Cannabidiol 101: What is CBD?

Loic Aubonney
October 27, 2020

What is CBD? (also known as Cannabidiol) For the uninitiated, Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical compounds, of which two have been researched and studied for decades: THC and CBD. Both were studied, however, for entirely different reasons.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the more famous (or should we say infamous) of the two. It is a psychoactive compound. THC is associated with the pleasant “high” that users experience after ingesting or smoking marijuana. Furthermore, if you absolutely cannot do without your weekly or daily dose of marijuana, blame it on THC.

2. The other compound is a lot more interesting. It’s called CBD or Cannabidiol. It is a non-psychotropic compound. CBD or Cannabidiol has shown immense promise in medicinal, as well as therapeutic applications. Non-Psychotropic means that it does not cause the high that THC does. Instead, it helps the body in many, many other ways. We’ll explore more about Cannabidiol shortly.

The research results regarding CBD and Cannabidiol are extremely promising

Many countries have, as a result, already declared the production, purchase, sale, as well as acquisition of CBD products legal. This, of course, is subject to certain limitations. The first regulation is that the CBD must be derived from hemp. Hemp, as a matter of fact, is another variation of the Cannabis Sativa plant.

CBD products may not contain more than a certain prespecified percentage of THC. This is the second and even more important regulation. However, the maximum limits vary from country to country. Does all this sound like scientific gibberish to you? Then let’s try a layman’s explanation here.

A Breakthrough Came in 1974

CBD was first isolated from the chemical structure of Cannabis Sativa in 1940. Research however, was extremely difficult because of archaic laws, relating to marijuana, as well as medical cannabis. Therefore, CBD remained a mystery for a long time. This was true at least until 1974. During that year, a series of clinical trials was conducted. They revealed that pure CBD can limit the effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in humans. In other words, CBD has an antipsychotic effect.

The antipsychotic effect of CBD

It was discovered that besides the exciting high, THC gives its consumers, some unpleasant side effects. For example, there is a tendency towards unconnected trains of thought. Furthermore, short-term memory impairment and even anxiety were found to be side effects of TCB. CBD helps to contain those side effects.

What Difference between CBD and THC

We briefly touched on this earlier. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It has no psychoactive effects. CBD, when ingested, does not cause the euphoria or high that marijuana users experience. Instead, it has shown remarkable therapeutic benefits. Cannabidiol has shown such benefits in treating conditions like epilepsy, depression, anxiety, as well as psychotic disorders. Other conditions where Cannabidiol has provided relief are nausea caused by chemotherapy, PTSD, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, liver injury, as well as Parkinson’s disease. And that’s not even half the list.

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CBD or Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol was first isolated from the chemical structure of Cannabis Sativa as early as 1940. However, arcane laws relating to Marijuana, made research extremely difficult. This was the reason why CBD was always shrouded in mystery. Until a clinical CBD trial, conducted in 1974, revealed one ability of CBD. Scientists found that Canabidiol was able to limit the negative effects of THC (9 ““ tetrahydrocannabinol) in humans.

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC also sneaks in a few unpleasant symptoms besides an exhilarating high. Those symptoms are; disjointed thoughts or short-term memory impairment, as well as anxiety. CBD helps to limit those side effects. This allows researchers and scientists to use THC and medical marijuana purely with beneficial properties. Now they were also able to use THC in doses that would have otherwise been impossible to administer.

Scientific research on Cannabidiol

CBD or cannabidiol enables researchers and scientists to use THC exclusively with its beneficial properties. This also applies to doses that could not possibly be administered without cannabidiol.

Subsequently, CBD has become the go-to component of the medical research community. Subsequently, numerous clinical trials were conducted. Trials, to explore the potential that the compound has in an ever-increasing range of medical applications.

The article Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome by Devinsky et al. was published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2017.
A clinical trial phase I was ongoing until the end of 2019 to study the Treatment of Chronic Pain with Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This study was completed under the supervision of Deborah Yurgelun-Todd from the University of Utah.
Another clinical trial, labeled Evaluation of the Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) Compared to Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Alprazolam from the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the USA completed successfully in June of 2018.

Full-spectrum cannabis oils

Those oils are extracted from industrial hemp, which is a version of Cannabis Sativa. Full-sprectrum oils and other Cannabidiol or CBD products with high CBD concentrations have become quite the rage in the past few years. This, in both, the medical, as well as fitness communities. We know what you are thinking. Isn’t Marijuana also Cannabis Sativa? What’s Hemp then? And what’s the difference between CBD hemp and marijuana?

Hemp or marijuana? What does it have to do with Cannabidiol?

We admit that it does get confusing. This is especially true since there’s a very thin and blurred line to differentiate between the cannabis plants. Hemp and Marijuana both belong to the same species of the plant, Cannabis Sativa. Hence, the name often gets interchangeably used. Which is often the case, especially by laymen who are as far from taxonomy as we are from the moon. So, Hemp is called Marijuana, and Marijuana is called Hemp (mistakenly). And both may be called Cannabis and contain CBD. Whew! Did we lose you? No? Great!

Here’s a more reasonable explanation. Hemp, hemp stalk, as well as agricultural hemp are a type of Cannabis Sativa. Hemp is specifically reared for its industrial applications. Those include Cannabidiol or CBD oil, seeds, fiber, paper, as well as fabric. The hemp plant has extremely low THC levels when compared to Marijuana. However, it has a high CBD content. It grows taller (almost 20 feet) and has a very distinctive, skinny, bamboo-like appearance. It’s highly adaptable and can, unlike Marijuana, be grown in a variety of climates without much care.

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Hemp or Hemp Stalk

Hemp or hemp stalk, or agricultural hemp, is a type of Cannabis Sativa. This type is specially cultivated for industrial applications. Those include CBD Oil, seeds, fibers, paper, as well as cloth. The hemp plant has an extremely low THC content compared to marijuana. It grows higher (almost six meters) and has an easily recognizable thin and bamboo-like appearance. Hemp is also very adaptable and grows without much effort under a wide range of climatic conditions.

Marijuana

Marijuana, on the other hand, is a short, stout bush, not taller than five feet. The plant has to be carefully grown in a controlled environment. It is grown to source the glands or Trichomes that grow on the leaves and buds. It is those Trichomes from which weed or pot or whatever it’s called, is extracted. A most important difference is the chemical makeup. The marijuana plant has significant levels of THC and very sparse Cannabidiol content.

Summarizing key facts on hemp and marijuana

Hemp: Low THC content, 15-20 feet tall skinny plant, reared for its industrial applications, and most importantly, CBD hemp oil.
Marijuana: High THC content, 3-5 feet tall, stout bush, reared for its resin-rich glands or aromatic trichomes.

Now let’s talk about the classification of Hemp-extracted CBD and Marijuana. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines Hemp-extracted CBD, as products sourced from Cannabis Sativa. Most importantly, the FDA specifies, that Hemp extracted Cannabidiol or CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. Since the introduction of the 2018 Farm Bill, Cannabidiol from hemp is considered a dietary supplement in the United States and federally legal. However, the only FDA approved prescription of CBD is Epidiolex. A medicine used to treat seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome.

In Europe this is quite different

Europe defines hemp as products sourced from Cannabis Sativa that have less than 0,2 or 0,3% of THC. Here in Switzerland, the level of legally permitted THC content in CBD products is 1%. Anything more is, as a matter of fact, considered a controlled substance and is termed as illegal Marijuana possession.

For now, let’s say that the level of THC and the way the plant is reared will define whether it’s legal Hemp or illegal Marijuana.

Usage of CBD, Cannabidiol and THC in Medical Conditions

Medical Benefits of CBD or Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the most abundant, as well as important cannabinoids. It has a very similar chemical formula to THC, but the atoms are arranged slightly differently. This slight difference makes CBD non-psychotropic. Therefore, it does not causie the familiar “high” associated with THC.

CBD is probably one of the most researched cannabinoids. It has proven to be an effective treatment protocol for a wide variety of symptoms and diseases. A few of those include:

Arthritis
Blood pressure and cardiovascular issues
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Depression
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Weakness of the Immune system

Inflammation
Insomnia
Crohn’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Sexual health and performance issues
Sport and recovery
Stress and anxiety
Women’s health issues

There is a perfect CBD oil for everyone

Medical Benefits of THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is the main psychotropic active ingredient in cannabis. It is probably also the most well-known. It works by mimicking the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG which help modulate mood, perception, sleep, as well as a wide variety of other physiological functions.

Although, people tend to associate THC with recreational use, it has also been shown to have several therapeutic properties, including:

Relieves the
side effects of chemotherapy
Relieves symptoms of multiple sclerosis
Aids in the treatment of HIV/AIDS
Reduces nausea and vomiting
Helps to stem chronic pain
Reduces inflammation
Improves digestive health

CBD effects: How does CBD or Cannabidiol affect your body?

The human body produces its own cannabinoids. Those are called endocannabinoids. Those tiny molecules are nested deep inside cells in different parts of the body. Cannabidiol can stimulate specific responses from those cells. This is depending on the signals that they receive from Cannabinoid receptors. Those are another group of receptors that are located on the cell surface. In its whole, it is called the endocannabinoid system. This system runs throughout your entire body and includes Millions of receptors. They all can bind themselves with the cannabinoids you consume.

Dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in all pathological conditions

The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes. Those processes affect our everyday experiences like our mood, our energy level, our intestinal fortitude, as well as our body’s immune system activity. That is however not all. It also positively affects our blood pressure, as well as our bone density, glucose metabolism, how we experience pain, stress, as well as hunger, and more.

Cutting-edge science has shown that the endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in nearly all pathological conditions. Thus, it stands to reason that modulating the endocannabinoid system activity may have therapeutic potential in almost all diseases affecting humans. As was suggested in the 2014 publication by Pal Pacher and George Kunos. They are scientists with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Cannabidiol or CBD and Other Cannabinoids

CBD (and other cannabinoids such as THC) mimic compounds that our body also produces naturally. Those compounds activate themselves to maintain the inner stability and health of the body.

To explain a complex system in simple terms, they mediate the communication between cells. When there is a deficiency or problem with our endocannabinoid system, unpleasant symptoms and physical complications occur.

A strong & effective compound

When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids bind to receptor sites in our brain (receptors called CB-1) and body (CB-2). Depending on the specific cannabinoid we have consumed, the chemical reactions in our body will vary. This is what enables CBD to be such a strong, effective, and versatile compound.

THC and Your Body

CBD or Cannabidiol, on the Other Hand, is Different Altogether:

How about a nice cup of CBD tea?

Types of CBD Products & How to Use Cannabidiol

All these benefits constitutes the reasons why CBD products like Cannabidiol Oil and dietary supplements have become a trend for many people. A trend that has grown from the addition of CBD drops in tea or salad to inhaling through vaping as well as the consumption of gummy bears with CBD. As you can see, cannabidiol can be consumed in many different ways. And the users have a thoroughly great experience with it.
CBD comes in a variety of different Cannabidiol product types. They cover a variety of lifestyles, conditions, and needs. The most popular product types and their usages are summarized in the table below.

Product Type	Usage	Benefits
CBD oils & tinctures	Oral Application: Place a few drops under the tongue and hold it for 30-60 seconds	Versatile in usage Available in a wide variety of types, strengths, and concentrations Effective for acute and chronic symptoms Ideal as a supplement for general health and wellness
CBD Capsules	Oral Application: Swallow a capsule with water	Discreet Ease of application Effective for acute and chronic symptoms Ideal as a supplement for general health and wellness
CBD Edibles	Oral Application: Enjoy in the same way as any other candy or baked product	Easy to use and Discreet Precision dosed Successful against acute and chronic symptoms Great as a supplement for general health and wellness
CBD Topicals	Topical Application: Apply the product directly to the affected area and cover with a bandage if necessary	Fast, effective, and localized relief Effective for acute conditions such as pain and strains from injury Ideal for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
CBD Cosmetics	Topical Application: Apply the product directly to the skin/use as directed	Anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory Effective prevention and treatment for overall skin health Effective treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions including acne, eczema, and aging
CBD Vape Products	Inhalation: Vape products come in either concentrate or in a “tank” style and can be either disposable or refillable	Fast onset time of 20-60 seconds Helpful against acute conditions such as neuropathic pain, anxiety, tremors, and seizures
CBD Concentrates	Inhalation: Smoking, dabbing or vaping	Fast onset time of 20-60 seconds Effective for acute conditions such as neuropathic pain, anxiety, tremors, and seizures

Cannabidiol: CBD Dosage

Many people struggle with CBD dosages. They either don’t know how much to start with, or what an effective dosage would be for them and their needs. The problem with CBD dosing is that there isn’t one “correct” Cannabidiol dosage that works for everybody. However, it is always recommended to start low and go slow, starting with a dose of 25 mg of CBD taken twice a day. If needed, increase the CBD dosage every 3-4 weeks by adding another dose of 25 mg daily until symptoms are relieved. However, if you experience any unwanted side-effects, decrease the dose by 25 mg. For more specific CBD dosage recommendations and considerations, head over to our CBD Usage & Dosage guide.

CBD for pets: does Cannabidiol work for them too?

With all the buzz around CBD or Cannabidiol, using CBD for pets is fast becoming just as popular as it is with humans. But for most people, giving any type of medicine or supplement to their pet comes with questions. However, because Cannabidiol is relatively new to the pet world. Most veterinarians are not yet educated in, or always open to recommending and prescribing its use. This is the reason why for many pet owners many of these questions remain unanswered. That’s why we’ve put together a quick-read guide. This guide explains topics like how CBD oil works, what CBD oil can and can’t do, and what the benefits are of >CBD oil for cats as well as dogs.

Beautiful skin, thanks to CBD skin care products

Conclusions on CBD and Cannabidiol

To sum things up, CBD or Cannabidiol affects a variety of receptor sites and also influences non-cannabinoid receptor sites. The effects Cannabidiol has on them, are yet to be fully studied. However, what is known so far about Cannabidiol, has tremendous potential in medical applications. That’s precisely why CBD-rich products such as CBD drops and supplements have become a rage among the general population.

People consume CBD in many different ways

From adding a few drops of CBD to their tea and even salads to vaping it, as well as chewing CBD gummies, people are consuming CBD in any and every possible way. And they have only great experiences to talk about. In case you are interested in trying CBD products for yourself, talk to your doctor and have a look at uWeed’s high-quality product range in our CBD online shop. You should try out the very best of Cannabidiol products. CBD products of the highest quality are Swiss CBD products. Swiss CBD products are produced under strict control and offer you a perfect, reliable product.

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