing and relaxing properties and others classified as illegal drugs.
CBD (Cannabidiol) – A naturally occurring cannabinoid, and the second most abundant constituent of the Cannabis plant. CBD is legal and safe to consume, yet has long been in the shadow of THC.
Full Spectrum – Full spectrum hemp oil describes hemp oil that is extracted from the whole hemp flower. Unlike CBD isolate, full spectrum hemp oil contains the same cannabinoids and hemp compounds, such as terpenes, vitamins, essential fatty acids and phytonutrients, as the original hemp plant.
Isolate – describes pure CBD, most often a powder, where the CBD is isolated and chemically extracted from the hemp flower – does not contain terpenes, THC or other cannabinoids.
Terpenes – the chemicals in the plant that provide the scent and flavor, also have health benefits.
THC – The most abundant constituent of the cannabis plant and a strongly psychoactive cannabinoid, THC is responsible for getting “high” from smoking marijuana and, as a result, its production and usage are strictly regulated.
Psychoactive – Any chemical substance that can enter the brain from the bloodstream and directly affect the central nervous system is considered psychoactive. Many psychoactive substances have medical applications (such as anesthetics, psychiatric drugs, etc.), but some of these substances are used solely for recreation, causing dangerous side effects and addiction.
Intoxicating – Any substance that can cause you to lose control of your faculties and alter your behavior is considered intoxicating. Almost all illegal drugs have intoxicating properties, although worldwide most intoxication cases are attributed to alcohol. Intoxication can be caused by substances that directly affect the brain (i.e., psychoactive) or by indirectly causing damage to your organism (i.e., through toxicity, hence the term).
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND MARIJUANA
So what is the difference between marijuana (most commonly thought of as a favorite pastime for adolescents cutting class) and CBD (a newfound favorite for athletes, fashionistas, pet lovers, parents, and senior citizens alike)?
Let’s start by taking one step back.
The plant Cannabis L. Sativa has two primary species, hemp and marijuana. both come in several Grade Indoor, Outdoor, Dispensary Grade.
Marijuana is rich in THC Delta-9, the psychoactive compound that gets you high, as well as causing Paranoia and Anxiety.
Hemp, on the other hand, contains a significantly lower amount of THC (in fact, in order to be legally cultivated, hemp must contain 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC), and is rich in CBD, and other Cannabinoids which, as we’ve already covered, will not have you trolling Door Dash : ) .
There are several Different Strains different content. There are Industrial Grade Products and Pharmaceutical grades. All Cannabis is not created equal please check or ask for Test results for products that seem off. We take pride in educating the general public. We believe in the power of the Plant!
SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING
Scientists have identified two receptors in the human body that respond to cannabis – CB1 and CB2. These receptors are part of the larger endocannabinoid system, which helps your body regulate the hormones that influence appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, anxiety, and more.
Scientifically speaking, both CBD and THC have the exact same molecular structure: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms, but a tiny difference in how the atoms are arranged leads to different effects on your body. Jeffrey Raber, CEO of California-based cannabis chemistry lab The Werc Shop, describes it well, “it’s a wildly different key going into the lock.”
Where THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain (producing a high), CBD binds very weakly, if at all, to CB1 receptors, but has a stronger affinity for CB2 receptors. A bunch of very particular reactions occur in the middle and the result is that THC produces psychoactive effects by affecting the brain and spinal cord, while CBD acts on the other receptors without being psychoactive.
POTENTIAL USES AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF CBD
It’s important to note before we get into the next section that Exhale CBD Apothecary makes no claims about the medical or health benefits of CBD or Our Cannabis Products.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Epidiolex as a medication to treat rare forms of epilepsy – it was the first prescription medication to contain CBD. With the exception of Epidiolex, the FDA has not approved CBD to treat any other medical conditions. The below resources and articles are listed only provide to an index of studies and areas where CBD shows promise as a medical treatment. One or two studies does not guarantee that CBD will work as a treatment for a given condition or that it should be used for one. Even if approved as a treatment for a certain condition by the FDA, there’s no guarantee that CBD will prove effective for you. Every human body is different and each responds to different substances in different ways. Consult your physician before taking any CBD product.
CBD, LET ME COUNT THE WAYS
So what’s the best way to CBD? Buy CBD Online with us and we can educate you. But The answer is, it depends. But here are some of the most popular methods available.
Tinctures
Tinctures is a fancy name for Hemp CBD oil in a Syringe or eye dropper. This is the second-fastest way to absorb CBD (after smoking), and one of the most popular methods to enjoy the many benefits of CBD. Available in different doses We for example offers tinctures in concentrations of 2500mg, 1500mg, 1000mg, and 500mg), tinctures are generally mixed with some type of CBD oil. Buy CBD Oil Online. with us we carry a wide variety of Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum Extracts.
Smoking
For purists, all natural CBD Dominant Cannabis may be the way to go, either in all its plant-like glory or ready-to-smoke in pre-rolled joints. Smoking offers the highest bioavailability of CBD, which basically means you get more CBD into your system, faster than with other forms of consumption, and mounting evidence suggests that CBD may be more effective in its whole and natural state (an outcome known as the entourage effect).
Vaping
Vaping involves a vape pen that heats up a small portion of concentrated CBD oil until it boils, allowing you to inhale the vapor. Controlling dosing can be difficult as how much CBD you absorb depends on how hard and how long you inhale, but vaping is also one of the quickest ways to get CBD into the bloodstream (though for the shortest period of time), making it an accessible vehicle for near-instant effect.
Lotions, Salves & Creams
The options for CBD-laced beauty balms are seemingly endless and run the gamut from luxury Serums or Face Masks and Transdermal fit for red-carpet royalty, to no-nonsense, Roll-ons, balms and topical CBD cream.
Edibles & Ingestible
One of the most popular methods to enjoy the many benefits of CBD. Edibles have a full body effect by targeting the CB1 & CB2 Receptors directly. By doing so gives edibles a much longer effect as well as benefit since the whole plant is being ingested in most cases. Edibles Available in different doses We for example offers Edibles in concentrations of 1500mg, 1000mg, and 500mg) (CBD GUMMIES), (CBD Oil Capsules) are just a few we Carry.
CBD DOSING
CBD dosing is a confusing topic. The FDA has not created a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for CBD, and CBD does not have an official serving size. How much you should take depends on a variety of factors including the concentration of the CBD in the product; the method of consumption; individual characteristics like your genetic makeup, gender, and weight; potency of the strain; and what you’re hoping to achieve by using it. One person might simply be using CBD to promote general health, while another might be using it to address acne or insomnia. How much they take will differ accordingly.
To give us a starting point, previous studies have said that around 300 milligrams daily are required to achieve stress-relieving results, but new research shows that as little as 25 milligrams a day can already elicit positive effects. That’s important news, especially since it makes any CBD regimen more affordable and accessible for people seeking relief and results.
Determining your ideal serving might take a little patience and experimentation but whether you’re consuming CBD for the first time, or you’re a regular user, it’s always a good idea to start small and progress slowly so you can determine what works best for you. A 2018 article from Medium recommended using three simple steps to determine your ideal dose:
1. Estimate your dosage based on your body weight
A good rule of thumb is 1-6 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. For example, 20-33 milligrams would be a good starting dosage for a 200 lb patient, while 15-25 milligrams would be best for someone who weighs 150 lb.
2. Start small and increase gradually
Determine your initial dosage based on your weight, then gauge how your body reacts to that amount of CBD. Increase gradually (continuing to monitor your body’s reactions) until you achieve the desired results.
3. Consult your physician
Most importantly, always consult your physician, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
QUALITY COUNTS
Since the market for CBD is unregulated, it can be difficult to know what you’re getting. A 2015 study by the F.D.A. revealed that many CBD-labeled products actually contained very little CBD. A 2017 article in JAMA reported that, in a study of 84 products sold online, 26% contained less CBD than advertised and 43% contained more. A 2017 study by the American Medical Association of 84 CBD products purchased online, found that almost 70% were mislabeled with respect to the amount of CBD.
With such wildly varying results, it’s no wonder some people are wary of trying CBD. But it’s important to know what you’re getting because, when it comes to what you put into your body, quality counts and low-quality CBD products won’t provide you with the same benefits as high-quality products.
Do your research. Don’t be afraid to reach out to companies and ask questions. Look for brands that are transparent and committed to quality, like Exhale CBD Apothecary who use only the cleanest and most potent varieties available, grown naturally, and hand selected from growers across the country, ensuring an exceptionally pure product, straight from nature, and ready to consume, however you choose.
In general, be sure to look for:
- Third party testing (companies that stand behind their products don’t have anything to hide).
- Products with 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis (the standard to be considered an industrial hemp product).
- Naturally-derived products sourced in the U.S. (hemp is a heavily regulated commodity in the U.S. so domestically-sourced products will be Farm Bill Compliant and of higher quality).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will CBD make me high?
No. Quality CBD products, derived from hemp, contain less than 0.3% THC, not enough to get you high.
How do I take CBD?
You can take CBD in a number of ways including smoking, vaping, edibles, oils, and creams or lotions.
Is CBD legal to use in all 50 states?
Not right now – always check your specific local and state laws regarding CBD and Hemp. Industrial Hemp is federally legal in the United States provided that the plant contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
What is a Cannabinoid?
Simply put, cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are dozens of compounds including Cannabidiol (CBD), THC, and a host of other cannabinoids. Together they are responsible for the benefits and drawbacks to medical marijuana and industrial hemp-based products. Technically, CBD and its sister cannabinoid compounds are classified as Phytocannabinoid which means that they’re derived from plants. But there are also several other types of cannabinoids you should know about too.
For example, the cannabinoids produced within the body’s endocannabinoid system are known as endocannabinoids (such as arachidonoylethanolamide, virodhamine, and many others). There are also cannabinoids manufactured via chemical reactions in laboratories, known as synthetic cannabinoids.
As you’ll see later, each type of cannabinoid interacts with the body in different ways. So now that you understand what a cannabinoid is, how does CBD work with your body?
Our Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System
Here’s the second half of the equation. You see, your body actually has areas that are made specifically for cannabinoids — they are called cannabinoid receptor sites.
These sites make up the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for numerous physiological and mental processes that occur within the body. As we just stated, the endocannabinoid system includes a number of specialized cell receptors in the brain and in various other organs throughout the body.
These receptors fall into two types: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain (but also in the liver, kidneys, and lungs), while CB2 receptors are found mainly in the immune system.
Here’s the fun part — cannabinoid substances actually bind with these receptors to coordinate various functions across the body.
What Kinds of Effects Can Cannabinoids Have on the Body?
There are several types of cannabinoids. Even within phytocannabinoids, there are wide ranges of compounds and effects that we are still learning about. Some of these cannabinoids interact strongly with one or both CB receptors, causing various effects, from regulating mood and helping us concentrate, to causing euphoric effects and feeling “high” (like THC). Other cannabinoids, like CBD, have fewer direct effects on the endocannabinoid system (keep this in mind as
you read the next section).
To recap:
Cannabinoids represent a diverse class of chemical compounds that can be very different from each other. Their only common feature is that they all act on the body’s cannabinoid receptors, either directly or indirectly.
External vs. Internal Cannabinoids
The endocannabinoid system works mainly with our body’s own cannabinoids, which are produced internally. For example, arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) is produced within the body and is thought to regulate several functions. However,
when cannabinoids are taken externally, it’s difficult to distinguish between
the clinically desirable effects and the therapeutically undesirable effects of
various Phytocannabinoid. This is because cannabinoid receptors send a variety of signals that often interconnect to coordinate the body’s functions, so it’s hard to tell them apart. For example, CB1 receptors send signals that regulate senses, while cannabinoids that interact with CB2 receptors can at the same time affect gastrointestinal
response and peripheral nervous system sensitivity. See why
external cannabinoids (like CBD) can be a little more complicated? Also,
since people often take numerous different cannabinoids together (for example, using medical marijuana), it is hard to attribute specific effects to specific cannabinoids. That’s because unprocessed cannabis includes more than 60 different types of cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. In
addition, some cannabinoids interact synergistically, producing unique effects that are not found when using them individually. For example, CBD inhibits THC’s psychotropic effects when the two are taken together. However, CBD does this (and produces many other effects) without directly interacting with the cannabinoid receptors. We just stated that CBD is fairly unique as far as cannabinoids go, because it does not seem to interact directly with either the CB1 or CB2 receptors. So what does it do if it’s not interacting directly with our receptors? Here’s where it gets good…Cannabidiol has a particularly low potential for binding with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but instead acts as an antagonist of the receptors’ agonists. That’s a mouthful. In layman’s terms, this means that CBD keeps the receptors working at optimal capacity and helps the function of all other cannabinoids, including the body’s own endocannabinoids.
Still with me? If you want to know more about the effects, read below, but if you’re often put off by scientific words, you might want to skip down to the conclusion…
The Effects of CBD?
CBD offers a wide range of potential effects. Strong scientific evidence suggests that CBD may help with forms of epilepsy with the FDA even recommending CBD medication in certain rare cases of childhood epilepsy. CBD is otherwise most often used for its potential to provide calm and relaxation. On a chemical level, CBD is known to possess powerful antioxidant properties, which may contribute to reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Ongoing research and study are required to fully understand the potential of the cannabinoids therapeutic effects, but CBD may also help to:
Improve
sleep
Soothe
stress
Improve
mood
Repair and protect skin
Protect the nervous system
Promote a healthy heart
Help manage pain
What Effects Does CBD Have on the Body?
Now to understand CBD’s function within the body, we need to examine how receptors like CB1 and CB2 interact with other chemical compounds. But first you’ll need to know these three terms… Agonists
– chemicals that bind to a receptor and activate it to produce a biological
response. Inverse agonists – chemicals that bind to the same receptor as agonists but produce the exact opposite result. Antagonists – the complete opposite of agonists as they inhibit or dampen the functions of a receptor.
The indirect interactions of CBD with the endocannabinoid system has many effects, some of which surprised scientists and are still being researched. Some of CBD’s functions include: Effectively
increases CB1 density, amplifying the effects of all cannabinoids that bind to CB1 receptors. Acts as a 5-HT1a receptor agonist in
the brain.. This means that CBD has calming and soothing effects such as some potent analgesics, but without the side effects. Acts as inverse agonist of CB2 receptors, effectively reducing the effects of cannabinoids that make CB2 receptors less responsive. Acts as an antagonist for the putative GPR55 receptor, an element of the endocannabinoid system that is still being researched. (It is suggested that GPR55 may be a third type of
cannabinoid receptor altogether.)
Between the above functions, most of CBD’s observed effects are well explained. However, scientists are still unclear about how some effects of Cannabidiol are actually occurring. The most possible explanation is via the hypothetical GPR55 receptor, or through more indirect and synergistic effects that still await discovery.
Contrary to how most cannabinoids function, CBD interacts very mildly with the cannabinoid receptors themselves and instead either helps other cannabinoids to be better absorbed or stops the effects of whatever makes the receptors work less effectively.
The indirect nature of CBD’s effects have made it difficult for scientists to
pinpoint its exact effects up to now, but many positive effects of this unusual Phytocannabinoid are still being studied.
The endocannabinoid system is closely interconnected with the nervous and immune system. Since CBD has been shown to boost just about every function of our cannabinoid receptors, it is proven to have far-reaching soothing and relaxing effects.
Is CBD Legal Worldwide?
CBD is legal in many countries, but is still considered a controlled substance in others so it is best to check your local laws before purchasing. As we’ve seen above, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding CBD, partially because its chemical properties are poorly understood and partially because of its close resemblance to THC. Until relatively recently (1980s), scientists believed that CBD was a natural precursor to the formation of THC, and since THC was a strictly controlled
substance back then (it still is), it only followed that CBD should be equally
strictly regulated. However, CBD is actually unrelated to the chemical chain
that results in THC. They share some characteristics but are created via
different paths. Again, unlike THC, CBD is considered a legal cannabinoid and is safe to consume in any amount and concentration.
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, simply known as the farm bill, legalized hemp nationwide, which is encouraging for those supporting CBD that is derived from hemp. However, this comes with a variety of complications and restrictions, and the Drug Enforcement Agency still considers CBD a schedule I controlled substance.
Is CBD Safe?
More important than legality is understanding if CBD is safe for you. While studies are still ongoing about the long-term safety of CBD usage, most experts agree that it is easily tolerated by most adults with no significant side effects on mood, physiology, or the central nervous system. Many CBD products, including oils and tinctures, also allow you to customize your serving size, which can help you avoid or mitigate any potential side effects.
CBD vs. THC: Differences and Similarities
Both CBD and THC have a wide range of applications and are similar at the molecular level. This has led the public to often confuse them, and even the scientific community believed that CBD and THC were in fact the same substance until relatively recently. Similarities Classed as Phytocannabinoid (as opposed to endocannabinoids and cannabinoids that are manufactured artificially), both CBD and THC interact with specific cells
mainly in our brains (but also in other organs). Differences The
chemical properties of CBD and THC vary widely enough to classify THC as a psychotropic drug strictly controlled by federal authorities, while CBD is regarded as legal and safe worldwide. The best way to understand CBD’s effects is to compare it to THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the most abundant component in the cannabis plant. It’s best known for its psychoactive effects, providing that euphoric high that has become almost synonymous with using cannabis.
CBD, on the other hand, does not possess any psychoactive effects. For a long time, scientists believed that CBD was a precursor to THC, but the two are separate and singular in their effects. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding these substances, propagated in
part by interests that seek to promote one substance over the other. In this
article, we will give you the lowdown on some scientific facts about both CBD and THC, explaining objectively and in simple terms the differences between CBD and THC.
So What’s Better, CBD or THC?
The CBD vs THC debate is something that often crops up in the circles of cannabis users, and it mainly stems from misinformation that surrounds these substances. Based on what we’ve seen above, we can answer the question by saying that CBD and THC are so different that it’s difficult to compare them directly. But while THC can be abused as a drug, CBD is safe and has no recreational applications. In fact, many misinformed people, along with many recreational marijuana users,
often brand CBD as “useless” because it cannot get them “high.”
Like most things in life, the usage and properties of CBD and THC aren’t black and white. It’s hard to label THC useless when it has so many documented medical benefits, and you cannot just blindly trust CBD as it is still possible (though unlikely) for scientists to find some side effects with its long-term use.
However, there is so much more to both CBD and THC than just THC’s psychoactive properties that it is a shame not to explore their applications and learn the truth about them, especially since they are both being used nowadays to better the lives of countless people on a daily basis. Science is an evolving process and it pays to stay up to date, especially on new industries like CBD. With that being said, one is not necessarily better than the other. CBD can be much more welcoming for those who do not want the potential high that comes with THC. THC may also offer more than just a high, with studies suggesting that it may possess health benefits of its own. More recently, evidence has suggested
that THC and CBD can work together through what is known as the “entourage effect”. Taken together, CBD, THC, and the other compounds found in cannabis become more than the sum of their parts, amplifying their effects and working in synergy to support better health and well-being. It’s fine if you want just CBD on its own, but pairing your CBD with some THC may actually be good for you
and give you whole plant benefits.
What Do Scientists Say About CBD?
Overall, it is generally accepted that CBD is safer than THC for a number of reasons. There have been certain studies that found statistically significant correlations between long-term use of THC and certain psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and psychosis. However we must note here that in scientific studies such as these, correlation does not imply causation; that is, the usage of THC might be linked to psychiatric disorders without necessarily being that root cause of them. (Much like lighters are linked to smoking, but possession of a lighter does not necessarily mean you are a smoker.) As we have also seen above, CBD is considered to have wider applications than THC. Since CBD has been much less studied than THC, scientists assume that there are many new applications of CBD that haven’t yet been discovered. On the other hand, THC’s applications are more or less completely explored by now due to all the research on medical marijuana over the past decade.
CHOOSE A GOOD COMPANY AND STICK WITH THEM
CBD is a complicated product and the current market can be confusing for newcomers and experienced users alike, but by following some of the recommendations laid out in this guide, you’ll be well positioned to dip a toe into the (extremely calm) waters of CBD, or into the deep end of cannabidiol.
Perhaps the best takeaway is this: find a good company that you trust and stick with them. That’s a proven path to a more present, grounded, CBD-centred state of mind.