Cannabidiol
CBD products have become very popular lately, but many people still have questions. What is it used for? How does it work? Does it work? We did a lot of research before deciding to carry CBD to make sure it would be safe and helpful for our patients, and we want to pass some of that knowledge to you.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
The hemp plant is made up of more than 100 different compounds, known as cannabinoids. Among those compounds is an active ingredient known as CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD), along with many other cannabinoids, can be very beneficial to overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, due to its close relation, it is often grouped in with a separate cannabinoid, THC, which is the psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant that gives you the feeling of being “high.”Most CBD products are made with industrial hemp plants, and according to section 7606 of the Farm Bill, for a cannabis plant to be classified as industrial hemp, it must contain less than 0.3% THC. Since this is the case, it’s important to be able to know and trust the products you’re using. While this can sometimes be hard for a consumer to monitor in a product, we have fully researched the products we carry to make sure they are in compliance with this law.
The Endocannabinoid System
Throughout our bodies are groups of cell receptors that help maintain a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment. These receptors make up the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Research has identified 2 cannabinoid receptors: CB1, which are mainly focused in the central nervous system, and CB2, which are typically found on immune cells, in the gastrointestinal tract and in the peripheral nervous system. Our bodies naturally make endocannabinoids that stimulate these receptors, allowing our body and mind to communicate and survive. Stimulation of the ECS allows our bodies to naturally regulate things such as:
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Hunger
- Pleasure & Reward
- Motor Control
- Immune Function
- Reproduction & Fertility
- Mood
- Pain
- Memory
- Temperature Regulation
When these receptors aren’t stimulated, or the stimulation is limited, your body and mind are affected through one or more of these things, leaving your more susceptible to illness, both mentally and physically. CBD products are intended to supplement your bodies natural endocannabinoids to help better regulate the above functions. And while research is still being conducted, it is believed these products can also help with prevention of your ECS being out of balance.
Learn more about the CBD products we carry: Ananda Professional & PlusCBD
Cannibidiol can be a complicated topic, but hopefully this will help you understand more about what it is and how it works. We encourage you to speak with one of our pharmacists to learn more and to find out if a CBD product may be right for you. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have to make sure you are comfortable with your medication and supplements.