5 Facts You Need To Know About CBD

1- CBD and THC are not the same

Both Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are derived from the Cannabis plant. Because they both come from the cannabis plant, a lot of people mistake the two cannabinoids as being the same thing, and there is a lot of confusion as to what CBD really does. Make no mistake about it, CBD and THC are not the same, nor do they affect the human body in the same manner.

CBD and THC are almost virtually identical chemically, expect for the placement of a single molecular property. While CBD contains hydroxide, essentially a combined hydrogen and oxygen atom, THC contains only an oxygen atom in it’s place. While extremely small, this microscopic difference significantly impacts the way the the two cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system.

THC has the ability to bind with both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is THC’s ability to bind to CB1 receptors that allows it to deliver a psychoactive sensation, or “get you high”. CBD on the other hand does not bond with CB1 receptors which means that CBD delivers many of the same benefits as THC but without delivering a psychoactive high or altering the user’s mental state. Why is this important? Because many people want the natural and safe health benefits of cannabinoid supplements  like EcoLife Premium Hemp Extract 750mg – Lemon without the accompanying mental high.

2 – CBD is not illegal

That is to say, there is no federal law banning CBD. Current federal laws classify THC as an illegal substance in the United States, and THC is banned in many parts of the world. Because CBD does not contain mind altering properties, it’s not subject to the same classification as THC products. In fact United States federal law recognizes CBD products derived from hemp oil, like the EcoLife line of Premium Hemp Extracts, as a dietary supplement and legal to possess and use in all 50 States.

IMPORTANT: This only applies to hemp based CBD products. CBD extracts that come from the marijuana plant are not considered safe by federal law and their legality varies from State to State. In many States with medicinal marijuana laws, marijuana based CBD can only be purchased by someone holding a current medical marijuana card and are subject to the same laws and restrictions as THC. It’s also important to remember that marijuana derived CBD oil can contain THC as well while pure, all natural hemp derived CBD extracts will never have THC additives and can be easily purchased and shipped online.

3 – CBD has a variety of benefits

There’s a reason CBD is so popular today, it has a variety of health benefits. CBD oil is a dietary supplement that can help you live a happier and healthier life. CBD is widely used for its calming and relaxing properties but we’re still learning a lot about the numerous benefits of CBD and hemp oil extracts. CBD is also commonly used to improve sleep, decrease stress, improve mood and increase energy.

But these benefits seem to be the tip of the iceberg. Research into the benefits of CBD is still relatively young. For years, growers and researchers have focused on identifying and harnessing the (primarily psychotropic) benefits of THC. While improving and refining strains of THC has been at the forefront of cannabis research, the natural and harmless benefits of CBD has largely gone unrecognized. However, that has changed recently. More and more people are experiencing the benefits of CBD for themselves, and as CBD gains popularity, researchers are able to gather more and more insight into the benefits CBD has to offer.

4 – There are different ways of extracting CBD, with different benefits

If you’ve been looking into adding CBD into your dietary routine, you’ve probably come across terms like Full Spectrum CBD and Board Spectrum CBD. They sound like they could be the same thing, but the reality is they differ vastly. There are three classes of extracts when referring to CBD and depending on your individual needs, you may want to add one class or the other to your personal routine.

Simply put CBD isolate means that the CBD has been isolated from all the other naturally occuring compounds and chemicals found in the plant. The end result is the purest form of CBD available. Isolate contains no terpenes or other cannabinoids, nor do they provide the benefits of these additional compounds.

Broad Spectrum CBD is CBD that has been somewhat separated from the other naturally occuring cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp. Most of the chemicals are preserved, which means that Board Spectrum CBD can promote the entourage effect. When CBD is extracted from marijuana using a Board Spectrum approach all THC compounds are removed leaving the CBD effectively THC free, making Broad Spectrum a good choice for people who want the benefits of the natural cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils from marijuana but do not want the effects of THC.

Full Spectrum CBD means that all of the naturally occuring cannabinoids, essential oils, and terpenes are preserved in the extraction process. Many of these compounds interact synergistically to create what scientists refer to as an “entourage effect” that magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components—so that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. This allows the chemical compounds to work together to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the CBD extract.

5 – Don’t be afraid to consult your doctor

If you think CBD might be right for you, but you’re not sure, consult your physician. With more and more people choosing CBD for it’s therapeutic benefits, the taboo stigma associated with cannabinoid use has drastically changed. Being open with your doctor about your desire to add CBD supplements to your diet is a positive thing. Your doctor can help identify possibly risks, uses, and benefits of CBD specific to your individual health. It’s important to remember that CBD is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
If you want to learn more, or you’re ready to purchase CBD supplements, we recommend the EcoLife line of premium hemp extracts. These high quality, all natural supplements are  great for anyone looking to experience the benefits of CBD first hand. Visit them online at ecolifesupplements.com for more information.