For several years now, there has been a lot of talk about CBD or cannabidiol. What is it? What are the differences compared to THC?
These and other questions will be answered in the following lines of the article.
CBD: what is it?
The CBD is one of the 142 phytocannabinoids of cannabis sativa. Its discovery dates back to 1940 thanks to the chemist Roger Adams who, two years later, obtained a patent for his method of isolating cannabidiol. He also isolated THC, whose discovery, at the time, gained such fame as to relegate CBD to a sort of oblivion for many years.
Delving into the characteristics of CBD, from a chemical point of view, it can be defined as a secondary metabolite of cannabis sativa. The anabolic pathways leading to its formation are somewhat similar to those resulting in the birth of THC.
What are the differences between THC and CBD?
When talking about CBD, it is natural to question its differences with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The main distinction, besides the obvious reputation of THC being greater than CBD, which until a few years ago was unknown to many people, concerns the fact that, in the case of CBD, there are no psychoactive effects. For the sake of accuracy, it is worth mentioning that cannabidiol is actually able to attenuate those caused by THC.
From a biochemical point of view, on the other hand, we are dealing with a strong affinity. THC and CBD are, in fact, constitutional isomers characterized by the same empirical formula. An important note regarding the effects concerns the receptors with which the two phytocannabinoids interact (we are obviously talking about endocannabinoid system receptors).
In the case of THC, the interaction occurs with the CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the brain. Specifically, thanks to the interaction with the first, an increase in feelings of pleasure and an increase in appetite (the famous munchies) can be observed.
When talking about interaction with the CB2 receptor, it involves a situation where the main effect is better control of painful sensations.
The receptors CBD or cannabidiol interacts with are CB2, GPR55, and 5-HT1A. Thanks to the aforementioned interaction, a different effect can be appreciated compared to that caused by THC - not a sensation of high but, as already mentioned, a reduction in anxiety symptoms.
How is CBD produced?
CBD is not produced but extracted from hemp. The most common methods are using carbon dioxide and extraction through ethanol. Hydrocarbon extraction and oil extraction are also often used.
What are the effects of CBD on our body
The effects of CBD on the body are numerous. One of the most appreciated effects is undoubtedly the sense of relaxation that taking cannabidiol can trigger. This peculiar characteristic is the basis of the great success of CBD-based products at the beginning of the Covid emergency and a period in which we all faced an unprecedented and very high level of stress.
The properties of CBD
The properties of CBD have been at the center of scientific attention for years. In addition to the already mentioned ability to promote a pleasant sense of relaxation, it is worth noting the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory efficacy. CBD, as demonstrated by various scientific evidence, would also be able to promote the apoptosis of tumor cells in breast cancer cell lines (specifically mentioned are in vitro studies).
Useful against sleep disorders and anxiety, CBD has the advantage of being an excellent antiemetic. It is often chosen when it comes to controlling nausea in chemotherapy treatments for a reason.
How CBD can be found on the market
CBD can be found on the market in various forms. Since the entry into force of Law 242/2016 in January 2017, many companies have entered the market and started selling cannabidiol-based products.
Regarding the forms in which it is available on the market, we mention primarily CBD oil. What is it? It is a product characterized by the presence of a carrier oil - extra virgin olive oil, black seed oil, hemp oil especially - in which the vegetable active ingredient is diluted. In recent years, CBD oil has experienced considerable commercial success due in part to its ease of intake. Thanks to the practical dropper, CBD oil can be taken quickly wherever you are.
Among other solutions that can be considered for taking CBD are crystals, characterized by a high level of purity, the aforementioned flowers, and e-liquid for electronic cigarettes.
