What is CBD ?

CBD, or cannabidiol is the second most popular active substance (after the psychotropic substance THC) derived from the hemp plant. CBD mimics the brain's neurotransmitters by acting on the body's endocannabinoid system, making it extremely beneficial for our health and well-being.

The article discusses what CBD is, a brief history of it, and the evidence that CBD works. The effects of CBD on the human body, the interaction between CBD and THC, and how to use CBD are discussed.

Note: This and other articles on Hemp's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'new food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.

Most people would probably agree that the name CBD and the question "what is CBD?" have been seen and heard a lot lately, from social media to TV commercials. And yet, despite how well-known it is becoming, many people still don't know essential information about this fast-growing compound. Fortunately, we are here to help you untangle the seemingly complicated world of CBD and answer the question "what is CBD?".

What is CBD? A brief prehistory

CBD is classified as cannabinoids i.e. i.e compounds that act similarly to neurotransmitters in our brains. Cannabinoids are found naturally in the human body but when they are produced by our body they are called endocannabinoids.

After the law came into force in Lithuania, which allows the use of all parts of the fibrous hemp plant in production, many producers and consumers very quickly began to realize the unique uniqueness and effect of the CBD material. In many foreign countries, CBD is especially popular due to its anti-inflammatory, anxiety-relieving and calming effects, and in Lithuania, CBD cosmetics have become very popular, which help many to solve problems such as joint pain, etc. pains, dry skin, brittle nails and hair.

Evidence that CBD works

The rapidly growing interest of people in CBD, the ever-increasing advertisements and positive reviews around can arouse the curiosity of many. With the growing interest in cannabidiol, a natural question for those new to the benefits of CBD may be: Do CBD products provide tangible benefits?

In search of an answer, it is worth noting that there are many scientific studies that have proven the effectiveness of CBD in solving various problems. in 2019 conducted research found that the use of CBD oil in cosmetic products helps relieve skin dryness, itching, general facial skin irritation.

Another study found that CBD use was an effective therapeutic agent for chronic inflammation and sciatic nerve pain. Additional studies have shown that subjects exposed to anxiety-provoking situations experienced a reduction in anxiety of signs. It is believed that cannabidiol is useful for improving the quality of sleep, adjusting the sleep rhythm.

CBD can also be effective in relieving joint pain, headaches. This product is recommended for people with various chronic conditions like Parkinson's, arthritis, etc.

How does CBD affect our body?

Confirming that cannabidiol is effective raises another question. How does this substance interact in our body?

There is also no shortage of complex scientific research on this topic, but we can provide a fairly simple and straightforward answer. Cannabidiol positively affects the endocannabinoid system in everyone's body (EKS).

The endocannabinoid system is a natural biological system of the body that is very important in regulating many functions, such as: appetite, mood, sleep rhythm, skin PH and nail and hair structure balance, immune system, pain perception and more. The EKS system contains endocannabinoid receptors, whose essential function is to transmit impulses to the brain: the receptors tell us when to feel pain, anxiety, hunger, and sleepiness, and when not to.

It is precisely these receptors that are affected by cbd oil.

CBD bioavailability and routes of administration

If you are interested in what CBD is and how it can benefit your health and well-being, it is important to analyze the concept of CBD bioavailability and the different ways it can be used. Simply put, bioavailability is the rate at which CBD (cannabidiol) enters your bloodstream. In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers found that the highest bioavailability is achieved when CBD is mixed with MCT coconut oil compared to other carrier oils such as hemp seed or olive oil. In countries where CBD is used as a dietary supplement, the most effective way of administration is by dropping the oil under the tongue, in this way the maximum and fastest absorption of the active substances is achieved.Another alternative to using CBD oil is external use, in this case the hemp extract can be rubbed on the arteries of the wrists (hands), sore muscles/joints, or problematic areas of the skin (rash, acne).Understanding bioavailability can greatly increase the effectiveness of cannabis extract. So whether you're using CBD oil for the first time or looking to improve its effectiveness, remember that not all CBD products are equally effective.

How to use CBD

• In foreign countries, CBD oil is usually taken orally: a few drops can be put directly in the mouth or mixed in a glass of water, added to other drinks or food. Note that it may take 1-2 hours for the oil to work this way as it has to pass through the digestive system. Do not exceed the recommended dose of cannabidiol, and instead use the lowest recommended dose when using this product for the first time.
• CBD oil can also be used externally. This is best done in cases where a local effect is aimed at relieving pain in a specific area of ​​the body (for example, in the fight against joint pain). If you are using CBD for the first time, we recommend putting one drop on the palm of your hand, rubbing it and making sure that you do not experience an unwanted allergic reaction (redness of the skin, etc.)
  
  

Different CBD Products

When it comes to the different uses of CBD, we can find a variety of products on the market to suit different needs and preferences. For those asking, "What is CBD?" it is important to know that CBD oil is only the tip of the iceberg.
CBD cosmetics are gaining popularity due to their benefits in the fight against various skin problems, rashes, dry skin or excessive oiliness, as cannabidiol can balance the secretion of skin glands (sebum).
CBD gummies are a convenient, quick and tasty way to consume cannabidiol. However, studies have shown that the digestive acids in the stomach destroy up to 23% of cannabidiol, so this method of administration may not be as effective.
CBD patches provide a slow release of CBD into the subcutaneous layer and muscles, which can provide pain relief.
Smoking CBD liquid offers an alternative way to consume CBD - vaping, which often provides a quick sense of relaxation. However, it is worth noting that there are not enough clinical studies to confirm the safety of inhaling CBD oil.

Each of these products allows users to try different ways of consuming CBD and the benefits that best suit their needs.

Potential side effects of CBD

Although CBD side effects are very rare, it is important to be aware that symptoms such as dry mouth, diarrhea, changes in appetite, short-term dizziness or fatigue may occur. To reduce the risk of experiencing these effects, choose the highest quality CBD oil on the market. Always check cbd oil lab results to make sure the product is free of heavy metals and other contaminants (this information is provided by each certified lab). By doing so, you will not only increase the effectiveness of the product, but also reduce the likelihood of possible side effects.

CBD dosing

In order to achieve the desired result, it is very important to understand about CBD dosage. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the concentration of CBD oil that matters, but the amount of CBD consumed in milligrams. Whether you use a small (eg. 5%) or high strength (30%) oils, the main criterion is the total CBD content in milligrams. For first-time users of hemp oil, the general recommendation is to start with 30mg of CBD twice a day. If you decide you want a stronger effect, you can gradually increase the number of drops until you feel the desired results.

CBD and medicine interactions

One important detail that is often overlooked is how CBD can interact with certain medications you may already be taking, such as blood thinners. This can be a very important consideration for those taking medication, as interactions can affect the effectiveness of the medication and cause unwanted side effects. If you are on medication, especially blood thinners, be sure to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your daily routine, as this can help ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your medication and CBD.

Can you take CBD with THC?

CBD is the second most common active ingredient derived from the hemp plant, the first being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although CBD and THC are closely related because they are both cannabinoids,their effects are very different.

Consumption of THC causes psychoactive effects and can also cause anxiety or paranoia. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects or other negative effects: after using cannabidiol products, you will not feel intoxicated, irritated or nervous, you will not experience hallucinations or other unpleasant sensations. You can read more about it in the article "Is CBD legal in Lithuania?".

Regarding the interaction between CBD and THC, it should be noted that very small amounts of THC can be found in full-spectrumCBD oil. Its composition is the widest compared to other CBD oils. Here you will find cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN and more., as well as terpenes, flavanoids, other natural substances found in cannabis plants. This oil has the strongest effect and is therefore highly valued.

It is important to note that according to the laws of the Republic of Lithuania, the maximum amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil and all other hemp products cannot exceed 0.2% THC, therefore, when choosing these products, we suggest choosing sellers who provide each batch of products analyses of laboratory tests, and they contain detailed information about the content of all cannabinoids in them.

Although it is very unlikely that your body will absorb a detectable amount of THC through the skin, if you are a professional athlete, work in a job where you are subject to periodic drug tests, are pregnant, breastfeed, or simply afraid of THC substances - it is recommended to choose broad-spectrum CBD oil which is completely THC-free.

CBD benefits for animals

Ganimals, like humans, have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), so CBD oil can provide them with positive health and well-being benefits.CBD oil is very popular among pet owners in the US, especially loved for its effects on reducing dog aggression, anxiety (eg. fear of fireworks), and joint pains. In addition, CBD effectively improves the well-being of cats - it relieves age-related joint pain, improves digestion and also reduces nervousness.When choosing a CBD product for your pet, it is very important to choose an oil that does not contain the substance THC, as it is dangerous to animals. In this case, it is best to choose a broad-spectrum CBD oil specially adapted for pets. Regardless of your choice, consult your veterinarian before using CBD.

Important criteria for growing cannabis

The process of growing high-quality hemp is an important factor that affects the amount of beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in the hemp plant and the effectiveness of CBD oil. In order to maximize the amount of these valuable compounds, it is necessary to choose a hemp extract that is extracted from species of hemp with a special genetic profile. But it's not just how much beneficial cannabinoids a plant produces that matters, but also how it's grown. It is advisable to avoid products that are made from hemp grown using pesticides and chemical fertilizers, as this affects the quality, safety and benefits of CBD. Look for producers who choose natural pest control and sustainable farming methods, such as crop rotation and organic soil enrichment. These methods not only result in a more efficient and cleaner product, but also contribute to a more sustainable and green agricultural model.

Simple as C-B-D!

As you can see, in order to understand what CBD is, it is not enough to know what it means. It is very important to find out how and what this cannabinoid does.

Under the three letters of CBD lies a whole wide range of possibilities that you need to discover for yourself. Since this compound is well tolerated in almost all cases and side effects are very rare, cannabidiol is definitely worth a try.

We hope that you have managed to clear up the questions related to CBD, including "what is CBD?".