What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, stands out as a prominent compound among the roughly 100 cannabinoids found in the flowers of hemp plants and various cannabis cultivars. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not typically induce intoxication but can impact both the mind and body upon consumption.
How CBD Works
Ongoing research aims to unravel the workings of CBD, indicating its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is involved in safeguarding the nervous system, activating the immune system, and regulating stress recovery and overall health.
The ECS comprises two main components:
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Endocannabinoids: Naturally produced cannabinoids in the body
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Cannabinoid receptors: Present in the central nervous system, brain, and various body areas, including the immune system
Endocannabinoids fit into receptors like a key in a lock, facilitating cell-to-cell communication. CBD studies suggest blocking the production of an enzyme that regulates and destroys excess endocannabinoids, allowing more to circulate and produce effects.
Potential Effects of CBD
Consumers and Licensed Producers attribute various effects and potential health benefits to CBD, such as skin nourishment, calming effects, sleepiness promotion, and pain relief. However, more research is needed to validate these claims, determine appropriate doses, and understand long-term effects.
Clinical trials in Canada are exploring CBD’s effectiveness in treating conditions like anxiety disorders, substance dependence withdrawal, post-surgical pain, pediatric epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, and more. Recent studies also suggest CBD may impact natural chemicals in the body, including serotonin, adenosine, and vanilloid.
Similar to THC, the duration of CBD’s activity and potential effects depend on personal factors, including genetics, personality, age, sex, consumption amount, and method.
Understanding CBD Content in Cannabis Products
CBD content, also known as potency, refers to the amount of CBD in a cannabis product. In its fresh form, cannabis contains cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), the non-active version of CBD. Decarboxylation activates CBD by removing the acid molecule.
CBD content is listed on product packaging, expressed in milligrams per gram, package, or unit, depending on the product format. Unlike THC, there are no legal limits on CBD content.
Types of CBD Products
CBD, a regulated substance in Canada, undergoes testing and regulation similar to THC-containing cannabis products. Legal CBD products can only be sold to individuals aged 19 and over through Authorised Cannabis Stores and OCS.ca.
CBD is found in various cannabis products, including:
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Dried Flower: Inhalation (pre-roll, joint, bong, or vaporiser)
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Edibles: Ingestion (soft chews, sodas)
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Extracts: Oral absorption (lozenges, capsules, oils)
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Topicals: Topical application (lotions, creams)
CBD vs. THC: The Difference
CBD and THC can affect the body and mind but differ in key aspects. CBD generally lacks intoxicating effects, unlike THC. Additionally, CBD enhances the production of natural endocannabinoids, while THC temporarily replaces them.
