CBD an Introduction and History

Introduction

Cannabis plants contain 100+, naturally occurring active compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of these compounds found in all cannabis plants, but more prevalent in the Hemp plant. The most well-known cannabinoid associated with marijuana’s psychoactive properties is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a HIGH or STONED feeling.  There are two different types of Cannabis plants Hemp and Marijuana. These two plants differ in their cannabinoid types and levels, but come from the same plant Cannabis Sativa L. Both hemp and marijuana can be used to  produce cannabidiol products.

Throughout history the cannabis plant has been used for many things from medicine to paper, dating back to the ancient civilizations.

History of CBD

Ancient CBD/Hemp use

Archaeologists believe the plant species “Cannabis Sativa,” dates back 10,000 years. Taiwanese farmers were among the first to use Hemp, they used hemp seeds to condition their soil. These people also found that hemp seeds have high levels of protein, vitamins, and amino acids. During these times hemp seeds were used so frequently. They became essential to human civilization. Around 6,000 B.C. the oldest pharmacopeia “Pen Ts’ao Ching” mentions hemp and its uses. Its documented that the ancient Chinese found that cannabis plants have either male or female reproductive properties.  This was the beginning of understanding the difference between ‘hemp’ and ‘marijuana’

In 2737 B.C. Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung recorded using hemp oil as medicine. Text published, in Pen Ts’ao Ching suggests that the emperor extracted hemp oil from the plant’s seeds for pain treatment and made topical salves for treating skin rashes and irritation. In England under Henry VIII’s rule, Hemp was cultivated to make clothing and building materials. Then in 1616, settlers traveling from Europe brought hemp to North America. In 1619 it was documented that Hemp was cultivated for various purposes all over the United States. By the 1700’s hemp became prevalent on the continent of Africa. Amongst other uses, it was given to women before childbirth. In the 1800’s the medical use of hemp becomes more common in the US and Europe. Queen Victoria used CBD rich cannabis to treat menstrual pain.

Early days

Fast forward to 1900’s during the Mexican Revolution. With large amounts of Mexican immigrants coming to the US, who introduced the recreational use of cannabis and propaganda against these foreigners, sparked the criminalization of all cannabis products in the United States. This was a defining time in the cannabis industry and by the 1980’s marijuana cultivators worldwide were on one mission: to grow the most potent, most psychoactive cannabis on the market. Because of this, cultivation of plants that were rich in other cannabinoids like CBD was far less.

Modern day

Then, in the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan poured millions of dollars into a study to prove that marijuana damages the human brain. But, rather than showing how marijuana harms the brain, the Reagan administration ended up subsidizing a series of studies that culminated in the discovery of the endocannabinoid system expanding our understanding of how cannabinoids interact with the human body.

How CBD works

Unlike its cannabinoid cousin, THC Cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce a psychoactive effect. This is because CBD does not affect the same receptors that THC does. The human body has an endocannabinoid system that receives transmissions signals from cannabinoids in the body.

CBD produces many beneficial effects on the human molecular pathway. As a matter of fact, there are more than 65 molecular targets of CBD in the body. A CBD rich product with little THC can convey therapeutic benefits without having a euphoric or dysphoric effect. In order for CBD to work properly, CBD SHOULD BE the main substance in any CBD Oil that you purchase.

Can you take too much?

There has been no known fatal overdose ever from cannabidiol, confirming it to be non-toxic. A study from 2011 indicated that humans can easily tolerate chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day. Furthermore the Department of Health and Human Services states. ‘No signs of toxicity or serious side effects have been observed following administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers’. (Cunha et al., Pharmacology 21:127-185, 1980) Even in large doses of 700 mg/day (Consroe et al., Pharmacol, Biochem, Behav. 40:701-708,1991)

Our Oils

Full Spectrum and the Entourage effect

Many CBD oils on the market contain only CBD, and others are “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum” these oils contain a range of cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, CBG and THCA. It is believed that a wider cannabinoid spectrum can aid in what is known as the entourage effect. The belief that cannabinoids have greater therapeutic benefits when working together rather than acting as a single molecule. The interaction of more than one cannabinoid stimulates the endocannabinoid system and the molecular interaction.

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*All of our Products are food supplements, not intended to prevent, cure, or treat any disease.