What is CBD ?

CBD, also known as 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 highly beneficial for our health and well-being.

Many would probably agree that lately we have been seeing and hearing the name CBD almost everywhere, from social media to TV commercials. And yet, despite how well-known it is becoming, many people still don’t know the essential information about this compound. Lucky for you, we are here to help you untangle the seemingly complicated world of CBD.

CBD is classified as a cannabinoid, a compound that acts similarly to neurotransmitters in your brain. Cannabinoids are naturally found in the human body, but when they are produced by your body, they are called endocannabinoids.

After the law came into effect in Lithuania, allowing the use of all parts of the hemp plant in production, many brands and consumers very quickly began to realise the unique nature and effect of CBD. In many foreign countries, CBD is especially popular due to its anti-inflammatory, anxiety-relieving and calming effects. CBD cosmetics has also become very popular in Lithuania, helping many people to deal with problems such as joint pain (and other pains), dry skin, breakage of nails and hair.

Evidence that CBD works

The rapidly growing interest of people in CBD, the ever-increasing number of ads and positive reviews can pique the curiosity of many. With the growing interest in cannabidiol, for those new to the benefits of CBD, a natural question may arise: does CBD products have tangible benefits?

When looking for an answer, it is worth noting that there are many scientific studies that have proven the effectiveness of CBD in dealing with various problems. A study conducted in 2019 found that CBD oil in cosmetics helped to relieve skin dryness, itching and general facial skin irritation.

Another study found that CBD was an effective therapeutic product in the treatment of chronic inflammation and sciatic nerve pain. Additional studies have shown that the subjects who were exposed to anxiety-provoking situations experienced a decrease in anxiety symptoms. Cannabidiol is believed to improve the quality of sleep and adjust the sleep rhythm.

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

How does CBD affect your body?

After making sure that cannabidiol is effective, another question arises. How does this compound interact in your body?

There is no shortage of complex scientific studies on this issue, but we can provide a fairly simple and straightforward answer. Cannabidiol positively affects the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in everyone’s body.

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

It is these receptors that CBD acts on.

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 as they are both cannabinoids, their effects are very different.

THC has psychoactive effects, leading to anxiety or paranoia. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects or other negative effects. Cannabidiol products will not make you feel intoxicated, irritated or nervous and you will not experience hallucinations or other unpleasant sensations. To learn more, read the article ‘Is CBD legal in Lithuania?’.

When it comes to the interaction between CBD and THC, it is worth noting that very small amounts of THC can be found in full-spectrum CBD oil. It has the widest range of ingredients compared to other CBD oils. It contains cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, etc., as well as terpenes, flavonoids and other natural compounds found in the hemp plant. This oil has the strongest effect and is therefore highly valued.

Important to mention that laws of the Republic of Lithuania establish that the THC content in full-spectrum CBD oil and all other hemp products cannot exceed 0.2%. Therefore, you should choose brands that provide lab tests for each batch and detailed information on the content of all cannabinoids in these products.

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

As easy as C-B-D!

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

The three letters of CBD hide a whole wide range of possibilities that you need to discover for yourself. Cannabidiol is definitely worth a try: it is well tolerated in almost all cases and side effects are very rare.

How to take CBD:

• 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. Please note that it may take 1 to 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 use the lowest recommended dose when using this product for the first time.
• CBD oil can also be used topically. It works best in cases where a local effect is aimed at relieving pain in a specific area of the body (e.g. joints). For first-time CBD users, 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.).

You can read more about CBD cosmetics and its effects in this article.