What Does CBD Stand For?

Written by: Kirsten Thornhill

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Time to read 7 min

WHAT DOES CBD STAND FOR?

CBD is the medical abbreviation for cannabidiol, a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component, just one of 100+ phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the well-known cannabinoid THC, CBD will not “get you high” or produce euphoric, mind-altering effects. 

HOW DID CBD GET ITS NAME?

CBD gets its name letters in the word: cannabidiol. In addition to learning the proper name behind the acronym, it’s important to understand just how impactful the discovery of CBD has been.

The first written reports of marijauan usage were in 2737 BC, the Emperor Shen Neng of China prescribed marijuana as a treatment tea for various issues. Fast forward to 1492, it’s been suggested that Christopher Columbus brought cannabis into the New World (America). Fast forward even more to 1942 - Roger Adams, an American chemist, successfully isolated the first cannabinoid from the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD). 

There are hundreds of major cannabis stepping stones I did not mention, but let’s save that for another article, soon!

With the discovery of the cannabis plant, dating back centuries and centuries, it’s no surprise that researchers and scientists from all over the world have their eyes laser focused on the therapeutic benefit of cannabis, especially CBD. Interestingly enough, the potential therapeutic effects of CBD are still much unknown and in the foundational stages, thus, the work continues. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD?

The benefits of CBD may cover a wide range of therapeutic opportunities, including:

  • Anti-anxiety
  • Antifungal
  • Antibacterial
  • Antivirus
  • Reduce depressive symptoms
  • Improve quality of life
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Improve mental well-being
  • Enhance muscle recovery
  • Improve heart health
  • Reduce acne
  • Reduce seizures

The benefits of CBD are continuously blooming, with more researchers diving into the world of cannabis and its potential as a viable therapeutic option.

With CBD being a generally safe and well-tolerated cannabinoid, with little to no side effects, it’s no wonder researchers, athletes, medical professionals, and cannabis-friendly users are raving about CBD. 

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

CBD works by connecting with and activating various receptors in our body, especially in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). These cannabinoids have an effect on several receptors in the body to generate many different effects. Just as a refresh, cannabinoids are active molecules found in the cannabis plant that give it its medicinal and therapeutic properties. They are able to have medicinal applications by mimicking compounds that the body produces naturally to maintain homeostasis. These compounds, known as endocannabinoids, are tasked with maintaining proper communication between cells in the brain and body.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system that is able to interact with active chemical compounds, such as CBD and THC. Not only does it allow the body to experience non-psychoactive effects from the cannabinoid CBD, it also plays a key role in reducing inflammation and overall immune health because of its ability to regulate important biological aspects.

When a user takes CBD, the CBD oil binds to receptor sites in the brain. The main two receptors cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t give users a “high” because it binds indirectly to the CB receptors

On the other hand, THC produces euphoric effects on the brain that recreational cannabis users typically seek by binding directly with cannabinoid receptors. 

CAN CBD SHOW ON A DRUG TEST?

It’s entirely possible that CBD can show on a drug test, but the answer isn’t so simple. Most drug screening tests are assessing levels of narcotics and specific levels of cannabis (THC) present in the body, thus, some drug testing may not necessarily screen for CBD. However, drug tests differ in thoroughness - some may tests for any and all substances with an level of concentration, whilst others may only test for high levels of certain substances. 

If your CBD products or CBD oils are hemp-derived, containing less than 0.3% THC, you may be “good to go”. Please take this with a grain of salt, as the research on CBD and drug screening is still sparse.

CAN CBD GET YOU HIGH?

CBD does not get you high, if it is hemp-derived cannabidiol, with less than 0.3% THC. 

We describe that very specifically because some CBD oils may contain levels of THC as well. THC may provide you with euphoric effects, thus, you may feel a high.

Knowing what is in your CBD products and what part of the plant is the oil derived from is key! CBD that is taken from the hemp plant is considered legal in the US, again, only if it contains little to no THC ( < 0.3%). 

Again, CBD is the non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. It does not directly bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors, thus, users don’t feel mind-altering effects.

CBD is legal just about everywhere, well almost. The reality of THC getting people high has created much legal controversy and skepticism around CBD. Since CBD does not produce these psychoactive effects, its use is not yet as legally controlled as THC. 

Keep in mind - CBD can be derived from both marijuana and hemp plants. Not all CBD is created equal here friends. The main difference between marijuana-derived CBD and hemp-derived CBD comes down to the differences between the two plants.

According to current federal laws, CBD must be extracted from the hemp plant in order to be legally obtained. To legally access CBD extracted from marijuana, it would need to be obtained in a legal state, such as California, Oregon, Washington or Colorado.

All NanoCraft products fit the bill of being THC Free or <0.3% THC. If you are unsure of the THC content, you can contact us for more information. NanoCraft offers a variety of products to choose from including:

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT CAN CBD HELP?

CBD may be able to help with a wide array of concerns including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Seizures
  • Epilepsy
  • Heart Health
  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Ance
  • Weight Loss Management
  • Cancer-Related Symptoms
  • Mental Health
  • Quality of Life

With an increasing number of studies being conducted daily on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, this particular compound is being considered as the next big thing in the world of health, holistic medicine, and scientific research. Many studies have been done on CBD and continue to be conducted, showing a lot of promise in its use in the medical field. 

Here are just some of the therapeutic benefits of CBD that have been shown in the research, thus far:

1. EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

Among one of the more important findings of CBD is its efficacy in treating epileptic episodes. Evidence strongly points to CBD as being a highly effective therapeutic source for treating a wide range of epilepsies. With researchers even describing CBD as being “superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of convulsive seizures in patients”.

2. ANTI-ANXIETY

CBD has great potential to help with anxiety due to its non-mind altering effects. Recent evidence has pointed towards a calming effect for CBD in the central nervous system, which may be a major win for those experiencing anxiety. A 2019 Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep study found that 79.2% of patients who took CBD over a month span had decreased anxiety scores compared to their baseline anxiety scores.

3. PAIN RELIEF

While THC has been suggested to be a potent pain reliever, CBD is making way quickly. In fact, a 2008 study suggested that CBD for pain has been generally well tolerated in clinical trials with acceptable side effect profiles.

4. CANCER

The big "C" has been linked to some of the most damaging treatments in an effort to combat the growth of cancerous cells. Now, preclinical trials are being conducted investigating the therapeutic potential of CBD to counteract the growth of tumors, including those associated with breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancers.

A recent 2019 study examined the effects of cannabinoids in cancer treatment and found that cancer models show that cannabinoids can effectively modulate tumor growth, dependent on the cancer type. 

5. NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

Disorders of the neurological system, such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Schizophrenia may be discussing CBD’s therapeutic effects as promising. Researchers have linked CBD to the protection of nerve cells from degenerative diseases such as these, making this area one of the most promising for the medicinal effects of CBD.

A 2017 randomized controlled trial investigated a 6 week CBD treatment on patients with schizophrenia. Researchers found that the patients taking CBD had lower levels of positive psychotic symptoms and were likely to have been rated as improved by the clinician. 

CANNABIDIOL (CBD): FINAL THOUGHTS

CBD is more than just an acronym. This powerful cannabinoid is showing incredible promise in the medical field and is even being implemented in a variety of therapeutic management techniques to provide users with calming and relaxing effects.

CBD ya later friends!



Sources:

Daris B, Verboten MT, Knez Z, Ferk P. Cannabinoids in cancer treatment: Therapeutic potential and legislation. Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2019. 

McGuire P, Robson P, et al. Cannabidiol (CBD) as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 2017.

Perucca E. Cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy: Hard evidence at last? J Epilepsy Res. 2017. 

Russo EB. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008.

Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. Perm J. 2019. 

Kirsten Thornhill, MS Nanocraft Sciences Content Writer | Exercise Specialistic | Lifestyle Medicine Advocate  Kirsten Thornhill was born and raised in a small farm town in Northern California. Kirsten graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise physiology from Point Loma Nazarene University. She is very passionate about human physiology and the metabolic and nutritional adaptations that occur during exercise in active individuals and athletes. Kirsten has specialized in teaching clinical and practical exercise and rehabilitation applications. She enjoys educating and informing people on the importance of lifetime movement, holistic and lifestyle medicine, and health research and development. Her passion for alternative medicine enables her to strive when promoting health and education. 

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