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
Will CBD get me high?
CBD is nonpsychoactive meaning it has no mind-altering effects. Aspi always independent, third-party lab tests all of our products to ensure there is either less than 0.3% THC. Products with significantly higher THC content and marijuana-derived CBD can cause psychoactivity– always check COAs to ensure proper cannabinoid content.
Does CBD have side effects?
CBD is generally well-tolerated. However, due to our different body chemistry, endocannabinoid deficiencies, improper dosage, or potential drug interactions, CBD may cause side effects in certain individuals. Rare cases of fatigue, changes in appetite, dry mouth, and diarrhea have been reported.
- Full-spectrum vs. isolate: Some individuals that are prone to plant allergies may react to full-spectrum products since they are meant to mimic the whole plant content of hemp. Please conduct research regarding which CBD product is better suited for you. Our team is always happy to provide assistance if you’d like some help!
- Dosage: Self-experimentation is key for cannabinoid therapy. Taking too large of a dose may result in side effects. We recommend lowering the dosage until the desired effects are achieved. CBD is safe in large doses with no risk of dependency or overdose, making it safe to experiment in order to find the right dosage for you.
- Drug interactions: CBD does pose potential drug interactions which can account for side effects. Always speak to your medical professional before taking CBD.
Does CBD have drug interactions?
Like grapefruit, watercress, and St. John’s Wort, CBD temporarily deactivates the enzymes produced by the cytochrome p450 system which is responsible for metabolizing over 60% of traditional pharmaceuticals and supplements. Please speak to your medical professional before trying CBD, especially if you’re taking any medication.
Is CBD legal?
Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal as long as its THC content is 0.3% or less. Aspi maintains strict testing standards to ensure the legality of all of our products. We proudly ship to all 50 states.
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!