What is CBD Oil?
Hemp, sometimes called industrial hemp, is a plant typically grown for its fiber or its seeds. Hemp is commonly used to make papers, fabrics, oils, and more.
So why all the confusion about hemp, cannabis, and marijuana? Hemp and marijuana are two varieties of Cannabis sativa. The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as “the plant Cannabis sativa … with a [THC] concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.”
Hemp and marijuana contain similar cannabinoids, namely CBD and THC, but in different levels. Hemp is rich in CBD and only contains trace amounts of THC, so it cannot get you high. Cannabis with higher levels of THC is considered marijuana.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants, classified as a cannabinoid. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not make you feel high.
When CBD is extracted from hemp, the extraction process also draws out other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and more. This is referred to as full spectrum CBD.
When the other natural compounds are removed and only CBD is left, it is CBD isolate.
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that give them their distinct aromas and flavors. If you love the smell that fills your home when you bring home a Christmas tree, you largely have the terpene pinene to thank. Some terpenes can have therapeutic effects as well – think aromatherapy.
A few common terpenes that can be found in hemp are:
- Pinene – the aroma most associated with pine trees
- Linalool – contributes to the floral flavor and scent of lavender
- Limonene – commonly found in citrus peels
- Humulene – associated with hoppy aromas
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants (phytocannabinoids) and in humans and animals (endocannabinoids).
The most well-known plant cannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are many more. A few other common ones found in hemp are:
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
The most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to trigger various responses. Because phytocannabinoids are similar to endocannabinoids, they activate the same receptors in our bodies. Keep reading to learn more about the endocannabinoid system.
Endocannabinoid systems (ECS) are present in all creatures that have a backbone, including you and most pets.
The ECS is a complex network found throughout the body with receptors for cannabinoids to trigger various functions. The best-known cannabinoid receptors are CB1, found mostly in the brain and nervous system, and CB2 receptors found mostly in the immune system, digestive system, and most major organs.
The ECS has a role in regulating inflammation, pain, memory, stress, sleep, and many other functions in the body. Research on the endocannabinoid system began in the 1990’s and it is still being studied. We encourage you to do some research to find out some of the many properties of cannabinoids and what they can do for your body.
Naturally occurring endocannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies to regulate many systems. CBD is also able to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system. Because plant-derived cannabinoids have similar chemical makeup to our natural cannabinoids, they can produce similar chemical responses.
The person most qualified to answer this question is your physician. We recommend consulting your doctor before taking CBD to determine if it is appropriate for your needs and what dosage they recommend if it is.
Head over to our Testimonials page to see what others have to say about their experiences with EVO3 Full Spectrum CBD products.
If your pet has a back bone, they have an endocannabinoid system.
The person most qualified to determine what CBD can do for your pet is your veterinarian. Your vet can let you know if CBD is appropriate for your pet’s needs and what dosage they recommend if it is.
Head over to our Testimonials page to see what others have to say about their experiences with EVO3 Full Spectrum CBD products.
There is no recorded lethal dose of CBD, however if you notice any adverse effects after taking CBD consider lowering your dosage and discussing your CBD regimen with your physician. We recommend you start small and slowly increase your dosage until you find the minimum dose required to feel your desired effects.
It is important to note that CBD is known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can interfere with the metabolism of some prescription drugs (much like grapefruit, but stronger). If you are currently taking any medications, we urge you to talk to your physician about possible drug interactions and how/if you can incorporate CBD safely.