CBD infused products

Right now, it seems like there are CBD products everywhere. Post the passing of the 2018 US Farm Bill, industrial hemp was legalized. Furthermore, many states have also legalized medical and recreational marijuana. CBD products have grown exponentially in availability and popularity. It is even infused in a plethora of mediums of consumption: from cleansing bars to sleeping aids, from gummy bears to lattes.

Currently, CBD is widely touted to be the naturally-obtained solution to many different problems such as pain, insomnia, and even depression. However, despite all of the talk about CBD, there is still a fair amount of confusion regarding what it really is and what its effects are. What really is CBD? Does it get you high? What problems can it solve? What effects does it have on us? In this article, we shed some light on what CBD really is and the effect that it has on the brain.

What Is CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, an active ingredient found in cannabis (or marijuana). People tend to believe that because CBD comes from cannabis, it will cause the consumer to get high. However, that could not be further from the truth. While CBD does come from cannabis, it is not psychoactive and therefore, not the component that is responsible for getting high. That would be tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. There are two kinds of cannabis plants: hemp or marijuana. Only the hemp plants that have less than 0.3% THC content are considered legal under the aforementioned Farm Bill act. CBD is usually extracted from hemp. Therefore, CBD-based products usually have little to none THC content, ensuring that their consumption does not cause any mind-altering ‘high’ effect.

How Does CBD Affect the Brain?

The human body has two receptors for cannabinoids – the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. All cannabinoids, including CBD, affect the body by attaching to these receptors. The human body itself also produces cannabinoids that attach to these receptors.

While CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, a large number of them are located only in the brain. These receptors in the brain are responsible for dealing with numerous functions such as mood and emotions; coordination and movement; cognitive abilities; and appetite – among other things. THC attaches to CB1 receptors.

On the other hand, CB2 receptors are present more widely in the immune system and are responsible for dealing with pain and inflammation. Researchers used to believe that CBD attached to CB2 receptors to have a positive impact on the immune system. However, it is now believed that CBD does not actually attach directly to either of the two receptors. Instead, it seems to enable the body to use its own cannabinoids more efficiently.

CBD is also known for its ability to target serotonin receptors. Because of this, CBD can be very helpful with treating disorders that involve pain, nausea or vomiting, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, among others. Furthermore, CBD also reacts with opioid receptors, which helps reduce drug cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms. So CBD serves as an organic alternative to opioids.

A study from University College London, which was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology has also revealed that cannabis with higher levels of CBD causes less brain disruption. In fact, the researchers actually go on to claim that CBD can even serve as a buffer against some of the harsher effects of THC.  Using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), the study discovered that the disruption that THC causes in the brain’s posterior cingulate (neural region responsible for awareness and episodic memory retrieval) is what leads to feeling ‘stoned’ or ‘high’. However, CBD was able to block this disruption as well.

The Bottom Line

With marijuana (medical and recreational) as well as CBD by itself getting more popularity, it is important to be informed about the effects they can have on us and be aware of the quality of products we choose to consume.

At Seabedee, we ensure that we make the best premium CBD products available to you. Whether it is CBD infused peach rings, CBD gummy bears, or CBD oil in capsules, you can be assured that we only make the best. Shop CBD now!