6 Things You Didn’t Know About CBD

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a chemical derived from hemp, a species of the Cannabis plant. Although you might already be thinking about weed and how CBD must be the same thing, they’re actually quite different. Hemp contains very little, if any THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. 

CBD is typically used as an anti-seizure medication, but it has also opened many doors in different fields of research. Some may still be ill-informed about its uses purely based on the stigma surrounding it. Here are some things you might not have known about CBD.

1.Hemp Is One of the Oldest Crops Humans Cultivated

Historical records show that we’ve been cultivating and using hemp since 8000 BCE, in the modern-day regions of China and Taiwan. Doctors in Ancient Greece prescribed cannabis juice to relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort, and even Queen Victoria used hemp to help with her menstrual cramps!

2.CBD Should not be exposed to Sunlight

You may have noticed that CBD oils are sold in tinted bottles, and there’s a reason for that. CBD can actually break down when exposed to sunlight. It won’t make it go off, but it will make your CBD a lot less potent. As the information found at https://goldbee.com/ explains, the origin of CBD oil is also of importance when we talk about its potency. There’s a notable difference between pure CBD oil and CBD oil derived from high-THC cannabis.

3.CBD Can Counteract the Negative Side Effects of THC

Although CBD once had a bad reputation among cannabis growers who were looking to grow high-THC cannabis, research suggests that CBD may actually counteract some of the negative effects of THC. Although people love the high they get from THC, nobody is a fan of the anxiety, paranoia, or hunger that follows. This evidence is more anecdotal than anything, but several studies already support this theory and there’s more research being done.

4.Humans Naturally Produce Cannabinoids

We produce endocannabinoids, which means endogenous cannabinoids. Those are some big words, but they’re really just neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help neurons communicate with each other. There are only two known endocannabinoids that we produce, but researchers believe there are many more whose functions are unknown. What we do know about endocannabinoids is that they help restore balance to our bodies in a very precise way. If our temperature is off by a few degrees, they bring it back to normal without disturbing any other bodily functions.

5. Pets Can Benefit From CBD

Vets may prescribe CBD oil to pets for just about anything, from an upset stomach to anxiety. It’s been shown that CBD can be useful in treating them, but the evidence is largely anecdotal. Despite this, THC should never be given to any pet as it’s actually poisonous to them.

6.CBD May Interact With Many Other Drugs

If you’ve heard good things about CBD and are thinking about using it daily, check in with your doctor first. CBD can interact with certain medications that you may be taking. Although considered a supplement and not a medication, you shouldn’t just take CBD like any other vitamin supplement. Always consult with your doctor before taking something new. 

Although we’ve been using hemp and CBD for centuries, the negative stigma brought on during the last few decades has set us back in CBD research. CBD has many wonderful medicinal qualities, more of which are being discovered daily. As it gains more and more popularity, we will begin to rediscover its value. 

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2022.