Guide to CBD

The guide to CBD explains how the cannabinoid works, the basics of product selection, and the different types. The following contains information you may need to make an informed decision about CBD use. 

How CBD Works

CBD is used as the initials for cannabidiol (CBD), the most popular of the many beneficial cannabinoids produced in hemp. It's also produced in much smaller amounts in marijuana, although more expensive per weight, so hemp is the more commonly used plant to extract CBD. Although CBD was first identified and isolated 80 years ago, It did not become well known in the scientific community until the first official journal report was published in the 1960’s. When hemp became a federally approved agricultural commodity, the amount of research increased.

CBD is widely known as a natural compound that produces a range of effects through different molecular pathways. One pathway is through the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, dopamine, and endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors. CBD increases dopamine levels, activates serotonin and GABA receptors, and inhibits the breakdown of the ECS messengers anandamide and 2-AG.  Many researchers believe CBD works by supporting the ECS function, promoting balance, or “homeostasis” when internal and external stressors cause an imbalance.

The Benefits of CBD 

Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin have their roles in mood regulation and mental health. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is less familiar. Research suggests that the identification of the ECS receptors by researchers studying the effects of THC has limited discussion in mainstream education. This is changing with the growing acceptance of cannabis and consumer interest in the mechanism of action in CBD.

The ECS is the largest regulatory system in the human body and is involved in nearly every function from thermal regulation, stress responses, immune system function, and pain perception. CBD's therapeutic potential is shown in lab results, animal studies, and a number of human clinical trials which suggest an impressive list of potential benefits.

Sleep Duration, Quality, and Onset Times Improvement

Waking up feeling rested largely depends on how long and how many times you cycle through the sleep stages. This is important for hormonal regulation, memory recall, tissue repair, and fortifying your immune system. With insomnia or lack of sleep, your system cycles through sleep cycles faster. This puts a strain on your body which triggers more stress hormones such as cortisol.

The ECS plays a crucial role in the structure and pattern of sleep cycles such as circadian rhythm maintenance, neurotransmitter regulation, and sleep architecture. Researchers have found a positive connection between CBD use and improved sleep duration. Other studies show the "calming" effect for sleep score improvements.

Physical Activity Pain Relief

Activity-induced pain and stiffness are typically caused by the microscopic damage important for muscle growth. Pushing through the discomfort before you've recovered increases your risk of injury. This type of muscle fatigue is linked to osteoarthritis and several other conditions such as limited joint mobility.

Recent research reveals several interactions potentially beneficial for easing forms of physical discomfort. For example, CBD’s influence on the receptor TRPV1, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production. CBD also inhibits the breakdown of anandamide, which is the ECS messenger needed in your body that is associated with mood elevation and pain modulation.

Calming Anxiety and Modulating Stress Responses

Persistent stress may cause a damaging increase in cortisol.  Gradually, the effect on the immune system changes the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. This is when serious health complications can rise. Stress management practices like yoga and meditation are also complimentary with CBD for calming anxiety. 

A recent report showing the results of many CBD studies shows how CBD works with mechanisms of action (MOA). The MOA of CBD is beneficial for stress management and stress-response-associated anxiety. CBD also has been shown to reduce the negative impact of cortisol through its effect on the "bliss molecule" anandamide.  

Neurological Process Support & Protection

The human brain processes information to focus and have mental clarity through memory recall, executive functions, and the ability to filter distractions. ECS messengers and receptors “talk” to each other by modulating the production, release, and activity of neurotransmitters and impact many processes related to neurological function. 

The progression of neurodegenerative disease experienced with Alzheimer’s and dementia are critically affected by Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Research suggests supporting ECS function with CBD could help protect the brain from degradation that could impair memory, learning, and cognition. This is done by reducing oxidative damage and suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Improving Appearance & Skin Health

The skin is a complex organ with a collection of tissues and integrated systems that work as a single structure. The outer layer of the skin acts as a barrier that protects your body from pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental hazards. The skin is vulnerable to internal and external factors that can compromise its health and appearance. Every type of skin cell is connected to ECS receptors on to modulate skin oil production, moisture retention, collagen & skin cell production. 

What kind of CBD is good quality?  

Oil is extracted from hemp flower trichomes and heated to specific temperatures to activate the plant-derived cannabinoids.  Thie is oil is then distilled, and used as an ingredient in a range of products. CBD concentrations, product formulations and overall purity, can vary by brand. Make sure the products are third-party batch tested to ensure they are safe and effective.

Lower the risk of buying tinctures, topicals, or edibles of questionable quality by focusing on well trusted industry-leading brands.  Consumers can make informed purchasing decisions by checking the certificate of analysis (COA) on the package. The COA verifies the amount of CBD in a product.  The COA also screens for heavy metals, pesticides, extraction residue, bacteria, and other potentially harmful contaminants that could affect the cannabinoid's therapeutic potential. Consider organizing your CBD product search based on the following extract types:

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Isolate Hemp Flower Extract  

Full Spectrum hemp flower extract delivers CBD with a full amount of beneficial minor cannabinoids and terpenes from nature. A small amount (0.3 % or less) of THC on third-party test results significantly lowers the risk of intoxication. Full spectrum CBD oil tinctures, soft-gels, gummies, and topicals are considered the potent because of the "entourage" effect, which is how the many cannabinoids and terpenes optimize each active component.   

Broad spectrum hemp flower extract has a similar cannabinoid and terpene profile as full, but the THC has been extracted out. To preserve the balance of cannabinoids and terpenes, extraction experts use chromatography to filter the THC from full spectrum oil. Broad spectrum extracts have the cannabinoids and terpenes needed for the potency-optimizing potential of an entourage effect.   

CBD isolate is the purest form of hemp flower extract. The extraction process utilizes chromatography and winterization to separate the CBD from the many other cannabinoids and plant compounds. What is left after isolation is a flavorless, odorless crystalline substance. While products made with CBD isolate don't have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes to provide an entourage effect, they also have therapeutic potential. Scientists often use purified CBD to ensure their results don’t interact with other plant components. 

Therapeutic Potential of CBD 

Side Effects of CBD  

Research shows that hemp-derived CBD products are non-addictive. The World Health Organization has found no "public health-related concerns." Some side effects, as with any health product, are possible, yet mostly tolerable. CBD users for example report unexpected fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, or appetite changes.  These symptoms mainly arise from overconsumption. Pregnant or lactating people should also avoid using cannabinoid products. 

You can minimize your risk of developing unpleasant symptoms by taking it slow and gradual, also called “Titration”.  The titration advice of experts recommend starting with a 5-10 mg CBD serving. If that serving size doesn't provide the results you're hoping for within a few days of consistent use, increase the amount of CBD you're using by a few milligrams and repeat the process. Take notes on any changes until you notice the amount of CBD you need to support your desired wellness goals. Everyone’s genetics are different. 

To learn more about incorporating the therapeutic potential of CBD into your wellness routine but aren't quite sure where to begin, visit www.TheSocietyCBD.com to take our CBD Product Quiz.  

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Please consult with a health professional when implementing with any current medical regimen.

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