So…you have decided you want to try CBD. You have a friend who has a friend who started taking it. They love it! You are curious. But what, exactly, is it?
CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol. Discovered in 1942 by American chemist Roger Adams, CBD is one of over a hundred phytocannabinoids contained in hemp. The same way that all beagles are dogs, but not all dogs are beagles, CBD is a phytocannabinoid, but not all phytocannabinoids are CBD. Phytocannabinoids attach to receptors in our bodies. Our bodies actually produce little molecules called endocannabinoids which attach to these receptors. We seem to be hard-wired to benefit from the effects of CBD. These receptors are also found in other mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles. That is why our high-strung pets can also benefit from these products.
CBD is found in the resin (sticky stuff) produced by the flower of cannabis plants, which includes both hemp and marijuana. Hemp flowers do not, however, contain a significant amount of THC, the phytocannabinoid in marijuana that produces a high. CBD does not have an intoxicant effect like THC. There is no sense of euphoria or “high”. At Papa Bear Botanicals, the extraction process used eliminates any trace amounts of THC that might be present. (By definition, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC to begin with.)
CBD is being studied for a variety of medical benefits. Strong evidence exists for its effectiveness in treating various forms of epilepsy. There are also indications that it can be used to address anxiety and insomnia. Positive results have been reported when using CBD for pain management. More studies are needed, as much of the information at this time is anecdotal. But things are looking up. NIH (National Institutes of Health) funding exploded from $0 for CBD research in 2014 to around $16 million in 2018.
As with any supplement, some people may experience side effects. Some of the more common ones include nausea, fatigue, and dry mouth. The oils are a good place to start, since you have more control of the dosage. We recommend starting small, and taking after a meal or snack. More and more people are exploring the possibilities of CBD every day, both for themselves and their furry friends.