You’ve definitely been living under a rock if you haven’t heard about CBD and it’s various surprising health benefits. It has similar benefits to its cousin THC, found in hemp, but without the psychoactive effects.
Plus, it’s now legal across all 50 states (with a few restrictions in place here and there). But what really is it?
As per Healthcare Weekly, CBD is a natural remedy with a wide range of therapeutic, health and wellness benefits. It’s now a $270 million market which has grown massively over the last five years thanks to scientific studies, concluding it’s fantastic for relieving chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and even bad skin.
CBD is a botanical concentrate derived from the cannabis plant. It’s part of a group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids and is now the second most common of the 104 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
It’s now well known for its many healthcare uses, but there’s still a lot to learn about this special oil that has a very big future ahead.
Here are 7 little known facts about CBD.
It can be used to cure drug addiction
There’s the potential for CBD to cure addictions to opioids, cigarettes, and even alcohol. Especially with the growing opioid epidemic in America, a solution like CBD could be exactly what is needed.
It’s thought that the compound gives users the same sort of feeling as what smoking, taking drugs or drinking excessive alcohol could do, as it releases dopamine into the body.
This causes the body to relax and feel fulfilled in the same way that smoking a cigarette does to a smoker.
The oil calms the body in such a way that it is hoped it will reteach smokers to choose CBD over a cigarette.
A safety update from the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health has recognized that while CBD still has side effects, they are much better than those of drugs and alcohol.
CBD, it reports, can cause fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and/or weight. These, however, are seen as nothing compared to the experiences a drug user will go through on a day to day basis.
CBD oil is available for pet use
It’s strongly believed that using CBD on pets can have the same effects as it does on the human body. In the same way as it does with humans, cannabinoids can interact with receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous systems of dogs to help keep pets in a happy and healthy state.
It is reported that this could help with joint pain and seizures in dogs, as well as overall agitation to help pets to be calmer and less anxious in new situations.
Can be used to dampen a high
It’s unusual to claim that one compound found in marijuana can cancel out another, but this is pretty much the case when it comes to THC and CBD.
If a person smokes too much weed and is suffering from bad psychoactive effects, it is possible to take CBD to lessen the symptoms.
THC reacts with the CB1 receptor in our brains, however taking CBD can make CB1 less receptive and therefore slowing down the symptoms of a high.
Not only is this great for someone struggling to cope with a high, but it’s also much safer than other ‘solutions’.
Many suggest taking a cold bath or eating a large meal when feeling ‘too high’ which could be seriously unsafe for someone who is feeling overwhelmed with cannabis.
The extraction method is crucial
The method for which the CBD compound is extracted from hemp has to be exact or the entire composition of the product could be altered. CBD is often extracted with CO2 rather than heat, as heated extraction requires constant monitoring and regulation.
CO2 reaction, on the other hand, maintains the integrity of the product and allows it to fulfill its full range of medical use.
Although legalized, CBA is very hard for the FDA to manage. It’s always important to do your research into a product before purchasing to make sure you’re buying a quality product.
CBD is now making its way into bars and cafes
The legalization of CBD oil has now meant that cafes, bars, and restaurants across the USA are starting to offer it as an ‘extra’ in their products.
Adriaen Block in New York City even offers CBD cocktails.
It’s advertised as a great way to add a boost to your day-to-day life.
And, with its growing popularity, it’s no surprise that businesses are latching onto the trend.
CBD can be dated way back
Cool Things Chicago claims that Chinese emperor Shen Neng used the marijuana leaf in tea form over four thousand years ago for a whole range of health benefits.
It’s also claimed that Queen Victoria, who ruled England from 1837 to her death in 1901, also used cannabis derivatives throughout her life.
She found it particularly helpful when it came to menstrual cramps, and the product quickly became a routine.
The late astronomer Carl Sagan was a huge marijuana advocate. He proposed in 1977 that hemp may have actually been the first cultivated crop, although this is yet to be fully confirmed.
Medical cannabis was also prescribed in Ancient Greece as a remedy for pain.
CBD may reverse brain damage. See Best CBD oil capsules
A study by the University of Kentucky has suggested that CBD could reverse the brain damage caused by alcohol. In fact, it found that administrating CBD oil through the skin resulted in a 48.8% reduction in neurodegeneration in test subjects.
This could prove revolutionary for people looking to move on from a past of alcoholism.
