What's new in CBD? - FOCL

What's new in CBD?

by Tia Moskalenko, Editor and Contributor from AskGrowers

What is CBD? 

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the main active ingredients of cannabis. CBD does not have psychoactive properties that cause euphoric feelings or a so-called ‘high’. That is why its consumption is absolutely safe and doesn’t lead to addiction. This phytocannabinoid has many therapeutic effects which make it possible to use CBD in medicine. 

Medical marijuana is also famous for another phytocannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol. On the contrary to CBD, this component of cannabis causes psychoactive effects. Thus, THC may lead to addiction and intoxication. Cannabidiol may lessen the effects of THC, so it’s often used for its neutralization. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization, there isn’t any evidence regarding health problems associated with the use of CBD. 

Is CBD legal in the US?

CBD was legalized federally by the 2018 farm bill. However, there are some restrictions that vary from state to state. So before consuming CBD, you have to check the law regulations of your state.

How CBD Oil is produced?

CBD is extracted from hemp plants with the help of different solvents. Solvents are used to separate beneficial components of cannabis from the rest of the plant. One of the most popular solvents for CBD extraction is carbon dioxide (CO2). This substance is applied with low temperatures and high pressure to get potent CBD oil. Another common solvent used for creating pure oil is ethanol. Using ethanol helps to preserve terpenes, aromatic elements found in marijuana. There is no other way to save terpenes except for adding ethanol, so if it’s not applied in the process of extraction, manufacturers reintroduce them to their final products. The end product of listed extraction procedures is a stick gummy CBD oil or an extract that can be added to various products.


Ways to consume CBD

Tinctures

Tinctures are created with the help of mixing CBD oil with a liquid, like alcohol, vegetable glycerin, or another oil. To make it easier for the body to process CBD, it can be mixed with olive, coconut, or hemp oils. People take tinctures through a dropper or add them to food or drinks.

Sprays

Another way to consume CBD is by using a sublingual spray. It consists of highly concentrated tinctures that are sprayed under the tongue which quickly directs the substance to a bloodstream through capillaries. This method allows you to feel CBD oil’s effects in about 15 minutes.

Edibles

CBD oil can be added to different foods or baked into edibles. You can buy CBD edibles at dispensaries in various forms, like gummies, honey sticks, chocolates, and lollipops.

Topicals with CBD

CBD topicals can be produced in different forms, such as balms, creams, and salves. They are supposed to relieve pain and can be applied directly to the skin. People who experience muscle aches and pains may try CBD topicals to get relief.

Vaporizing

Vaporizing is a cleaner method of CBD consumption than smoking. Moreover, vaporizing allows the CBD benefits almost immediately.

 

What’s New in CBD


You can find a lot of people who share their experience of using CBD on the Internet. Most of them say that CBD aids their digestion and soothes an upset stomach. Some of them believe that CBD helps to increase their productivity by fighting off everyday stressors. But there are studies being shared about new potential uses of CBD - so we thought we’d round up some updates from the frontlines of CBD research.

Brain health

NBG Health has recently published an article that highlights the research of CBD and the brain. Scientists are studying if CBD could further support medication development given its possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells.

Heart health

The American Society for Clinical Investigation has published new research that shows potential with CBD and heart-related illnesses.  

Insulin levels

According to a study that researched 4,000 adults, CBD decreased fasting insulin levels. Moreover, another study showed signals that CBD could have a positive effect against the destruction of cells responsible for insulin production. 

Skincare

The Journal of Clinical Investigation Trusted Source published a study that showed CBD could help acne treatment. According to this research, CBD may help acne prone skin.

 

The future of CBD. 

CBD consumption has skyrocketed in recent years. It’s one of people’s favorite new wellness product. CBD users say that it boosts their confidence by washing away social anxiety and promotes mindfulness with its calming effects. There is still more to learn and research to come about CBD, but it doesn’t seem like its growth in the wellness world will slow down anytime soon.