CBD 101

What is CBD?

CBD refers to Cannabidiol, the second most active ingredient in marijuana. It is essential to medical marijuana, however since it is extracted from the hemp plant (cousin to marijuana), it itself doesn’t cause a “high”. According to the World Health Organization, humans exhibit zero effects from CBD indicative of a potentiality of abuse or dependence. CBD is not psychoactive the way THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is.

How CBD Works

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. CBD operates by stimulating the receptors which then trigger the body’s production of its own cannabinoids, which are referred to as endocannabinoids.

There are two cannabinoid receptors:

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors are active throughout the body and brain. Cannabinoids produce effects by interacting with cannabinoid receptors. These effects include mobility, emotion, appetite changes, and memory functioning.

CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are present in the immune and gastrointestinal system and therefore, their effects are more centered around inflammation and aching. They usually exist on white blood cells, in the tonsils and spleen.

Does CBD help with illness?

CBD has shown great success in alleviating a range of different health issues, the strongest evidence being its effectiveness in treating epilepsy syndromes like Dravet syndrome, which does not always respond well to antiseizure medications. There have been several studies where CBD has successfully reduced the amount of seizures the patient has had and miraculously in some, it has stopped them all.

CBD vs THC

CBD and THC differ in several ways, from their chemical makeup, to their psychoactive capabilities and benefits. Noting their differences is important so that you’re aware of what it is that you are medicating with.

Chemical Structure

Both CBD and THC have the same molecular structure C21H30O2 which denotes:

21 carbon atoms
30 hydrogen atoms
2 oxygen atoms

The difference in atom arrangement is the reason why they differ in effects to your body. Both CBD and THC have a chemical makeup similar to the endocannabinoids found in the human body. With such, they can interact better with your cannabinoid receptors.

Psychoactive Components

Although CBD and THC share the same chemical arrangement, their psychoactive effects are different. THC produces a high, whereas CBD does not. CBD helps deal with ailments like anxiety and seizures. THC binds with your brain’s CB1 receptors to produce a euphoric “high”. On the other hand, CBD binds with less force and because of such, it requires the help of THC. In doing so, it can actually reduce some of the effects of THC that may not be desired for all users, like euphoria.

Medical Benefits

The benefits to CBD and THC are generally the same, ranging from providing relief for pain, muscle aches, and appetite loss. However, between the two, CBD is known to better treat seizures, depression, and migraines whereas THC is better in treating low appetite and insomnia.