What is cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of at least 113 cannabinoids that is extracted from the flowers and buds of marijuana or hemp plants.

Cannabidiol is a non psychoactive and will not get you high. Its a naturally occurring substance which can be extracted and mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed or coconut oil to create CBD oil.

Cannabinoids have been shown to boost the human body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).

CBD molecule

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

The endocannabinoid system operates vital functions within our body including immune system response, hormone levels, pain, memory, anxiety and stress.

The endocannabinoid system wasn't fully understood until the 1990's,

Key components of the endocannabinoid system

Endocannabinoids - Neurotransmitters similar to dopamine and serotonin that are chemical messengers of the nervous system. (endo meaning found in the body).

Cannabinoid receptors - Located all throughout the body. Receptors are activated by endocannabinoids.

CB1 receptors - Mainly located in the brain, spine, spleen, peripheral organs, white blood cells, parts of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

CB2 receptors - Mainly found on white blood cells, in the spleen and in the tonsils. An important function of cannabinoid receptors is the regulation of cytokine release, this is in the immune system.

Metabolic enzymes - They work by breaking down endocannabinoids after they have been used.

History

The first documented use of cannabis-derived medicine was in 2737 BC by the Chinese Emperor Sheng Nung. He is thought to have used cannabis infused tea to help with a variety of ailments including malaria, gout, memory issues and rheumatism.

Hemp
Hemp has been used frequently by humans since 10,000 years ago.
Tests have suggested that the use of wild hemp dates to 8000 B.C.

1998
GW Pharmaceuticals got a licence to grow cannabis plants to provide a realiable souce of CBD to use for studies and clinical trials.

2016
The Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) determined that CBD oil in the UK could be considered a medicinal ingredient if it was used for medicinal purposes.

2020
Hemp and CBD product use has increased massively in the UK, Europe and USA. People are rapidly discovering the great effects that cannabinoids have on the mind and body.