What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second-most-famous cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant after, tetrahydrocannabinol aka THC. Unlike its euphoria-inducing sister cannabinoid THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and therefore does not induce the typical “high” associated with the cannabis plant.
Many medicinal properties of the cannabis plant originate from CBD. Four things you should know about CBD:
- Cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory properties help suppress inflammation in the body and act as a preventive measure. Research has shown that CBD helps stop the production of the chemical which causes inflammation.
- CBD acts as an anti-convulsive and anti-spastic, helping inhibit muscle contractions and spasms, and reducing their frequency. For this reason, it is a popular treatment for epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
- In addition to suppressing seizure activity, CBD reduces anxiety, alleviates pain, combats tumor growth and regulates psychosis disorders. It is restorative and produces a calming balanced effect.
- CBD counterbalances the psychotic properties of THC that may cause euphoria or anxiety. It enhances the beneficial properties of THC and other cannabinoids due to the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect (Better Together)
The entourage effect essentially means that cannabinoids like THC and CBD act as a team, working better together.
Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, known as the “Father of Cannabis” coined the term “entourage effect.” Mechoulam discovered the interactive synergy of the full spectrum of therapeutic cannabinoid compounds, which all work harmoniously together to stimulate healing and maximize the benefits of each individual cannabinoid and terpene in the cannabis plant.
Hemp vs. Cannabis CBD
Hemp and cannabis are closely related but different plants. By definition, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC. Because of this, many hemp-derived CBD products are available in health food stores and online.
Be Aware
Hemp, like cannabis, is also a bio-accumulant, meaning that it stores chemicals from the soil where it is grown. Many CBD products available for purchase over-the-counter do not specify where they are grown. CBD sourced from industrial hemp may contain heavy metals, as industrial hemp is not regulated for human consumption. Always be sure to check for this information when considering your purchase.
Cannabis-derived CBD
Since cannabis contains > .3% THC, high-CBD cannabis extract benefits from the entourage effect. Legal cannabis sold in dispensaries must be tested for THC and CBD, so you can check the label and see the THC to CBD ratio. Legal cannabis is always grown in the state that it is sold.
There are two types of CBD cannabis products sold: high-CBD, low-THC cannabis that has minimal psychoactive effects and 1:1 CBD to THC where each cannabinoid are found in equal amounts.
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your tolerance depends on your past consumption as well as your body chemistry. Always start with a small dosage of cannabis and consult your practitioner for the right amount. In general, high-CBD cannabis will not give you a euphoric feeling but will decrease anxiety and increase positive emotions.
TIKUN STUDIES SHOW:
Crohn’s Disease — Relief and Improvement
Tikun Olam has conducted the world’s first and only Phase 2 clinical double-blind study of cannabis as treatment for Crohn’s disease using our high-CBD, low-THCAvidekel strain. The results show almost all patients achieved significant improvement in quality of life and 45% of patients achieved full remission.
Epilepsy – Anti-spacticity and Anti-convulsive
Using our high-CBD Avidekel strain, Tikun Olam developed treatment plans for pediatric patients and have successfully treated over 200 children with drug resistant epilepsy and neurological disorders and have recorded significant reduction of symptoms for all patients.
How It Works
CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are cells that interact with and transmit signals to sensory nerves. CB1 receptors are located throughout the central nervous system, concentrated in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors control the psychoactive effects of cannabis and help regulate emotions.
CB1 receptors are also found in lower amounts spread throughout the body in organ tissue and along the intestinal tract, which is why you experience the effects of CBD when swallowing it orally.
CB2 receptors are found primarily in immune cells located in the brain and throughout parts of the body that regulate the immune system such as including the spleen, tonsils, and thymus gland. By assisting your immune system, CBD helps your body combat infections.
Our High CBD Strains
Avidekel – Energizing, Harmonizing, Stabilizing
High-CBD, low THC
Shown to relieve seizures, migraines, anxiety, inflammation, pain, autoimmune and gastrointestinal symptoms. Boosts bone density and immunity.
Midnight – Equalizing, Calming, Creative
1:1 CBD to THC ratio
Shown to relieve anxiety, depression, minor pains, inflammation and neurological ailments.