To say that CBD is having a moment would be a grand understatement. Thanks to a growing cultural acceptance of cannabis, the legal weed market is flooding with new products touting unfamiliar, often ambiguous labels – CBD supplements, CBD beauty products, CBD lube, even CBD water – sounds exciting, but what’s it all about? What does it do to my insides? Will that CBD lube get me high down there? (Probably not). We’ve compiled this guide to break down the basics of what CBD is, how it works with the human body, and whether it’s as life-changing as everyone claims.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of about ~113 cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is a fat-soluble lipid that can be extracted from the stems and stalks by dissolving it in oil or alcohol. You’ve probably heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid that gets you high when you smoke weed. THC is wonderful, but for decades, CBD has been the Jan to THC’s Marcia – left in the background, but no less worthy of attention.
CBD on its own will not get you high, but it is known for producing calming, stress-relieving effects.
How does CBD work?
Both THC and CBD work with the naturally-occurring cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which exists in the central and peripheral nervous systems of all vertebrates.
THC works by binding to CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which hold a ton of influence over things like memory, pain, and motor control. THC acts as a stimulator to these receptors; if you’ve ever felt a little anxiety or paranoia from a certain strain of weed, it’s likely due to an overexpression of CB1 receptors.
CBD is not like other girls and does not bind to receptors. Instead, CBD works as a modulator for CB2 receptors, which exist in small quantities in the brain but mostly throughout the peripheral nervous system, immune system, and gastrointestinal system, where they help facilitate pain and inflammatory responses while helping the body achieve and maintain homeostasis. CBD also helps to inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down valuable endo and phytocannabinoids at the receptor site and thus reduces the overall quality of the system and receptor messages. This inhibition by CBD makes it easier for endocannabinoids to replenish themselves and improve signal quality without excessive interference from FAAH.
One fascinating detail is that changes in CB2 receptor expressions or endocannabinoid levels is a reported symptom of nearly all diseases affecting humans. That includes gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, kidney, liver, autoimmune, chronic pain, psychiatric, bone, and skin disorders, among others.
Are there health benefits to CBD?
As for the health benefits of CBD, the science is still out. Clinical trials on federally illegal schedule 1 narcotics are difficult to pull off if you can believe it, so you won’t find unequivocal scientific proof that CBD can treat or cure anything, although that will likely change soon. And because it has not been approved by the FDA, manufacturers cannot make any medical claims.
However, that doesn’t change the overwhelming amounts of anecdotal evidence and small studies that have shown promising effects of pure CBD on the body. Here are some CBD studies and clinical trials worth checking out:
Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in Dravet Syndrome. Over a 14-week treatment period of orally-consumed CBD oil, the median number of seizures dropped by 39% each month compared to 13% for patients treated with a placebo. The reported side effects were minimal – mostly drowsiness and diarrhea – far better than seizures or traditional epilepsy drug side effects.
Medical Cannabis Laws and Opioid Analgesic Overdose Mortality in the United States. Between 1999 and 2010, states with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8% lower average annual opioid overdose mortality rate versus states with no legal cannabis. Next time your Uncle Scott says cannabis is a gateway drug, tell him it’s actually an exit drug that could help him cut down on pain pills for arthritis if he’d just be cool, for once.
In this 2011 study, CBD “significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort” in the public speaking performance of people with social anxiety.
A University of Utah clinical trial is currently underway which will examine the effects of THC and CBD on chronic pain symptoms and how different doses of each can improve quality of life. The study is expected to be completed early next year.
This clinical trial is studying the efficiency of CBD as a treatment intervention for opioid relapse. This one is studying its effects on alcohol use disorder and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder.
On a more anecdotal level, CBD users have reported that it’s helped relieve symptoms like menstrual cramps, headaches and migraines, nausea, inflammation caused by diseases like Arthritis and Crohn’s, insomnia, anxiety, depression, IBS… the list goes on. Since CBD is only supplementing what’s already happening in your body, the effects you feel from CBD can vary significantly depending on the quality of your product, the size of your dose, your experience with cannabis products, the severity of your symptoms, your endocannabinoid levels, the makeup of your genetics, the cut of your jib… all of these vary from person to person, and so your experience will be unique to your body.
How is CBD consumed?
Vapes, dabs, oils, tinctures, salves, balms, edibles, waters… if it’s extractable or infusible, someone has probably added CBD. However, that doesn’t mean that all CBD products are created equal and you should always check the ingredients list first.
With any CBD product, the active ingredient should be a phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil that’s been extracted from organic, pesticide-free cannabis plants using a supercritical CO2 extraction method that requires no butane and leaves no residual solvent behind. This is the cleanest method of extraction that will ensure you’re not ingesting anything you shouldn’t be.
Is CBD legal?
Yes and no but mostly yes. Confused? Good, so is everyone else. THC and marijuana are the only parts of the plant listed under the Controlled Substances Act, which does not specifically mention CBD. In 2014 the Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp for research purposes, which was defined as the rest of the plant like the stalks, stems, and any other pieces that contain less than 0.3% THC (like CBD).
So it’s legal, unless your state regulators decide it’s marijuana, then apparently it’s not unless you have a card or recreational access. Before making any purchases, it’s best to check your state laws and be sure to vote out the anti-pot people at midterm elections.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
Nah, you’re good as long as you’re using a THC-free product. Drug tests look for THC only, so if your CBD is made with less than 0.3% of THC, as it should be if it’s labeled CBD oil, you’ll be fine.
CBD Product Recommendations
Highline Wellness CBD Gummies (this is my favorite way to consume CBD. Use the code JANEDOPE10 for 10% off your purchase)
Hemp Signature 6X Oil Concentrate by Bluebird Botanicals
Full Spectrum CBD Oil by NuLeaf Naturals