What is CBD?

CBD, Cannabidiol, is one of a hundred different plant cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa L. plant species.  The most commonly known cannabinoid from this plant is THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuanna.  CBD, on the other hand, is not psychoactive, and has been found to have a wide range of potential health benefits. Since most marijuanna plants have a relatively low amount of CBD, usually owing to their high THC content, most CBD on the market comes from Hemp plants, which are now federally legal to grow since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. 

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How Does CBD work?

In the early 1990’s scientists discovered a system of receptors and naturally occurring molecules in the human body that mimics the molecular shape of plant cannabinoids and named it the endocannabinoid system.  They also discovered that the presence of plant cannabinoids, such as CBD, can trigger our bodies natural endocannabinoid production and essentially help to turn on the endocannabinoid system to its full effect.  

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The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis between our various body systems.  In other words, it exists to return us to biological harmony when we have gotten out of balance.  Further study revealed that endocannabinoid receptors are present all throughout the body: in our brain and nerves, skin, immune system, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, muscles, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, reproductive organs and intestinal tract. In each of these areas, the endocannabinoid system works to return the body to homeostasis and optimal functioning.  

CBD, by stimulating our own endocannabinoid system, has been found to have an effect on a wide variety of body functions such as pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function & reproductive function.