What is CBD? The inside scoop is that CBD usage keeps gaining popularity across the world, sometimes as an alternative to conventional medicine. (1)

In 2020, the global CBD market was projected to be worth USD 2.8 billion, and in 2021, it is predicted to be worth USD 3.5 billion. By 2028 a compound annual growth rate of 21.2% is also predicted, meaning the global CBD market should become worth around USD 13.4 billion by 2028. (1)

Growing demand for cannabidiol (CBD) for medicinal and wellness purposes, as well as its healing properties, are key factors driving this market development.

What does this mean for us? What is CBD, and how can we benefit? Before we consider adding any new product into our daily routines, it’s always best to get some answers and advice first. (1)

What is CBD?

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating chemical compound from the cannabis sativa plant, which is also known as marijuana or hemp. (2)

The cannabis sativa plant contains more than 80 chemicals known as cannabinoids. Although the main active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) can also be derived from hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC. (3)

The Lowdown On Getting High

One of the common misconceptions about cannabis therapy is that you have to get high to attain any symptom relief, but this is not the case. THC is the compound that can provide a euphoric high.

Both compounds THC and CBD have impressive medicinal properties, and they perform better together than separately. THC's cell supporting and discomfort-relieving properties may be enhanced by CBD, while at the same time any undesirable side effects of THC are reduced by CBD. (4, 8)

CBD and THC also have many therapeutic properties in common, such as supporting a healthy discomfort response, mood support, and even nausea support - despite the fact that their modes of action are distinct. (4)

This is fantastic news for medical cannabis patients who wish to improve their quality of life, and at the same time are looking for products to maintain optimal work or home performance.

In What Ratio? 

One of the most ubiquitous questions on many people’s minds is regarding the recommended ratio of full-spectrum cannabis products. That is, how much of both CBD and THC do we need to most effectively treat any particular symptoms or ailments.

Studies have shown for long-term cannabis users or for individuals who are more prone to cannabis-related side-effects, it is recommended to limit use to strains with high CBD and low THC content. (8)

The right ratio is unique to each person since no two bodies or brains are alike. A ratio with the highest amount of CBD versus THC material is a good place to start. (9)

In the USA cannabis products may legally have levels of THC ranging from 0.3% to 5%, depending on the state law. (5)

More FAQ on CBD

Is CBD Legal? 

Of course! However, if your purified CBD comes from hemp plants, it is federally legal, but if it comes from a marijuana plant, it is illegal. Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. (10)

This is important for CBD sellers as the FDA has the mandate to verify the safest products and dosage for the chemicals that we consume or apply to our bodies.

When CBD is applied into drugs, food, or dietary supplements there are strict laws in the USA to ensure health and safety. Therefore in tinctures, creams, oils, or supplements, CBD usage is now perfectly legal, however, it’s important to check the law within the State you are buying from or living in. (10)

How Does CBD Work Inside The Body?

The human body has its own endocannabinoid system and it’s a complex biological system. 

The endocannabinoid system has three components: 

1. Receptors which exist throughout the body and are a substance to which endocannabinoids bind.
2. Enzymes appear in many forms, but two types of enzymes break down endocannabinoids.
3. Endocannaninoids - complement the body by keeping internal functions running smoothly.(6)

These components function regardless of whether someone uses CBD or not. (6)

CB1 and CB2 receptors are the two forms of receptors in the human body. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the central nervous system and are involved in balance, movement, discomfort, appetite, memory, mood, and a variety of other functions. CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and play a role in reducing discomfort. (6)

After the enzymes break down the cannabinoids, the endocannabinoids look to bind with receptors. CBD does not directly attach itself to the receptor but influences it in some way. Activating these receptors is what allows for many of the health benefits that people associate with CBD usage. (6)

Can CBD Affect Mental State Or Physical Discomfort? 

CBD can influence non-cannabinoid receptors. CBD modulates the 5ht serotonin receptor, which can treat various psychotic disorders.

It can also affect the TRPV1 receptor, which is responsible for discomfort. Supporting this receptor can help various tissues and cells in the body or effectively block discomfort signals from reaching the rest of the body. (6)

Is CBD Right For Me? 

The brain is affected by cannabidiol (CBD). The precise cause of these effects is unknown. CBD appears to prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical that affects physical discomfort, mood, and mental function. (3)

Preventing this chemical's degradation and increasing its blood levels seems to alleviate psychotic symptoms, supporting people with many different disorders. (3)

Research has shown that ingesting CBD may provide the following benefits: 

• Encourages internal balance (homeostasis)
• Supports overall cellular health
• Reduces stress
• Promotes relaxation and mood balance
• Supports healthy blood flow
• Promotes better sleep
• Supports healthy joints
• Supports healthy skin, nails, and hair (4,6,7,11,12,16,17)

Who Should Avoid CBD?

CBD usage is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, young children, people with liver disease, or those with Parkinson’s disease. (3)

Is CBD Good For Topical Use Or Skincare?

Many spas, salons, and beauty professionals across the globe are discovering the benefits of CBD in their products. Its effects are extremely appealing to manufacturers and sellers in the beauty world. (15) 

The therapeutic potential of CBD for acne, seborrhea, eczema/dermatitis, and skin barrier function is promising within current research, yet more robust studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy. (14)

In the meantime Nesas Hemp as an ingestible tincture can support healthy skin, hair and nails. Our extract is gluten-free, organic, Non-GMO, pesticide-free and vegan and we never use harmful gasses, solvents, heat, chemicals or hidden preservatives to extract the cannabinoids.

Answers For The Real World

With so many companies joining the CBD industry, it's more critical than ever to buy from companies that put a premium on product quality and can back it up with verifiable third-party lab results. 

CBD has created a big buzz, and it’s only a matter of time before more results come out on clinical trials - and (hurray!) more conditions may be able to be improved with CBD. One thing is for sure: CBD products are here to stay, and Nesas Hemp is an industry leader in quality and consistency.

Want to Learn More?

1. How Heavy Metals And Pesticides Are Getting Into CBD Oil
2. Hemp History Timeline (CBD History)
3. What is CBD? FAQ and 101 Guide

Sources:

1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cannabidiol-cbd-market
2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1439.html 
3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd 
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2931570/ 
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505016305856 
6. https://www.healtheuropa.eu/cbd-understanding-how-cbd-works-with-our-bodies/96718/ 
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202504/ 
8. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190930131115.htm 
9. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/is-cbd-legal-heres-what-you-need-to-know-according-to-science 
10. https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-oil-for-skin#side-effects-and-risks 
11. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476 
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/ 
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/ 
14. https://www.healthline.com/health/best-cbd-beauty-products 
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
16. https://icsc.dk/cbd-oil/