Demystifying CBD Oil

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Source: fortheageless.com



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If you’ve ever considered using CBD Oil as an aid to good health, but have been too frightened to, because of negative things you’ve heard, then you simply have to read this article. 

There are all sorts of misinformation going around about Cannabis Sativa and all the products that are produced from it, which is why we just had to put this article together.

In it, we’ve put some of the ‘fake news’ to rest, so we can help spread the word about what so many people are missing out on by avoiding using it to promote health.

By reading through, you’ll find out things like:

• Why CBD Oil is safe, legal and available in the United Kingdom
• How cannabis-derived products have been used by humans for centuries
• What the body’s endocannabinoid system is and how important it is to good health
• How CBD Oil is made
• How you too can be enjoying the benefits of CBD oil

We’ll be demystifying, deconstructing and debunking all those urban myths and apocryphal tales about what cannabinoids are and what they do in the body. Read to the end and you might soon realise that there are more than one or two things that you think you know but aren’t actually true.

So, without further ado, let’s get demystifying! 

CBD Oil Myths

Mention to anyone that you’re using CBD Oil (aka Cannabidiol) and you’re likely to come up against what can only be described as a knee-jerk reaction, because of the fact that is created from the cannabis plant, which at the point of writing, is still an illegal Class B drug in the UK. Unfortunately, this is still a common reaction, which is born out of the lack of awareness of what CBD Oil is and what it’s used for.

The first and most important thing to explain is that CBD Oil does not contain the psychoactive compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), so however much you use, you’re not going to get ‘high’ - it just won’t happen. So, in order to understand exactly what Cannabidiol DOES do to the human body, we now examine the subject in greater detail. 

Cannabidiol has Become Increasingly Popular

Whilst we are obligated under UK law as supplement suppliers not to make any bold claims about the medical benefits of CBD Oil, we can say that it can be used to support and promote a healthy lifestyle, which is something done by many people all across the world every day. In fact, its use as an aid to wellbeing is gathering pace in the United Kingdom right now, as more and more people are discovering its benefits.

So, what exactly is driving so many people to start including oil created from CBD (Cannabinoid) in their diet? Rather than being an article telling you why using CBD oil is a good idea, we have created this blog to help you understand what this natural supplement does when ingested into the body and how it is able to promote good health. 

The Long History of CBD

“Cannabis cultivation dates back to the days of early man, for use in textiles, medicines and cooking”

The use of CBD derived products stretches back millennia, with modern archaeology suggesting that Cannabis Sativa was something cultivated by early man. Despite many thinking of the use of the plant for any purpose as a relatively modern paradigm, its use is far, far older than that. In fact, according to National Geographic Magazine, its use stretches back thousands of years for a variety of medicinal and nutritional uses.
(National Geographic, 2015)

The reason for this is the versatility of the cannabis plant, as its constituent parts have been used not only for food and in the promotion of health, but in the production of hemp textiles and clothes and there are examples of its use all across the globe. Vikings are said to have used hemp seeds and hemp ropes in the 10th century, whilst Arabia is said to have seen techniques to use hemp in the creation of early forms of paper. Even Italians were using hemp ropes for ship rigging.

It’s fair to say that cannabis and hemp have proven extremely useful over the years. 

From the 1940s to the 1960s


Moving forwards, closer to the present day, scientists at the University of Illinois in the US began examining the structure of the cannabis plant and found that despite previously being believed to be highly toxic (from the viewpoint of modern medicine), what was uncovered were a series of positive characteristics. However, their findings failed to instigate any mainstream interest and the research laid untouched for another 2 decades. 

The 1970s

CBD began to be investigated again, in search of therapeutic uses in the 70s, which saw scientists from South America announcing that they had achieved a reduction in the effects of epilepsy in animals. Similar studies were conducted on human subjects, but the results were inconclusive.

This decade also saw the beginning of cannabis derivatives being administered in mainstream medicine, to reduce the symptoms of vomiting and nausea after sessions of the harsh anti-cancer treatment that is chemotherapy. 

The 1980s and 1990s

Non-mainstream scientific research continued over the next 20 years, which saw CBD, rather than cannabis being trialled on human subjects. These clinical tests began to display the therapeutic benefits of including cannabinoids into the body, but again, it was something that was flatly ignored by mainstream science.

To this date, there is no officially recognised research to back up any of the claims made by any of the pioneering scientists that have looked into how the endocannabinoid system can be supported by CBD in the pursuit of improved health.

“CBD Oil won’t induce a high like THC would, as it doesn’t stimulate the cannabinoid receptors in the same way”.

 

The Endocannabinoid System

In the human body, we have what’s known as an ‘endocannabinoid system’, which is a network of receptors that are located in the brain, down the spinal column and at various points around the body. Their job is to regulate vital functions that include appetite, memory, mood, sleep patterns and pain response. 

The reason CBD oil doesn’t induce a high that you would get if you ingested THC, is that it doesn’t stimulate the cannabinoid receptors, which can result in a change of mood, how well your memory works, how you feel pain and how you feel hunger. 

CB1 and CB2 Receptors

There are two types of cannabinoid receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system, which are grouped together as either CB1 or CB2 receptors.

CB1 Receptors are mainly found in the brain’s nerve cells and in the spinal cord, but can also be located in the gut, the urinary tract, white blood cells, the endocrine gland and in secondary organs like the spleen.

CB2 Receptors carry out a variety of functions relating to the body’s immune system, including the replacement of old, dead cells (apoptosis) that occurs every day in each one of us and for dealing with foreign bodies and illnesses. 

What is Exactly is an Endocannabinoid?

According to the The National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States, endocannabinoids are fatty oils that exist in minuscule amounts in the human body and which communicate with and react to the receptors mentioned above. These membranes are what allow electrical signals to be sent in between the individual cells and they play an important role in the wellbeing of a variety of body systems.
(Ncbi, 2009)

These enzymes are something that the body creates on its own, naturally, which it does when sending messages around the body relating to pain, memory, mood, appetite and functions relating to infection and inflammation. 

Common Denominator

The endocannabinoid system is not something that is exclusive to human beings either, as we share this characteristic with all known vertebrate life forms. Every animal with a spine has one, something that is needed to be able to effectively react to environmental changes - a clear problem for earth’s wildlife right now - and it is believed that the first examples of the endocannabinoid system date back hundreds of millions of years.

“Phytocannabinoids derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant are almost identical to the Endocannabinoids that are produced naturally in the body” 

Cannabidiol

CBD, itself an abbreviation of the term Cannabidiol, is what’s known as a phytocannabinoid, which is a material that can be gleaned from the cannabis plant and is also known to communicate with the cannabinoid receptors. The majority of phytocannabinoids are derived from the cannabis plant, although there are others that exist, namely echinacea which contains a substance with similar cannabinoid qualities.

So, what this establishes, is that phytocannabinoids can have a similar effect on the body to endocannabinoids and whilst there is still no official confirmation of the latter being interchangeable with the former, the argument for it certainly has its merits. (Ncbi, 2009)

One big difference between the varieties of cannabinoids that exist is the disparity in quantities involved when they are produced naturally in the body and when they’re introduced from an external source. When endocannabinoids are produced naturally in the body, they appear in extremely small quantities. However, phytocannabinoids that exist in CBD products are relatively abundant and packed with active enzymes to support good body function. 

Theoretical Phytocannabinoid Scenario

So, in this theoretical scenario where phytocannabinoids are able to be used as a direct replacement for something that occurs naturally in the body, and that something is designed to enhance wellness and health, it is a fairly logical step to argue that it could also be a process that is supported by the regular consumption of a naturally created supplement.

Herbal remedies from around the world are becoming increasingly popular as a daily supplement to the western diet and in the modern day, when we’re as medicated as a species as we’ve ever been, the promotion of health in a ‘non-pharmaceutical’ way has got to be a good thing. 

Dr Raphael Mechoulam, CBD’s Grandfather

Prior to 1988, the endocannabinoid system wasn’t even known to science, until it was discovered by a scientist from Israel by the name of Raphael Mechoulam and it was evident then that it fulfilled an important role in the body.

Some 30 years later, the science relating to the use of phytocannabinoids has not moved much and medical Doctors are still not trained in any aspect of the endocannabinoid system. That’s not to say that there aren’t those within the medical community that aren’t behind the science and what it offers. 

Dr David Allen

“The most important discovery in medicine since the invention of the sterile surgery technique”

One such mainstream academic is preeminent Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health and respected heart surgeon, Dr David Allen. He believes in the value of further research into the use of cannabinoids to promote health. He also feels that there is a general lack of acceptance of the concept within the medical community, with many refusing to acknowledge the validity of pursuing the science or committing resources in doing so. (David B Allen M.D, 2018)


According to Dr Allen, wilfully ignoring a new unexplored science is “absurd” and he is calling for the introduction of the science of the endocannabinoid system into medical schools across the civilised world to explore the science of cannabinoid receptors fully.

The fact that cannabinoids have received so little attention from mainstream medicine is put into even more focus when you consider that more than 20,000 research papers and articles have been published on the subject. Even so, we still have much to learn about cannabinoids and how they react with the receptors in the body - all information that could be used to help us all live healthier and more balanced lives.

Will modern science ever relent and include endocannabinoid research in its mainstream activity? Only time will tell.

“CBD Oil is much more able to support health and good body function than other hemp-based products, because of the way it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system” 

How is CBD Oil Made?

Our natural CBD Oil is created from the highest quality hemp source, which is carefully selected to be particularly potent in the active ingredients. These entire plants are then cultivated using the most gentle and unprocessed methods possible and quality product is achieved by using the whole plant rather than from ‘isolates’, ensuring that a greater amount of the important phytocannabinoids are retained.

Naturally derived and naturally produced, we believe that the way our CBD Oil is produced makes it the best choice on the market. Check out a more in-depth article on how CBD oil is made.

CBD Oil vs THC Oil vs Hemp Oil

Part of the reason for the confusion surrounding what CBD oil is, is the fact there are a number of different oils created from Cannabis Sativa. Whilst the different forms of oil do indeed come from the same plant species, the mechanisms used are very different.

So, we’ve touched on what CBD Oil is. What others are there?

Hemp Oil is derived from cannabis seeds but is only typically created using industrial hemp. The main difference is the lack of cannabinoids that it contains, meaning that it only has a nutritional value, rather than being able to assist in the promotion of good health. There is a trace element of THC in hemp oil, but nowhere near enough to induce any psychoactive effects.

On the nutritional side of things, hemp oil is rich in omega oils and abundant with saturated fats, which is what makes it so useful in cooking. Also, hemp oil can be used topically in moisturising creams and lotions.

THC Oil is another thing entirely from its non-psychoactive cousins, as it can be used to induce the kind of high people associate with cannabis. This means that you’re not going to be able to buy it legally in the United Kingdom. This substance may be derived from the same plant, but its differentiation from CBD Oil is clear and defined.

Cannabis Oil is another name for THC Oil, so if you come across this product, it’s not likely to be from a legal source. 

Conclusion

Whilst there is lot that western society still has to ‘re-learn’ about how the regular inclusion of cannabidiol in the diet can assist good health and efficient function of the body’s many vital systems, it’s apparent even to those new to the subject, that cannabis-derived products have been in use to promote wellness since the beginning of recorded history and beyond.

Neither science nor UK law has yet caught up with the phenomenon that is CBD oil, but that only affects what we’re allowed say about what we think is one the of the most amazingly beneficial substances in existence. It’s lack of official acknowledgement certainly doesn’t stop the support CBD oil gives to the increasing number who now use it regularly to encourage better overall health.

Science may one day align with this message, but until then, you will have to rely on our word and the reviews of our many happy customers. 

Is CBD Oil for Me?

Of course, only you can decide that for yourself, but what we would say is that if it’s a gentle supplement you are looking for and one that helps your body’s systems to work more smoothly and in a more balanced way, then you may have found the perfect addition to your daily routine in CBD oil.

What we would recommend is trying it out and seeing what you think for yourself. That way, all of the conjecture and debate about what it can do and what it can’t, becomes something of a moot point. The question should really be “are you willing to try it out?” and we can’t think of many reasons why it’s not worth at least finding out on for yourself.

If you would like to know more about anything discussed here or about the full range of wonderful cannabis-derived products we offer, take a look through our main CBD collection or, for a chat with one of our friendly experts, you can talk 24/7 to them via the messenger app on the bottom right of the home page.

We hope this article has in some way made CBD oil and what it offers a bit clearer and easier to understand. Check back with us soon for more news and interesting blogs on the wonder that is CBD oil.

You can also read our CBD guide and our FAQ on CBD oil.

In wellness,

References

PACHER, P., BÁTKAI, S., & Kunos, G. (2006, September). Ncbi. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Fisar, Z. (2009, January). Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

A. (n.d.). Survey Shows Low Acceptance of the Science of the ECS (Endocannabinoid System). Retrieved from http://www.outwordmagazine.com/

High Science. (2017, June 30). Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/