An Introduction to CBD Oil.
Written By: Alex Angell
Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become one of the most intriguing and notable compounds in the field of natural health. While all major cannabinoids have therapeutic attributes and applications, CBD is responsible for the vast majority of the health benefits cannabis has to offer. Also, since CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, it is suited to be taken any time of day and in any situation. The two most commonly mentioned general properties of CBD are its function as a neuromodulator/neuroprotectant and anti-inflammatory agent. The term "neuromodulator" refers to a compound that establishes proper neurological function. It has proven to be remarkably effective in managing seizures, tremors, neuropathy and menstrual discomfort, and many people have reported success in inhibiting tumor growth as well as mitigating the symptoms of HIV/AIDS and Crohn's disease. CBD also has value as an anti-psychotic, antidepressant, anti-convulsant and anxiolytic compound. On the other side of the spectrum, CBD can regulate blood sugar levels and act as an antioxidant in the body. Remarkably, a recent discovery shows that CBD can alter gene expression and can remove beta-amyloid plaque - which plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease - from the brain cells. CBD can also increase the effects of many medications and supplements, allowing one to either amplify effects or reduce dosages.
In addition to the cannabinoids themselves, the flowering tops of the plant contain aromatic compounds known as terpenes. These unique compounds have also received a recent increase of interest in the natural health world, mainly within the medicinal cannabis industry as well as the essential oil demographic. These are the substances that give cannabis flowers their distinct scent and all variations thereof. Terpenes directly contribute to the variations of effect between the various strains of cannabis; some terpenes block certain cannabinoid receptors and promote binding in others, uniquely shaping the effect and experience. This is why strains are often associated with their own "suggested use," such as focus, relaxation, creativity or analgesia. Terpenes also have their own distinct biological processes, notably their anti-inflammatory and immune boosting effects.
These compounds provide optimal efficacy when taken in conjunction with one another. This synergistic phenomenon has been termed "the entourage effect." For example, 100 milligrams of a CBD-rich true total plant complex that includes a full-spectrum cannabinoid profile, and preferably terpenes as well, will be considerably more effective than 100 milligrams of crystalline CBD. The human body has an endocannabinoid system of naturally-produced cannabinoid compounds such as anadamide and 2-AG, and their corresponding cannabinoid receptors which are divided into two main categories: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found in the brain and play a part in cannabinoids' effect on consciousness, while CB2 receptors are found in immune cells and facilitate their anti-inflammatory effects. The issue is that the body breaks down endocannabinoids much more quickly than their exogenous counterparts, so their effects have too short of a duration to fully agonize the receptors and produce therapeutic effects. Once cannabinoids enter the system, they team up with the body's endocannabinoids and function somewhat like a mob when binding to receptors and establishing proper neurological and immune function. This is why the entourage effect is so important. A larger number of cannabinoids taken at the same time produces far greater efficacy than a single cannabinoid, even the dosage thereof is higher than that of the total plant complex.
CBD supplements can be used a handful of ways, but the three most common routes of administration are sublingual/oral ingestion, inhalation, and to a slightly lesser extent, topical application. The sublingual/oral combination method is most common method since the sublingual vein will expedite the absorption of some of the cannabinoids and provide some bypassing of first-pass metabolism, although consuming an edible supplement will also provide a strong effect and long duration. Here, onset takes about 20 to 30 minutes to occur, and effects usually last for 4-5 hours with some variation. However, the effects of inhalation function on a completely different time frame. Because the cannabinoids are not processed by the body's CYP450 enzymes, the duration is much shorter - anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on how many inhalations are taken. But the advantage of inhaling lies in its direct delivery of cannabinoids into the bloodstream, and almost immediate onset. While many people may prefer - or require - one method or the other, these two methods can be used in conjunction to great advantage. For example, if a person who has benign tremors is operating a vehicle and they begin to flare up, that person can take a few inhalations from a vaporization device and quickly gain the stability necessary to proceed safely. Then, if need be, that person can pull over and take the next sublingual dose. Topical application in the form of a salve or balm has also become a popular format for CBD supplementation. Cannabinoids are capable of transdermal absorption and direct local pain relief, and this is especially helpful for the symptoms of arthritis.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are the face of the next chapter in our pharmacological history. As ancient as the cannabis plant and its compounds are, it has been relegated to the fringes of science and culture for decades and longer. Fortunately, the interest, awareness and research on cannabis have grown exponentially, and the industry continues to expand and develop with the clear intention of saving and drastically improving lives. In the face of social taboos and misinformation, science has proven that cannabinoids are not only a consistently efficacious medicine for a plethora of diseases and conditions, but are far superior to more harmful substances that have been previously accepted as the only or best option available.
References:
http://www.mybpg.com/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-explained/
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/09/11/medical-marijuana-entourage-effect/
http://www.leafscience.com/endocannabinoid-system/works/cannabinoids/
http://www.leafscience.com/endocannabinoid-system/works/cb1-cb2-receptors/
http://www.leafscience.com/2014/11/03/can-vaporize-cbd/
