Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant.
Ca-nuh-bi-dye-ol
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids activate our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce many health and beauty benefits. The ECS is the largest neurotransmitter system in the body and is made of chemical signals called endocannabinoids and receptors called cannabinoid receptors. CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors and activates pathways that reduce inflammation, pain, and anxiety. CBD can also activate receptors outside the ECS, like serotonin receptors, which regulate key body functions like sleep, appetite, mood, and even sex drive.
- May Help Relieve Issues Associated with Normal Daily Exercise and Activity:
- Studies have shown that CBD may help relieve issues associated with daily activity by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity and interacting with neurotransmitters.
- Helps Maintain Normal Emotional Balance and a Sense of Relaxation:
- Anxiety and depression are common health disorders that can have devastating impacts on health and well-being. These disorders are typically treated with pharmaceutical drugs that can cause a number of side effects, can be addictive, and may lead to substance abuse. CBD helps maintain normal emotional balance and promotes a sense of relaxation.
- Supports Skin Health
- Acne is caused by a number of factors, including genetics, bacteria, inflammation, and overproduction of sebum (an oil secretion made by sebaceous glands in the skin). Recent studies have shown that CBD supports skin health.
- Helps Maintain Physical and Mental Well-Being
- Recent studies have shown CBD may be of benefit for the heart and circulatory system.
CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant. Marijuana and hemp are two different types of flowering plants in the cannabis family. CBD can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp.
Marijuana and hemp are different types of flowering plants in the cannabis family. Legally, the key difference between marijuana and hemp is the Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Delta-9 THC is primarily responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. The term “hemp” refers to cannabis plants that contain 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC concentration.
Although THC garners the spotlight as the most renowned and extensively studied cannabinoid due to its psychoactive effects, its predecessor, THCA, lays the groundwork for its existence.
Before we dive into the science of what THCA is, let’s look at what it does to you.
What does THCA do? Does THCA produce a high?
THCA is recognized as non-psychoactive, lacking the intoxicating effects associated with THC. This is attributed to its minimal binding to CB1 receptors, which exhibit high affinity for THC.
While research suggests limited binding to major cannabinoid receptors, THCA has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, along with alleviating nausea.
What is THCA?
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, serves as the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
During the growth phase of cannabis, cannabinoids are synthesized as carboxylic acids, which typically transform into non-acidic compounds through decarboxylation. Most cannabinoids originate in their acidic state, exhibiting distinct structures and effects from their non-acidic counterparts.
THCA, abundant in fresh cannabis, undergoes rapid decarboxylation into THC under controlled storage conditions or exposure to light and heat. Studies indicate that THCA decarboxylates even within a temperature range of 4 to 18°C (39-64°F).
Just like hemp-derived CBD, hemp-derived delta-9 THC refers to the THC extract that has been derived from hemp vs. derived from marijuana. That said, whether delta-9 THC is extracted from hemp or marijuana, it remains identical at the molecular level.
Delta-9 THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-9-THC). Delta-9 THC has long been recognized as the main psychoactive ingredient in hemp and marijuana – the substance that causes people to feel “high”.
Delta-9 THC is the most prevalent form of THC, known for its intoxicating properties. Following Delta-9 THC consumption, individuals may experience various positive short-term effects, such as: feelings of giddiness, heightened focus, pain relief, and relaxation.
Our hemp-derived delta-9 products contain THC, which can show up on a drug test that tests for marijuana. If you are concerned about failing a drug test, we recommend you look at our broad spectrum CBD products that do not contain THC.
Hemp-derived CBD refers to CBD extract that has been derived from hemp vs. derived from marijuana. That said, whether CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana, it remains identical at the molecular level.
Products containing CBD derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal under the Farm Bill of 2018.
- The 2018 Farm Bill legalizes hemp in the United States – with restrictions. It allows for hemp cultivation broadly and explicitly allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state lines for commercial or other purposes. However, there are restrictions to be aware of. First, hemp cannot contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Any cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC would be considered marijuana under federal law and is not protected under the Farm Bill. Second, state departments of agriculture must consult with the state’s governor and chief law enforcement officer to devise a plan that must be submitted to the Secretary of the USDA. A state’s plan to license and regulate hemp can only commence once the Secretary of USDA approves the state’s plan. Lastly, the bill outlines actions that are considered violations of federal hemp law (such as cultivating without a license or growing cannabis with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC), punishments for such violations, which activities qualify as felonies, and pathways for violators to become compliant.
- Read a summary of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Cannabis plants are known for their two main compounds: THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the psychoactive properties – the “high” you feel. Although THC and CBD are extracted from the same plant species, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. In other words, our hemp-derived CBD products do not make you high when ingested. Products that are purely CBD will not make you “high” … So you can take them during the day and at night. Right on!
Your ideal dosage of CBD depends on many factors such as body weight, condition you’re treating, individual body chemistry, and the concentration of CBD you’re ingesting (softgel, capsule, tincture, gummy, etc.). Before trying CBD, we recommend speaking with your doctor about appropriate dosage and any potential risks. If your doctor provides a dosage recommendation, stick with their advice. If your doctor does not provide a recommendation, it’s best to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it until you feel the CBD effectively treating your symptoms. This could mean starting at 20-40mg a day and gradually increasing your dosage by 5mg a week until you feel your symptoms subsiding. We also recommend keeping track of how much CBD you’re taking and how you feel CBD is treating your symptoms – you can write this down or track in notes on your mobile phone.
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe to use with few, if any, minor side effects. Low occurrences of diarrhea and fatigue have been reported. CBD can interact with medications, so before you start using CBD, discuss with your doctor to ensure your safety and avoid harmful interactions. If you happen to overindulge in THC consumption, CBD can help counteract the “high” and any anxiety induced by THC.
Before trying CBD, it is crucial to talk to your doctor about any vitamins, supplements, and prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking. This is especially important if you take medications or supplements with a “grapefruit warning”. Grapefruit and CBD interfere with cytochromes P450 (CYPs). CYPs are enzymes that are important to drug metabolism.
Cannabinol (CBN) is another naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. When THC components found in the cannabis plant age, they break down. This leads to the formation of a less potent cannabinoid called CBN. CBN is mildly psychoactive, but generally does not produce a high like THC. CBN is commonly known for its use as a sleep aid.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is also a naturally occurring and non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. CBG is often referred to as the mother of all cannabinoids because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG. For example, CBD and THC both start as CBGA. CBG can help maintain optimal health.
CBD edibles are meant to be consumed orally (or ingested). Topicals are meant to be applied directly to your body where you might be experiencing soreness, aches, and pains.
The length of time largely depends on dosing method. After applying topical products (balms, ointments, and lotions), you will typically start feeling relief within 15 minutes. If you’re using a tincture sublingually (under your tongue), the oil will typically absorb in 30 seconds and you will start feeling effects within 15 minutes. If ingesting CBD (swallowing it or consuming an edible that contains CBD, like a gummy), expect to feel the effects within 30-45 minutes.
- CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD made by extracting it from cannabis and removing all other ingredients. The advantage of using CBD isolate is that you get the highest concentration of CBD per serving when compared to broad or full-spectrum CBD. However, you will not get the benefit of the “entourage effect”.
- Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all phytochemicals naturally found in hemp, including CBD, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. Full spectrum extracts also contain negligible THC content (below 0.3%). The full spectrum of compounds extracted from hemp work together to amplify the health benefits of each individual cannabinoid – this phenomenon is referred to as the “entourage effect”. Although non-psychoactive, full spectrum CBD can give you a false positive result during a drug test, especially if you consume high doses of full spectrum CBD on a daily basis. If this is a concern, broad spectrum CBD is a great alternative.
- Broad spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol and the same compound extracts found in full spectrum CBD, however any THC content is completely removed after initial extraction. Simply stated, broad spectrum CBD is like a mix between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate – broad spectrum CBD contains the entire spectrum of cannabinoids except THC. Because broad spectrum extracts contain multiple cannabinoids, these products will also produce the “entourage effect”, but without the THC.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants such as cannabis, pine, lavender, and fresh orange peel. The fragrance of most plants is due to a combination of terpenes. Because terpenes produce vibrant smells, they form the basis of many essential oils and play an integral part in alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy. Inhaling scents from some plants and essential oils has been shown to affect a person’s mood and stress levels.
The entourage effect refers to the benefit from all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils from the cannabis plant working together to amplify the health benefits of each individual component. Each compound can amplify the therapeutic properties of the others while mitigating their potential side effects.
A certificate of analysis is a report from an accredited laboratory that details the chemical analysis of a substance. Typically, every batch of CBD product is tested individually and a COA is generated for each run. Nearly all CBD certificates of analysis are done using a third-party lab.
CBD and alcohol both promote calmness and relaxation. Taking them together may amplify these affects. The effects of CBD vary by individual, so it can be difficult to determine how mixing CBD and alcohol will affect everyone. If you decide to take CBD with alcohol, stick to low amounts of both to minimize the risk of adverse side effects and consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Learn more about Delta-8 THC.
- Yes! As a responsible dog and cat owner, it is normal for safety to be your number one concern. Rest assured, CBD treats, bites, and tinctures are perfectly safe for your canine and feline besties. Pet owners use CBD for a broad range of behavioral and medical issues, including cancer pain, anxiety, obsessions, arthritis, seizures, neurological and digestive disorders, past traumas, social withdrawal, irritable moods, and getting along with other dogs and cats better. While recovering from illness or surgery, CBD can stimulate appetite and speed healing. At the end of life, CBD can minimize any pain and anxiety your pet may be experiencing.
- Cloud City Supply offers CBD Bites, Soft Chews, Oil, and Balm for your pets. Visit our CBD for Pets page to check out our Calm, Wellness, Mobility, and Relief products for your furry four-legged friends. All our pet products come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided by a third-party lab that conducts testing and ensures unbiased and truthful results.
- Encourages Hair Growth
- CBD oil is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. These properties have been proven to stimulate hair growth for many – moisturizing and nourishing the hair, making it stronger to grow thicker and healthier to help with hair loss, improve thinning hair, and increase the overall health of hair.
- Treats Scalp Conditions
- CBD oil contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E – all of which are great for the scalp. CBD is known to be a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it ideal to help with common scalp conditions like psoriasis or folliculitis. It also balances your scalp’s natural production of sebum (or oil) so it’s great for oily, dry, or normal hair types, and can help to heal dry, flaky scalp conditions.
- Prevents Hair Damage and Breakage
- When hair loses moisture, it can become very dry and can break more easily. CBD oil helps maintain the natural texture of hair, preventing water loss, and adding moisture to the hair and scalp. This is especially important in drier climates where hair tends to lose moisture more quickly. Styling tools and products can further damage the integrity of your hair follicles, leaving them damaged and weak. Using hair care products infused with CBD oil can help repair damaged hair.
Vitamin E is found in plant-based oils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables and in healthy doses is good for you. However, Vitamin E Acetate, that is used in popular vaping products, can be harmful. Vitamin E Acetate doesn’t necessarily cause harm when ingested as a supplement or applied to the skin, but studies have shown it can cause harm when inhaled. Be sure to review vape COAs for Vitamin E Acetate test results.