Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis (hemp and marijuana) plants, has received a lot of attention recently. But what exactly is CBD, what effects does it have, and is safe to use? Here are the specifics you need to remain up to date with the latest information on CBD.
What Is CBD?
The Cannabis sativa plant contains over 80 chemicals known as cannabinoids. The most well-known component of cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD, on the other hand, is derived from hemp, a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains only minimal amounts of THC.
It is created by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and neutralizing it with another oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. Although CBD can be found in both hemp and marijuana, hemp-derived CBD is more frequently used in CBD products because it contains less than 1% THC.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD is known to interact with receptors in the central nervous system, and some evidence suggests that CBD has a calming, relaxing effect. It may also act as an anti-inflammatory and have pain-relieving properties that aid in pain management.
To help alleviate their symptoms, some people are turning to CBD as a substitute to pharmaceutical drugs. People suffering from depression or anxiety may wish to avoid SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which can have a number of side effects. CBD has the potential to avoid highly addictive opioids for individuals seeking pain relief.
What Can CBD Be Used to Treat?
CBD has been shown to be an effective treatment for epilepsy, including several unusual childhood epilepsy syndromes that do not respond to anti-seizure medications, according to the WHO.
Although more research and human research is needed to fully understand how CBD works, there is growing evidence that CBD could be useful in the treatment of other conditions such as:
Chronic pain and inflammation (e.g., neuropathy, arthritis)
Anxiety
Insomnia
PTSD
Psychosis
Alzheimer's disease
Parkinson's disease
Cancer-related symptoms
Type 1 diabetes
Acne
How to Take CBD
CBD oil is commonly used in the following ways:
Sublingually: Place the oil under your tongue and let it sit for up to a minute before swallowing.
Orally: You can take CBD oil capsules, gummies, or mix it into your food or drink.
Topically: You can apply CBD lotion directly to your skin.
Transdermally: You can apply CBD patches to your skin, which allows CBD to penetrate your skin and enter your bloodstream.
Inhaled: CBD can be inhaled using hemp-derived vape cartridges.
Is CBD Legal in Canada?
CBD is one of several plant compounds that can be extracted from hemp or marijuana, both of which are legal with the proper licensing. The Cannabis Act differentiates between conventional cannabis (also known as marijuana) and industrial hemp. While hemp is a member of the cannabis family, it does not fall under the Act's definition of "Cannabis" and is thus subject to a different set of regulations. The mature stems, grains, and seeds of industrial hemp plants from licensed industrial hemp farmers may be legally sold in Canada under these regulations, known as the Industrial Hemp Regulations.
How to Buy CBD in Toronto, Canada
Each province has its own set of rules regarding where to buy cannabis related products. CBD is typically sold in a government-run retail shop, a privately run dispensary like Purple Tree Cannabis, or a hybrid of the two in nearly every province. The most important thing to remember is that these are the only legal places to buy cannabis in Canada, and they usually have a seal displayed in the window indicating that they have been approved by the Canadian government.
CBD FAQ’s
Does CBD do anything to your body?
CBD may help alleviate chronic pain by influencing endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters, according to research. Some research suggests that when used alone, CBD may be effective for certain types of pain, such as nerve pain and back pain.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
CBD is a calming compound that is the ideal antidote to a busy, sometimes anxious lifestyle. It keeps you centered and grounded throughout the day, making you feel more at ease. CBD is well-known for its calming properties, but it can also help with pain relief (such as cramps or muscle pain), inflammation, and concentration.
Can CBD Make You Paranoid?
CBD will not make you feel paranoid because it binds to receptors in your body rather than the brain. Researchers are discovering that it may be able to counteract paranoia, particularly when caused by THC.
Do You Need a Prescription for CBD Oil or Products in Canada?
You don't need a prescription for CBD oil or any products that include THC. CBD products are federally legal across Canada - you just have to be 19 years of age or older.