Hi Steem Community! My second post. Hope you enjoy and please leave me feedback!
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabis oil, known as CBD oil, is derived from the seed, stalk and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant and has a significant amount of the compound Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of the more than 111 active cannabinoids identified in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is the result of utilizing one of numerous extraction methods to isolate, preserve and maintain the purity of the medicinal resin (oil or residue) that is found on the flowering leaves of the plant.
CBD and CBD oil independently is not psychoactive. This means that it does not change the state of mind of the person who uses it. However, it does appear to produce significant changes in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) system of the human body, and it is proving to have a long list of medical benefits. Most of the CBD used in today’s consumer products is found in the least processed form of the cannabis plant, known as hemp. Hemp is different than CBD although derived from the same plant.!
For over 40 years researchers have been looking at the potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoids and the different concentration levels along with the interactive properties of CBD and THC, independent and collectively. Until recently, the most well-known compound in the cannabis plant was THC, or Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the most active ingredient in Marijuana, which is also found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD, but the compounds have different effects. THC is well-known for the mind and body "high" it produces when ingested, such as when smoking the plant or when using oil in edible form, such as for cooking into foods.
What Are CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Over 480 different compounds are present in the plant, but only around 60 are termed active cannabinoids. The most well-known among these compounds is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another predominant and important compound present, which makes up about 40% of the plant resin extract.
We focus on specific cannabinoids, which are separated into the following subclasses:
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
Cannabinol (CBN)
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Differences between Cannabinoids
The main way in which the cannabinoids are differentiated is based on their degree of psycho-activity.
For example, CBG, CBC and CBD are not known to be psychologically active agents whereas THC, CBN and CBDL along with some other cannabinoids are known to have varying degrees of psycho-activity. The most abundant of the cannabinoids is CBD, which is thought to have a wide range of benefits, one being anti-anxiety effects, which are possibly counteracting the psychoactive effects of THC when in the same strain.
When THC is exposed to the air, it becomes oxidized and forms CBN which also interacts with THC to lessen its impact. This is why cannabis that has been left outside of an air-tight container, will has less potency and residual effects when smoked due to the increased CBN to THC ratio.
Effects of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids exert their effects by interacting with specific cannabinoid receptors present on the surface of cells throughout our body. These receptors are found in different parts of the human central nervous system and the two main types of cannabinoid receptors are referenced as CB1 and CB2.
Laboratory research in 1992, yielded findings of a naturally occurring substance in the brain that binds to CB1, Anandamide. Although discovered decades previous the relation to the CB1 receptors was not understood. This cannabinoid-like chemical and others that were later discovered are referred to as endocannabinoids.
The effects of cannabinoids depends on the area of the brain which are involved. Effects on the limbic system may alter the memory, cognition and psychomotor performance; effects on the mesolimbic pathway may affect the reward and pleasure responses and pain perception may also be altered.
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All the best until next time! Stay Happy and Healthy!
<3 @CBDJane
