What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or “CBD”, is another of the many cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant. CBD retains its popularity amongst the medical field, but is becoming increasingly common in the recreational space as well. Not sure what it is? Let us explain all about CBD.
As you learned in our All About THC post, THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects that you feel during marijuana consumption. CBD is essentially the other side of the coin. This cannabinoid produces no psychoactive effects and, in some cases, can actually counteract the effects produced by THC – if a high enough dose is provided.
As discussed in our previous article relating to THC, CBD is a “cannabinoid”, which is a compound found throughout nature in humans, reptiles, birds, plants and other mammals. The human body has thousands of “cannabinoid receptors”, which receive neurotransmitter commands and communicates with the endocannabinoid system. These receptors tell the body when to release neurotransmitters (like dopamine) as well as regulating reproductive or appetite-inducing hormones.
The human body has two types of these receptors – CB1 and CB2:
- CB1 is found throughout the areas of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination and time perception. These receptors are also located in the reproductive systems.
- CB2 receptors are located in the immune system. They are linked to inflammatory and stress responses in the body.
Unlike THC, CBD does not interact with these receptors directly but instead it affects signaling through CB1 and CB2 indirectly and hence why it does not produce a “high”. Instead, CBD prevents other compounds (such as THC) from binding to that receptor. This is what allows CBD to counteract the effects from THC, such as increased anxiety.
What Does CBD Do?
Much like THC, CBD is another cannabinoid that is capable of binding to the natural receptors found throughout the human endocannabinoid system and brain. Interestingly, CDB can also influence non-cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This difference in communication between CBD compared to THC results in unique effects.
Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
Cannabidol, or CBD, is a powerful cannabinoid that produces many benefits – all without any psyschoactive properties or “high”. Full-spectrum CBD is the most beneficial product as, in addition to abundant levels of cannabidol, these products also contain other plant matter including:
- Other Cannabinoid Content. Cannabis plants contain a variety of cannabinoids (not just THC and CBD), such as CBG, CBN, CBC, CBL, CBT in small amounts to work in combination with the major components.
- Terpene Content. Cannabis plants can contain trace amounts of various terpenes including: Limonene, Pinene, Linalool, Caryophyllene and Humulene. These terpenes work in a synergystic way alongside cannabinoids to help heal the body.
- Vitamins & Minerals. Full spectrum CBD powder contains A, C, & E vitamins, complex B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamine) and crucial minerals like zinc, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus.
- Essential Fats & Protein. Lastly, full spectrum CBD products contain up to 20 amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Consuming full-spectrum products will provide the most benefit to the user, thanks to the synergistic way each of these compounds works within the human body.
High CBD Strains
There are two types of high CBD strains: A “CBD-rich” strain means there are equal parts CBD and THC. On the other hand, a “CBD-dominant” strain refers to a strain with at least 4% CBD. Finding a CBD dominant strain can be tricky depending on your location, but CBD rich strains are becoming more popular as demand for CBD continues to grow.
Here are some strains higher in CBD that are available in our online cannabis dispensary:
Charlotte’s Web is a popular CBD strain designed and named after Charlotte Figi, a young girl who suffered from severe epilepsy before finding relief with this strain. Charlotte’s Web is a high CBD strain with THC levels below 1%, meaning it will not get you high however it has powerful medical qualities. Charlotte’s Web adept at treating pediatric seizure disorders, as well as pain, muscle spasms and headaches. Available in flower and pre-rolls!
Cannatonic is a high-CBD strain bred from MK Ultra (Indica) and G-13 Haze (Indica-dominant hybrid). The result is a 50/50 Indica/Sativa blend that produces an relaxed and uplifted feeling in its users. The CBD potency is typically around 12% with THC around 7%. Any THC element results in a clear-headed, uplifted mood as opposed to a “high”. The high CBD content makes this strain ideal for anxiety, arthritis, depression, chronic pain, muscle spasms, mood swings, PTSD and even seizures. Click here to shop now!
ACDC is a Sativa-dominant strain designed by crossing Ruderalis and Cannatonic. The result is a high CBD strain with a very minimal THC component (1% or less). The Sativa dominant genetics make ACDC an ideal strain for focusing on work or a project, as well as socializing. The high CBD content is suitable for managing chronic pain, anxiety, seizures, nausea and multiple sclerosis. Available in flower and pre-rolls!
Pennywise is a high-CBD strain that gets its name from the cross between Jack The Ripper and Harlequin. This strain averages 12% CBD with THC levels ranging from 8-15%. The Indica-dominant nature makes Pennywise a great option for managing chronic pain, anxiety, arthritis and PTSD and results in mild, yet clear-headed effects including physical relaxation and a quiet euphoria.
Harlequin is a high-CBD, low-THC strain with average THC levels of 4-10% and CBD levels around 15-20%. The 75:25 Sativa/Indica ratio and high CBD content provides the user with a relaxing and clear-headed cerebral effects that result in euphoria, mental focus, clarity and a boost in energy. The CBD to THC ratio in this strain results in potent pain relief and can help manage chronic pain and anxiety.
CBD isolate is cannabidiol in the purest form possible and has many health benefits for treating chronic pain, muscle spasms, seizures – or for anyone looking to reap the benefits of cannabis without the high. Fair Canna Care’s solvent-free CBD isolate comes from 100% organic hemp and tests at 99.9% purity. As a result, there is zero THC, zero smell, zero synthetic components or residual solvents and no heavy metals. CBD hemp oil is also a great source of vitamins, amino acids and omega fatty acids! Our CBD isolate is also mixed with MCT oil, which is a form of saturated fatty acid that is known to improve cognitive function and assist with weight management.
Click here to learn more about CBD and how it can help you!
If you think that CBD is the right option for you, either because you have anxiety or dislike the idea of being “high”, check out our shop and learn just how easy it is to buy cannabis online!
We hope this article has been enlightening and has offered new hope to individuals suffering from epilepsy or anxiety or simply to those not comfortable with getting “high”.