top of page

What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?

Updated: May 26, 2021


CBD and Hemp products can come in a variety of different modalities and products like...




You probably have concerns about CBD, especially if you're here. What is it-- and does it work? The Spying Elephant started the research for you. We learned more about that natural substance that's everywhere nowadays-- from your favorite coffee bar to shopping mall kiosks. In fact, you've most likely seen claims about CBD that sound too excellent to be true.


So, let's explore what CBD really is, how it works, how to produce CBD and why it's growing in popularity. Whether you're new to CBD or have been taking it for years, this thorough guide provides a definitive answer to all your CBD-related questions.


What is CBD?


CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in both Hemp and Marijuana plants. While the plants are both members of the Cannabis family, they vary considerably in composition. Hemp plants have less than 0.3 percent THC. In contrast, Marijuana has anywhere from 3 to 35 percent THC.


Hemp requires lower maintenance than Marijuana and is likewise cheaper wholesale. It has applications in body clothing, building and construction, and care. Many CBD companies use Hemp-derived CBD for two factors: It's more cost-effective and satisfies regulation requirements. Federal and numerous state regulations are making the difference in between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived products due to the difference in THC concentrations. With CBD won't get you "high"-- even in its rawest type, Hemp isn't associated with psychoactive results.


CBD and THC are simply 2 of the cannabinoids, or chemical substances, discovered in Cannabis plants. Researchers have actually discovered lots of other compounds. Some others that you might hear referenced when talking about CBD:

  • Cannabichromene (CBC)

  • Cannabidiol Acid (CBDA)

  • Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

  • Cannabigerol (CBG)

  • Cannabinol (CBN)

  • Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Where does CBD come from?


Now that you know more about Hemp-derived CBD, you might be wondering where Hemp comes from. The answer is more complex than you might anticipate. For a very long time, almost all CBD items originated from European farms. Due to the fact that growing Hemp was prohibited in the U.S.-- however one piece of legislation ended up altering the game. The Agricultural Act of 2014, or 2014 Farm Bill, made it legal to grow Hemp without having a license from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-- a significant milestone that helped CBD become mainstream.


Why was Hemp made illegal?


In 1971, The Controlled Substances Act made Cannabis a Schedule 1 substance. Per the DEA, a Schedule 1 compound is one that has "no currently accepted medical use in the United States, an absence of accepted safety for usage under medical supervision, and a high capacity for abuse." More than 40 years later on, the federal government acknowledged Hemp's potential by making it legal to farm under research study and pilot programs.


The 2018 Farm Bill additional sealed Hemp's legality in the U.S., as it explicitly makes Hemp legal in all 50 states and offers assistance for farmers who cultivate the plant. The Spying Elephant works with top Hemp brands that source all their CBD from superior-grade Industrial Hemp.


How is CBD Extracted?


There's more than one way to bake a cake, and the exact same can be stated for drawing out CBD. Hemp, or CBD, brands we work with make CBD using a specialized process that results in CBD including less than 0.3% THC, making all our items federally legal.


CBD Intake


It's important to know that The Spying Elephant is not a medical professional and can not supply exact CBD consumption recommendations-- you need to take the quantity that feels finest for you. Nevertheless, we can supply you with basic standards and some fundamental details on the metabolization process to guide you in the best direction. CBD works with your body's natural biochemistry and metabolic process, and everyone reacts to CBD in a different way. A few of the things that may impact how you process CBD are diet plan, weight, age and sex.


The very best technique is to begin with little servings and gradually increase your intake. This will much better allow you to understand how your body processes the compound and assist you find the amount that brings you one of the most convenience. Attempt your finest to take CBD everyday for desired impacts and increase servings by a few milligrams if you don't see your preferred results. It likewise depends on why you're taking CBD - consider whether your pain is moderate, persistent or severe, and decline or increase your serving appropriately. See our CBD intake guide.


How Does CBD Interact with Your Body?


CBD works because of the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, a biological system found in mammals. It is a collection of cell receptors and particles spread throughout the body that affects psychological clarity, cravings, sleep and more. Receptors are gatekeepers to various molecules and are triggered by chemical molecules called agonists. When an agonist binds with a receptor, a message is passed on to the cell.


The 2 cell receptors involved in the Endocannabinoid System are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are most commonly discovered in the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 remains in the peripheral worried system, central nerve system and gastrointestinal system. Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that signal certain functions with the ECS network. The overarching purpose of the ECS is to keep homeostasis (body balance).


Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG, are the 2 primary endocannabinoids active in the ECS. Anandamide has been dubbed the "bliss molecule" and plays a role in the policy of appetite, reward and enjoyment. 2-AG is thought to impact body immune system functions and discomfort management.


One CBD misconception is that it binds straight to receptors CB1 and CB2-- in truth, Cannabidiol has a low binding affinity with those receptors. The results of CBD happen because of an enzyme called FAAH (Fatty acid amide hydrolase). FAAH is accountable for breaking down anandamide, and CBD hinders FAAH. The outcome is greater levels of anandamide, which indicates increased sensations of well-being.


We've covered some of the minor differences in between CBD and THC, especially as it connects to intoxication. Let's check out another distinction in between the 2 substances. While both CBD and THC connect with the Endocannabinoid System, they impact your body in significantly different ways. THC binds with the CB1 receptor, but CBD can in some cases be an antagonist of THC. Basically, it works versus a THC "high," which is why some individuals take CBD and THC together. Obviously, one of the most substantial distinctions is legality. THC is unlawful in lots of states and can carry a hefty prison sentence and fines. In comparison, CBD is federally legal in all 50 states and lots of nations.


CBD in Review


It's no surprise that the industry is taking off when you look at CBD's prospective advantages. Forbes estimates that CBD will be worth $22 billion in 2022-- outstanding for a market that only began to acquire traction in 2014. The future for CBD is vast with no end in sight.


With the marketplace growing at such a fast speed, numerous companies are throwing their hats in the ring. Some business declare to have pure CBD while selling a product filled with unnecessary ingredients and chemicals since the FDA doesn't manage CBD. That's why it's essential to pick a relied on brand name like Hemp Bombs, Pinnacle Hemp, Receptra Naturals, Ananda Hemp and others we carry. With third-party lab tests, reviews from real individuals and transparency about production, we set ourselves apart from the competition and offer you with the best items available.

8 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

We don’t have any products to show right now.

We don’t have any products to show right now.

We don’t have any products to show right now.

We don’t have any products to show right now.

We don’t have any products to show right now.

We don’t have any products to show right now.

bottom of page