If you’ve been looking into alternative medical treatments and wholistic healing then you’ve probably seen CBD and have wondered exactly what it is. CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from the Cannabis plant. That statement alone is enough to make most people run. They automatically assume the worst because of the social stigma against cannabis. They think anything to do with it must be dangerous and bad for your health. They might even think it’s illegal. Sometimes when I tell someone that I take CBD oil that comes from the cannabis plant, they suddenly think I’m some kind of druggy. Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive drug. It won’t make you “high”. In fact, CBD counteracts the psychotropic aspects of THC. It’s also safe and legal in the United States. There are many people that take CBD either to help with a health issue, or just for their overall health. There have been many studies on CBD to find what it does to the body and any potential side effects. So far, the only side effect found is sleepiness when CBD is consumes in large amounts. There has been no record of someone over dosing on CBD. It is essentially harmless for the human body and its health benefits are almost uncountable. In this post I will go into greater detail about what CBD is and how it interacts with the body and the legality of CBD products.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid derived from either Marijuana or Hemp. It was one of man cannabinoids found in Marijuana and Hemp and it is praised for its health benefits. There are up to 113 different cannabinoids that can be extracted, all with slightly different effects on the body. THC and CBD are the most abundant cannabinoids in the plant. Cannabinoids are compounds that react with the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in our bodies. The human body produces endocannabinoids that produce similar effects and travel along the CB-1 and CB-2 receptor pathways. Cannabinoids travel along these same pathways to heal the body and relieve pain. In a way they mimic what our body is supposed to do naturally.
Anandamide is the endogenous cannabinoid in mammals. Our brains make this CBD/THC like compound. It is referred to as the bliss compound because of how it puts people in a good mood. This cannabinoid made in our body is the reason why we have the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in our body. Chocolate has anandamide in it, this is why people sometimes feel much better after eating chocolate.
Interacting with these receptors causes a relief of pain and inflammation. It promotes healing and the proper functioning of cells and nerves. CBD reacts strongly with the CB-2 receptors that are found throughout the digestive system. CB-1 receptors are found mostly throughout the nervous system, but CBD is still received by CB-1 receptors. Many people with neurological disorders and diseases swear by CBD. CBD has been known to soothe the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases and even to bring healing to some of these life destroying diseases.
In my personal experience CBD oil has been beneficial in controlling esophageal motility, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, stress, anxiety, trouble sleeping, inflammation, and other digestive pains. It has promoted the healing and proper functioning of my LES (lower esophageal flap), it has promoted healing in my stomach, it has controlled inflammation in my stomach, and helped me with overall digestion. It has helped me sleep better and feel more recovered the next day. It has helped me be able to sleep lying down, something I could not do for almost eight months until taking CBD oil.
The legality of CBD is a complicated topic. In most places you can buy and order it without any worry. If you live in the U.S. then I would recommend that you check your state laws before making a purchase. In Wisconsin the governor just signed a bill that could make CBD legal to possess with a doctors permission. So some states are still pretty harsh on any product that is related to the cannabis plant. However, most states will allow you to have CBD as long as it follows certain guidelines, such as a THC level lower than .2 percent. The biggest thing here is to look into your own state’s or country’s law. Some places may not even have regulations for it.
Alright, I hope this you’ve learned a little about CBD, how it interacts with the body, and why it works. CBD is a very effective and healthy form of treatment that is worth looking into and trying.
In my next post I am thinking about covering the different strains used for CBD oils and how they can make you feel. Some make you tired, some make you alert and energetic.
would CBD have side affects on a 84yr old woman
that has symptoms of acid reflex but has not been diagnosed.
CBD oil has been shown to temporarily raise blood pressure, so that would be factor to consider. Otherwise, it would be perfectly healthy.