CBD is also known as Cannabidiol. It is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It has no psychoactive effects and does not get you high. CBD is legal in all 50 states as long as it contains only trace amounts of THC, less than 0.3% to be exact. CBD-rich cannabis has a long history of being used to treat health problems. Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. Many people are interested in this natural compound to treat anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, aches and pains, and more.

Let’s look at the word “endocannabinoid.” “Cannabinoid” comes from “cannabis,” and “endo” is short for “endogenous,” which means that it is produced naturally inside of your body.

So “endocannabinoid” simply means cannabis-like substances that naturally occur inside us.

The ECS itself is made up of three parts:

EndocannabinoidsReceptors in the nervous system and around your body that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids bond withEnzymes that help break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids

The ECS maintains homeostatis, which is the optimal balance of your body’s natural rhythms. CBD helps support this process.

There are numerous medical benefits attributed to CBD, and the list keeps growing. Here are some uses that have recently been scientifically documented.

Allergic asthma — “CBD treatment decreased the inflammatory and remodeling processes in the model of allergic asthma,” according to the European Journal of Pharmacology

Anxiety and sleep — “Cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders,” The Permanente Journal

Blood pressure — “This data shows that acute administration of CBD reduces resting BP and the BP increase to stress in humans,” JCI Insight

Inflammation — “CBD that exerts prolonged immunosuppression … might be used in chronic inflammation, the terpenoids … might thus be used to relieve acute inflammation,” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research

Ovarian function/female reproductive system — Impacts “the female reproductive system where it affects folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovarian endocrine secretion,” Journal of Ovarian Research19 PTSD and nightmares — “Administration of oral CBD in addition to routine psychiatric care was associated with PTSD symptom reduction … CBD also appeared to offer relief in a subset of patients who reported frequent nightmares as a symptom of their PTSD,” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Pain, migraine, detoxification from opioids — “There is accumulating evidence for various therapeutic benefits of cannabis/cannabinoids, especially in the treatment of pain, which may also apply to the treatment of migraine and headache. There is also supporting evidence that cannabis may assist in opioid detoxification and weaning, thus making it a potential weapon in battling the opioid epidemic,” Headache

Whether you suffer from chronic illness, daily aches and pains or anything in between, CBD can help to reduce, treat, or eliminate symptoms. The most common conditions CBD helps manage are inflammation, aches and pain, insomnia, anxiety and depression, nausea, vomiting, acne, scars, high blood pressure, headaches and more. CBD interacts and helps support the body’s natural Endocannibinoid system (ECS) communicating with the receptors to relieve and reduce symptoms. Individuals do not have to have a condition to use CBD. In fact, CBD can benefit people who are looking to add a natural self-care option to their routines and enhance their health and wellness on a daily basis.

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like…isolation of the cannabidiol. The Isolate process includes removing all of the waxes, fats, oils, plant material, chlorophyll and more which leaves behind the pure 99% cannabidiol. CBD isolate crystalline is a white, fine powder and contains the cannabidiol chemical compound. Isolate is the purest form of CBD and more refined than CBD distillate. It has no taste or smell to it and it is most commonly used in gummies and oils as well as other ingestibles and vape cartridges.

CBD Distillate is not as refined as isolate and not as pure because it includes a range of other cannabinoids, plant material and terpenes. These other cannabinoids can be separated from one another. Distillate can be further refined even more to become a CBD isolate. CBD distillate has a more earthy taste to it because of the terpenes and cannabinoids, which can be healthy and provide the body with many benefits.

Full spectrum CBD also contains a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, and fiber. When referring to CBD in the hemp plant, it’s important to understand that Hemp contains a large number of cannabinoids (in trace amounts), but the main compounds are CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDa). As CBDa is more abundant in the hemp plant, firms must decarboxylate the oil. This process heats the oil and changes CBDa into CBD.

Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavorings of cannabis. Terpenes are found in high concentrations in the unfertilized female cannabis flowers. Steam distillation or vaporization are the processes used to extract the essential oil from the plant material. Some different terpenes include Limonene, bitter citrus, which aids in reducing anxiety and helps digestion and Borneol, mint, used to relieve pain as an anti-inflammatory.