What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is considered many things but one thing that is not is a “snake oil”. If it is true authentic CBD from a trusted source, it is a good herbal resource to add to your health regime. For disclaimer purposes I am not giving any health claims nor advising for the use of CBD without consulting you health care provider nor that it is a dietary supplement but what I will share with you is exactly what CBD is and what CBD is not.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is derived either from the resin of the cannabis flower or from hemp seeds, stalks, and other parts of the hemp plant. Most CBD that is legally sold in the US comes from hemp as it should contain 0.03% or less of THC. The CBD derived from the cannabis flower contains more THC or over 0.03% is still illegal in most US states. CBD has been used medically for thousands of years.
How is CBD Made?
Most manufacturers make CBD oil from hemp as that part of the plant contains the most CBD with little (0.3%) to no THC which makes it mostly legal in the US. Once extracted it can be added to many different products including edibles, tinctures, gel caps, vape cartilages, topicals and beverages. So it is important to read the labels of the CBD products that you use.
So how exactly does CBD work?
One of the main ways is by mimicking and augmenting the effects of the compounds in our bodies called “endogenous cannabinoids” - so named because of their similarity to compounds found in the cannabis plant. The endocannabinoid system within the human body plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes that affect our everyday experience – our mood, our energy level, our intestinal fortitude, immune activity, blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, how we experience pain, stress, hunger, and more.
So what’s next for CBD?
There is great excitement and continued research around the effects of CBD. Right now there is only one FDA approved pharmaceutical CBD, which is used to treat seizures in patients 1 year and older. Most people in the cannabis industry believe that research will take off once cannabis is not longer a Federal Schedule 1 narcotic, meaning no longer classified as a drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. As you can see even the FDA has acknowledged that CBD does have some medical use. There will also be a push for more regular around CBD particularly labeling, since the “snake oil” sneaks in.
OK, so what’s for now?
CBD is not a miracle nor a cure all. It is an alternative that can be additional staple in your health routine. The nonintoxicating, non-addicting natural resource that can be used for many different personal reasons. It’s versatility to be added to different products from ingestibles to topicals makes is marketing across many industry lanes but the most important thing is to be an informed consumer.
If CBD is or is not right for you it is my desire that the decision is made based on quality information. My purpose behind Her Divine Alchemy was to great a space for quality products and an educated consumer. I am not here you sell you a “snake oil” but to provide information to better your lifestyle. You deserve quality ingredients and products from a trusted source and I strive to be here for you.
As Always,
Live Well and Be The Magic
Sharitta