![Everything you need to know about CBD and its health benefits](http://getpotli.com/cdn/shop/articles/Screen_Shot_2020-10-08_at_5.03.30_PM-853763_{width}x.png?v=1602238399)
So you’ve heard of CBD oil, CBD gummies, and maybe even CBD kombucha.
But what exactly is CBD? And why have CBD infused foods and drinks become so popular recently?
We’ve got you covered with a little CBD 101 to answer your burning questions about cannabis and hemp! Here’s to taking our culinary game to the next level with just one star ingredient.
What is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation of cannabidiol, a natural compound found in the flowers of cannabis plants. By cannabis, do you really just mean weed? Not quite. While CBD is found in cannabis, by itself, CBD is non-intoxicating, non-addictive, and does not cause a “high.” CBD is just one of the hundreds of chemicals present in cannabis, and has a rich medicinal history that dates back thousands of years and has plenty of health benefits.
CBD doesn’t get you high, THC does
So if CBD doesn’t get me high, what does?
The major psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC produces a sense of euphoria by binding with cannabinoid 1 receptors in the brain.
Although CBD and THC have similar chemical structures, CBD binds very weakly, if at all, with these receptors in the brain. In fact, CBD can even help reduce some of the unwanted psychoactive effects of THC!
Can someone who works at a big company who holds drug tests take CBD?
As long as they are testing for THC, it should not be a concern and CBD should not make you test positive for cannabis.
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons people shy away from trying CBD is because they look at it as a drug and they are scared it will show up on a drug test. At a lot of bigger corporations there is an initial drug test and sometimes even random periodic drug tests for people who work at the company. It’s important to differentiate the two chemicals as one is the reason for a positive drug test for cannabis and the other (CBD) won’t.
Does CBD Show up on a drug test?
If you’re concerned about CBD showing up on a drug test for a positive cannabis result here us out: THC is the chemical that drug tests are searching for, and although THC and CBD are similar in structure, the test is looking for THC so no, you wouldn’t fail a drug test because you took CBD.
CBD derived from hemp is legal
The cannabis plant can be grown into two variations: cannabis and hemp. The difference between the two plants is the presence of THC. Cannabis is classified as hemp if it contains less than 0.3% THC, and as cannabis if it contains more. Check out our post on the legality of CBD for more info about your state.
While CBD is found in both cannabis and hemp, hemp-derived CBD can be sold outside of legal cannabis dispensaries. All products sold on potlishop.com are made with hemp-derived cannabinoids. For our cannabis derived products in California, visit getpotli.com
Does CBD have any health benefits?
Yes! CBD is widely loved for its therapeutic properties, some use cases are relief for those who deal with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Skin disease
Many people also use CBD as an alternative to harsh pharmaceuticals, as CBD can provide natural relief for a variety of ailments.
How does CBD interact within us?
Human bodies contain a specialized cell-signaling system called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
The ECS is involved in a variety of bodily functions — from pain management, to immune system response, to sleep.
Studies have shown that CBD impacts endocannabinoid receptor activity by interacting with the neurotransmitters that bind with these receptors. This response can lead to anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
For example, one study found that Sativex, an oral spray combining THC and CBD, significantly improved pain and sleep quality in 58 people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Sativex is also approved in multiple countries as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Want to know how you can get better sleep with CBD too? Check out our best tips and tricks here.
Research has also shown that CBD can be an effective natural alternative for anxiety and depression medication.
CBD’s antidepressant-like effects is attributed to its ability to interact with the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.
Better sleep? Clearer skin? Less inflammation, anxiety, and stress? A “feel good” effect without the intoxication?
Sign me up!
So what are you waiting for?
Grab your CBD pantry essentials and let’s get cooking towards a happier and healthier mind and body.
There is a stigma around CBD use
Looking at the main reasons someone wouldn’t try CBD:
Scared of being associated with taking something that has THC in it
Even when looking at federally legal instances of CBD, you’ll often see products being labeled either full or broad spectrum CBD. Broad spectrum contains no THC whatsoever, whereas Full Spectrum CBD has trace amounts of under .3%. With trace amounts its effect on the body is negligible and doesn’t get you high.
Don’t like the consumption method
Luckily for people who don’t enjoy taking the traditional oils, Potli has made a way for people to easily introduce CBD into their diets for it’s health benefits through infused food products like olive oils, honey, apple cider vinegar and chili oils.
Using CBD infused food products is a great way to mix it up, add quality ingredients to make a delicious meal as well as reap all the health benefits of CBD without the stigma of using CBD oil.
If you’ve always wondered about the benefits of CBD but there was something that has held you back from doing so in the past we highly recommend that you try our products to not only break the stigma about taking CBD, but showing you that there are other ways to introduce it to your diet.
You’ll be delighted as you harness it’s health benefits!
→ Shop our Pantry Essentials
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/what-is-cbd
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
- https://medium.com/alphagreen/cbd-infused-food-and-drinks-the-ultimate-guide-de8f221598eb
- https://drugabuse.com/guess-whats-in-your-marijuana/
- https://medium.com/cbd-origin/hemp-vs-marijuana-the-difference-explained-a837c51aa8f7
- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/27/style/cbd-benefits.html
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8