Huile CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It’s also the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp. CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana, but generally speaking, it’s extracted from hemp – because that’s where the largest concentrations are found.
The human body has what’s called an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of receptors throughout your body that act like locks on your cells – locking onto cannabinoids (like CBD) to provide modulation for things like mood balance and pain regulation.
Studies have shown that some cannabinoids can be beneficial to the ECS, and when we supplement with them we can restore balance.
In fact, CBD is so effective because it’s a “phytocannabinoid,” meaning it comes from nature. The thing about phytocannabinoids is that they are extremely potent! They interact with the body more profoundly than man-made synthetic compounds. So while pharmaceutical companies would rather you take a pill for depression or chronic pain, there are some things that Mother Nature just does better.
What makes CBD particularly appealing as a compound for health supplements is that it doesn’t get you high. It can’t get you “high.” It doesn’t even come close to getting us “high.” There is virtually no likelihood of a CBD user being an accidental user of THC. We use CBD because we know it works, and knowing that it works is half the battle.
The other half of the battle, once we know that it works, is figuring out how to make it work. The best type of CBD supplement is a full-spectrum supplement. This type will also contain terpenes like myrcene and linalool, which have an additional set of receptors in the body called CB2 receptors – so they can actually help further regulate and balance your endocannabinoid system. Theoretically, they may even help you modulate inflammation a bit!
What this means is that the best type of CBD product for general wellness and overall health benefits is a full spectrum product with all cannabinoids present in the right amount for your body. A simple example of a good product is CBD capsules.
Some people prefer to use CBD oils, and they’re pretty easy to acquire. You can find those at your local smoke shop or online. I personally prefer the kind that you drink under the tongue because it’s more convenient. If you have problems swallowing pills, these CBD oils are a very easy way for you to consume CBD.
But you don’t have to use CBD products. You can also make your own CBD extract with a CO2 extraction machine. This is a little more involved than just putting CBD in a capsule, but if you’re used to working with liquids this is very simple. You can use all-natural coconut oil as the solvent or cold-pressed organic hemp oil, which I like better because it’s purer. So you’d put some of both into a test tube, and then add some alcohol (I prefer H2O) to extract the cannabinoids from the plant material. The best part is that it’s a non-toxic process, so you don’t have to worry about the residual solvents in your extract.
If you want to learn more about CBD and its effects on your health, I can recommend two books: The Emperor Wears No Clothes by Jack Herer and Cannabinoids: A Patient’s Guide for Medical Use by Dr. Stephen P. Paul.
