CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a nonintoxicating component of the cannabis plant with enormous therapeutic potential. Researchers are currently studying the effects of CBD on a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety, epilepsy, dementia, and more.

Much extensive pre-clinical research and some clinical studies have shown that CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-depressant, anti-psychotic, anti-tumoral, and neuroprotective qualities.

–CBD or cannabidiol exhibits no effects on humans indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.

–To date, there hasn’t been any evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related issues associated with the use of pure CBD/cannabidiol.

–Chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.

Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that can affect the human body. They work by imitating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, that affect nerve, brain and immune cell activity.

Currently, there are two known primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, and in some peripheral tissues. They affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, andour stress response. CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells, and at a lower density in the central nervous system. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain. Although these two cannabinoid receptors have been studied relatively extensively, there are more cannabinoid receptors being examined.

Hemp and marijuana are different species of Cannabis sativa and bred for different purposes. Industrial hemp is exclusively produced by Cannabis sativa, while marijuana can be derived from Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica.

Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, but there’s a much higher percentage in hemp. Hemp also has much lower levels of THC (less than 0.3%) than the marijuana species.

Industrial hemp is grown to be durable, have very long stalks and as few flowering buds as possible—this can make it easier to extract the high amounts of CBD and smaller amounts of THC. Hemp’s chemical profile means that you can’t get “high” from it, and it is used to create medicinal remedies, food, and oil, as well as other products, including rope, bricks, natural polymers, fiber, clothes, and many more.

Marijuana strains of cannabis are typically smaller, flimsier, and have many flowering buds with the sole purpose of maximizing the concentration of THC. Marijuana is used recreationally and medicinally only.