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Introduction
Public awareness of CBD products is at an all-time high, and CBD products are more popular than ever before. There are numerous ongoing clinical studies into the benefits of CBD and the effect that this compound has on the body, and as a result of this upturn in investigations, we are learning more all the time about the unique properties of CBD as a supplement to promote increased balance and wellbeing.
In this article, we’re going to look at the chemical component CBD in more detail, and the effect that it has on our body’s natural systems and processes – in particular, the Endocannabinoid System.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, first identified in the late 1980’s by Allyn Howlett and William Devane[1], has been described as ‘an important modulatory system in the function of the brain, endocrine and immune tissues… (which) play(s) a vital role in the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and response to stress’[2]. It’s present in all animals and has been for millions of years – a factor highlighted by the presence of cannabinoid receptors in a ‘sea squirt’[3], an invertebrate that evolved over 600 million years ago.
Endocannabinoids are molecules produced naturally by the body to support the endocannabinoid system, and these molecules have several striking similarities with cannabinoids – the chemicals found in Cannabis Sativa. In total, there are more than a hundred cannabinoids that can be extracted from different strains of the cannabis plant, each of which has various benefits for overall balance and wellbeing.
What are the Effects of CBD?
One of the main things that prevent people who could benefit from CBD from trying it is that they mistakenly think its marijuana and is a psychoactive product that is going to make them feel ‘high’, but this isn’t true.
CBD has extremely low levels of the psychoactive element tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and so is considered safe for human consumption. The absence of THC (less than 0.2%) is what makes CBD products legal in the UK; Any level of THC above 0.2% becomes a controlled substance under UK law.
Many people have found that the addition of a CBD supplement to their daily routine can bring gentle feelings of wellbeing and balance, once they have discovered the appropriate dosage for them.
What is the Best Approach?
When you first decide to try CBD, the rule of thumb is always ‘Start Low, Go Slow’. As with anything you put into your body, you need to feel comfortable with the effects and taking a large dose at the first time of use is not recommended.
If you are starting taking CBD, we recommended that you start with a low dose of around 10-15mg, taken in two doses, evenly spaced throughout the day. Once you get more familiar with CBD (and the effect that it has on your balance and wellbeing), you can increase the dose slowly, perhaps every 5-7 days, until you reach a point where you feel that you are getting the full benefit of the product.
Gradually increasing dosage in this way is called the uptitration method (pronounced up-tie-tray-shen). The body only needs small doses of CBD to respond positively and help improve overall balance and wellbeing in most cases, so this method helps to ensure that you aren’t giving yourself a higher dosage than you need.
Hempura offers credible, trustworthy products on an efficient platform for your CBD needs, and all of our products undergo rigorous testing before sale.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2848184
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17369778
- https://www.genomeweb.com/archive/sea-squirt-genome-reveals-cannabinoid-receptor-older-believed#.XlUt-ZP7Tow
Last Updated on 14/01/2022
