CBD! What is it?
Well, that is a good question and one that has received lots of attention.
- What's the difference between CBD and marijuana?
- What can CBD do for you?
- Isn't CBD just a fad?
First of all CBD is NOT marijuana. Marijuana is grown without the male variety of the plant so it produces more resin. The more resin, the more psychoactive effects of THC. CBD, on the other hand, is grown with both male and female varieties resulting in a resin full of CBD and only a small amount of THC.
CBD is a natural substance from the hemp plant. Hemp has a rich history having originated in Asia and the Middle East thousands of years ago. In the United States, hemp showed up in the 16th century and farmers were fined if they didn't grow it. Hemp was used for paper, food, fiber, construction materials, clothing, and other products.
In the 1920's, a negative Hemp/Marijuana media war exploded which led to it being classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance meaning it has no benefit and has a high potential for abuse. However, in July 2018, CBD was downgraded from a Schedule 1 controlled substance to a Schedule V, meaning it has some benefits and a low potential for abuse. The FDA changed the category so that a drug containing CBD called Epidiolex could be sold.
Finally, in December 2018, CBD was downgraded to an unscheduled substance due to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018 which removed hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) as a controlled substance making CBD legal in all 50 states. However, some states have their own regulations so do your research.
Benefits of CBD
CBD works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically CB1 & CB2 receptors. These receptor proteins are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. In other words, the ECS is linked to the following body functions to help maintain homeostasis:
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Immune function
- Inflammation, including neuroinflammation
- Mood
- Energy regulation
- Sleep
- Reproduction/fertility
- Motor control
- Temperature regulation
- Memory
- Pain
- Pleasure/reward
When any of these body functions get out of balance, the ECS sends out natural endocannabinoids and enzymes to regulate the body and bring it back into balance or homeostasis. For example:
- If you get too hot, your ECS causes you to sweat and bring your body temperature down.
- If you get too cold, you shiver.
- When you get hungry, your stomach growls.
- When you get tired, you yawn.
If the body cannot adjust to changes and maintain homeostasis, this increases the likelihood of developing a disease. This is where plant cannabinoids, like CBD, can add support like adding a good multivitamin to your regimen to fill in nutritional gaps.
CBD vs THS
CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord).
CB2 receptors are found all over the body in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in the extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system.
THC acts on both CB1 and CB2, however, when they attach to CB1 in the brain causing intoxicating effects. Attaching to CB2 creates a decrease in pain and the prevention of nausea that chemotherapy patients receive from smoking marijuana. While THC has great benefits, there are risks for some to develop schizophrenia, it is illegal in some states, and drug test failure.
CBD provides the desired effects of cannabinoids without any psychotropic effects or drug test failure. CBD does not bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors but instead impacts them indirectly by modifying the receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids. Instead it activates another receptor called TRPV1 which controls important functions in the endocannabinoid system. In other words, CBD can help the body regulate itself in a better, more consistent way by utilizing what it already has in place.
Work smarter, not harder, right?
Nature's Ultra CBD is an isolate and contains 0.00% THC. But then the entourage effect is lost, right?
Overall, terpenes contribute to the medicinal properties of cannabis so Young Living added terpenes in the form of essential oil thus reinstating the entourage effect.
Introducing Smart Spectrum CBD, a CBD isolate containing terpenes from Young Living essential oils to preserve the entourage effect without any trace of psychogenic effects from THC.
- US Certified Organic and NON-GMO
- Seed to Seal certified - Rigorously tested and approved according to Young Living's quality standards.
- High-Quality CBD - Pure, safe, legal, with 0% THC
- Vegan-Approved and Gluten-Free - No animal by-products and a commitment to never do any animal testing.
Now available through your virtual office and starting Feb 1, 2020 eligible for Essential Rewards orders and earning Essential Rewards points.
