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Inside the Cannabis sativa plant, you’ll find a wide variety of chemical compounds. Many of these compounds are familiar to us, like the psychoactive compound THC. But there’s another cannabinoid that’s often overlooked: cannabidiol (CBD). Why is that? CBD has several properties that THC simply doesn’t have.
Within a diverse family of compounds that encompasses approximately 113 cannabinoids, CBD and THC are prominent members, each interacting with the human body in slightly distinct ways. While our understanding of other cannabinoids remains limited, this article focuses on exploring cannabidiol (CBD), the second most abundant compound. CBD can be likened to a sibling of THC; however, it lacks the psychoactive properties commonly associated with THC. In simpler terms, CBD does not induce a “high” as THC does. Nonetheless, these two compounds share some similarities.
Technically, CBD can be derived from both hemp and cannabis. However, hemp, which is a subspecies of Cannabis sativa, is the primary source of CBD with the highest concentrations. Hemp, cultivated for commercial purposes, has been selectively bred to have a chemical composition rich in CBD and low in THC. While hemp remains the preferred plant for consumer products like CBD oil, CBD supplements, and CBD cosmetics, cannabis still has a role to play. However, specific cannabis varieties have been specially bred to have higher CBD content.
In fact, it’s the industry’s search for “CBD-rich” strains that’s caused a bit of a stir, especially over the past two decades. High CBD strains are becoming more and more common, and it’s all thanks to the hard work of breeders and the manipulation of strains with phenotypes that favour CBD. If you’re a home grower, you don’t have to worry about cross-breeding cannabis strains or cloning mother plants that are rich in CBD. Seed banks offer plenty of options. For instance, RQS offers a wide variety of CBD cannabis strains, including “Solomatic”, “Purplematic” and “Joanne’s” CBD, a strain that’s high in CBD but low in THC. As we’ll see, creating a CBD-dominant strain isn’t always as simple as it seems. With cannabis, genetics are always at play.
The role of cannabinoids involves a unique interaction with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), a comprehensive network of receptors present within our bodies that is responsible for maintaining a state of equilibrium. This balanced state enables our body to effectively combat diseases, disorders, and the demands of modern life.
Cannabinoids activate the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors, which are categorized as CB1 and CB2, distributed across various cells in our body. These receptors function as gatekeepers, consisting of proteins embedded within cells that regulate chemical signals, instructing them on what actions to take and when to execute them. However, their activities are not independent but rather reliant on specific factors, including their location within the body and the specific cannabinoid they interact with.
Receptors exhibit selectivity in terms of which cannabinoids they bind with. This process can be likened to a lock and key mechanism, where receptors are only activated upon detecting a cannabinoid that possesses the appropriate shape to fit into their respective lock. It is through these interaction points that cannabinoids can exert diverse influences on the body.
Amidst the multitude of ongoing investigations into CBD, researchers have examined whether any adverse effects are associated with its use. The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a comprehensive review, meticulously examining existing research on CBD to address this question. Based on their analysis of the available data, the WHO made the following statements:
The potential side effects reported include:
It is important to note that the majority of these side effects were documented in studies involving significantly higher CBD doses than what is typically used in everyday situations. Furthermore, individual responses to CBD can vary, underscoring the importance of starting with a low dose and gradually adjusting as needed to become familiar with its effects. Additionally, the WHO highlighted a significant side effect regarding potential interactions between CBD and existing medications. Evidence suggests that CBD may affect the breakdown of certain medicines. If you are taking medications, it is crucial to consult with a doctor or physician to receive personalized advice. Although the interaction may not necessarily cause issues, seeking professional guidance is essential.
