CBD 101
Providing you with all the necessary information, starting with basics.
Aspi is honored to share all the basics regarding CBD. With the nation’s leading cannabis researchers, we’re happy to provide the science behind this cannabinoid and how it interacts with our body chemistry.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over a hundred naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. This phytocannabinoid, or plant-derived cannabinoid, is nonpsychoactive meaning there are no mind-altering effects.
The Discovery of CBD
CBD was first discovered in 1940 by Dr. Rodger Adams at the University of Illinois. While Dr. Adams was the first scientist to successfully extract CBD from cannabis, he wasn’t aware of his success for many years. CBD research started in 1946 when Dr. Walter S. Lowe began researching the effects of CBD on animals. The research Dr. Lowe conducted showcased that CBD was nonpsychoactive.
Mechoulam’s CBD Research
Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam made significant strides in the scientific development of CBD. Through his extensive cannabis research, Mechoulam was able to isolate and identify tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This revelation led to the identification of CBD’s three-dimensional structure. Interestingly enough, while CBD was discovered more than 20 years before THC, THC has dominated cannabis research due to its psychoactivity. Mechoulam’s incredible cannabis research also led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids produced within human biology.
CBD Research Through the Years
Cannabinoid research continued in the mid-1960s to early 1970s because of the popular recreational use of cannabis in the United Kingdom and other Western countries. Due to the recreational application, THC dominated cannabinoid research at this time which also led to the cultivation of marijuana strains with higher THC content and minimal CBD.
CBD became the focus of cannabinoid research in 1998 when British pharmaceutical company GW Pharmaceuticals obtained licensing to grow cannabis for their clinical trials. GW Pharmaceuticals’ co-founder Geoffrey Guy wanted to research his theory that plants with high CBD content could offer medical application by creating a cannabis-derived drug with no psychoactivity. Guy believed that CBD itself had therapeutic value and understood the science behind CBD’s chemical properties for counteracting the psychoactivity of THC.
The Shift Towards Hemp-Derived CBD
Preclinical research regarding CBD began emerging in the early 2000s. Since marijuana remains federally illegal, the shift towards researching and producing hemp-derived CBD provided a great alternative. Hemp and marijuana are both members of the same cannabis family, however, they are unique with different phytochemical applications, compositions, and legality. Hemp naturally has minimal THC and higher CBD content, eliminating the risk of psychoactivity. The 2018 Farm Bill officially ended hemp prohibition, making hemp a federally legal crop across all 50 states. CBD has the same chemical makeup whether it’s derived from hemp or marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD offers a more easily accessible option with the added benefit of no mind-altering effects.
Researching CBD Today
The majority of CBD research is still in the preclinical stage. With the recent 2018 Farm Bill legislation, most states have an active hemp cultivation program or are currently under USDA review for launching their hemp programs in 2020. While preclinical research is quite promising, we’re awaiting the much needed clinical research to make definitive claims regarding CBD’s capabilities and potential medicinal applications.
The Basics of CBD
Nourish Your Skin and Soothe Your Soul With CBD + Healing Botanicals
Aspi is happy to answer any questions you have about CBD. As the only premium skincare brand that farms, extracts, and produces our own CBD, we welcome you to speak to our leading scientists and researchers to learn mor. Start nourishing your skin and soothing your soul with our luxury skincare line today!