CBD: it’s the latest big thing in health and wellness, with everyone from health professionals to celebrities singing its praises. CBD - or cannabidiol - is a cannabinoid, which is the name given to a wide range of naturally occurring plant-based chemicals which have been around for thousands of years. Studies have shown that CBD in particular can be beneficial to help with stress and anxiety, pain management, and focusing your attention.

Here at Molecule, we’re committed to ensuring that you can make educated choices when it comes to deciding if CBD is right for you, which is why we’ve written this introduction to CBD, to talk about what it is, where it came from, and how it can be used to elevate your daily wellness and help you balance your moods.

What’s the difference between CBD and THC?

Scientist Roger Adams first isolated cannabinoid in a study he performed in 1940, as one of 113 naturally occurring chemicals found in the plant cannabis sativa. The other infamous cannabinoid is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. These are known as phytocannabinoids, which simply means that they are cannabinoids derived from a plant. 

The difference between CBD and cannabis has to do with the range of plants as part of the cannabis family. Both hemp and marijuana come under the umbrella of cannabis, but different plants contain different levels of cannabinoids. So, for example, while THC is found in quite large amounts in marijuana, it is almost undetectable in industrial grade hemp plants - typically under 0.3%. Meanwhile industrial grade hemp plants are an excellent source for CBD extraction.

Aside from the differences in how they’re harvested, THC is psychoactive. This is what gives people the euphoria feeling, as THC binds with the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t cause that high, or bind to our cannabinoid receptors in the same way, which is why it cannot get you high. However, it interacts with our natural endocannabinoid system, inducing feelings of well-being.

Why do people take CBD?

CBD naturally has the ability to fight inflammation, soothe sore muscles, relieve menstrual cramping and intestinal pain, reduce stress, aid in sleep, provide mental clarity, and aid in weight management. However, scientific research is still in the early stages, as we try to understand how it is that CBD can affect any of these.

Currently the National Institutes of Health clinical trials database shows more than 160 trials involving CBD that are either active or recruiting, and there is a lot more scientific research needed before definitive statements can be made about how CBD interacts with the human body.

What we do know is that, in the UK and here at Molecule, CBD products are not being sold as medicine. They are instead legal supplements to help you achieve more plant-based balance and wellness.

Different Kinds of CBD

There are many different forms of CBD, and as you continue learning about the molecule, you’ll find there is a dizzying array of options.

CBD comes in many forms, including full spectrum and isolate. Full spectrum formulas include other phytocannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant that create what is known as the “entourage effect”, which some people prefer. CBD isolate is restricted to CBD only, and is ideal for people who prefer to avoid interacting with THC in any amounts.

The choice of what you choose to take will depend on how the different kinds of CBD affect you, and this is completely specific to you as an individual. Every person has a biological endocannabinoid system, which is in charge of cognitive and physical functions. Phytocannabinoid CBD binds to our internal receptors CB1, which is found primarily in the brain, and CB2, which is found primarily in our body. This means that the specific dose of CBD you take will be distinct to you.

CBD is also an adaptogen, which means that your body’s response to it will adapt over time, and you will start to enjoy a cumulative effect. We’ve got a more in depth guide to how to choose your CBD dose, but fundamentally the recommendation is to start low and increase slowly.

CBD is currently recognised as being non-addictive, and cannot lead to fatal overdoses, however it may interact with any medications you’re already taking - if so, check with your GP or doctor before use.

Takeaways

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you now have a high level overview of the
fundamentals of CBD. We’re committed to ensure that you will always have the most up to date information about CBD, from the laws to the science. Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you never miss an article, and if you’re interested in seeing what CBD can do for you, why not get in touch, or call in and see us at 103a Westbourne Grove, London.