CBD benefits ·

What is the History of CBD?

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CBD is just one of 120 compounds known as cannabinoids that are found in cannabis. Similar to THC, CBD provides a number of health benefits, but it doesn’t induce a high. Because of this, individuals are purchasing CBD products to ease symptoms from conditions like inflammation, pain, and anxiety.

The University of Illinois's American organic chemist, Dr. Roger Adams, and his team, is believed to be the first to discover CBD ​in 1940​, but its structure wasn't completely explained ​until 1963​. Even though the discovery of CBD was ​over 20 years ​before THC, it's THC that dominated cannabis research until now.

Background on How CBD Works

CBD employs its actions through various pathways. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is one site of action. This is a receptor system found in your:

  • Peripheral and central nervous systems
  • Brain
  • Muscle
  • Fat
  • Immune cells

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring substances, and cannabinoids found in cannabis are huge effectors on this system.

CBD has a weaker activation effect on the ECS than THC, which is a strong activator, but CBD's mechanism of action is more complex. Both CBD and THC bind to the CB1 receptors. By binding to the CB1 receptors weakly, CBD is believed to inhibit the glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter) release, which is essential, since the inhibitory actions of the CB1 receptors help maintain normal brain activity, protecting the brain from seizures.

Through CBD's interactions with the ECS, it could counteract various physiological and psychological effects of THC. Also, CBD increases anandamide (an endocannabinoid) levels, which produces anti-inflammatory effects through its cannabinoid receptor activation.

CBD also ​increases 5HT-1A serotonin receptor signaling​. Serotonin is a chemical in your body that regulates your mood balance. Serotonin system dysfunction is linked with various disorders, including depression. A lot of antidepressants help increase serotonin levels in the brain. CBD's actions at serotonin receptors have been linked with reducing anxiety, and protecting against brain cell death.

CBD also protects your brain from damage due to:

  • Decreased brain inflammation
  • Oxidative stress
  • Increased levels of the adenosine neurotransmitter (molecule needed for sleep regulation and energy creation)

Each of these effects could potentially provide therapeutic benefits.

History of CBD’s Use

Cannabis rich in CBD has long been used for treating health problems:

However, up until recently, strains rich in CBD were typically not available to California cannabis users, and users in other areas. Generation of breeding cannabis for maximum THC and the "high" it produced had decreased the CBD to trace amounts in many marijuana strains in Northern California.

As time passed, more promising scientific research involving CBD were explained at meetings of the:

  • International Association for Cannabinoid Medicine
  • ICRS
  • Patients Out of Time

Before long, different labs in medical cannabis states were calibrating cannabinoid ratios, and finding CBD-rich strains here and there.

In 2737 BCE, Chinese Emperor Sheng Nung was the ​first to use cannabis for medicinal purposes, according to CBD Origin. He drank a cannabis-infused tea, attempting to treat a variety of maladies.

Scientists continued studying cannabis in a health context; however, they couldn't easily determine which molecule was causing the effect (i.e inducing relaxation, reducing pain, etc.). Dr. Raphel Mechoulam successfully found THC's and CBD's stereochemistry, respectively, in 1963​ and 1964.​ Dr. Mechoulam's research showed which cannabis molecules were responsible for its array of health and euphoric effects.

CBD products were suddenly starting to show up everywhere, with gummies and oils becoming the most favored products early on.

The Best CBD Products

CBD products don't all work the same way. One individual might require a higher dose than another; therefore, it's important you know how much you require according to your symptoms. Typically, individuals start off with a low dose, and increase the dose gradually until they reach the desired effect.

The type of CBD product will also make a difference in how fast it delivers its effects. If you're using CBD for a mental disorder, you might prefer to ingest it as a tincture or oil. Gummies are also beneficial for this — if you require relief from anxiety throughout the day, you can bring along a bottle of gummies wherever you go, and take them as you need them inconspicuously.

If you require muscle or joint pain relief, you could take CBD as drops, but you can also use creams and lotions, which are ideal for localized pain. Consult with your doctor or a CBD professional to determine if vaporizers, oils, edibles, or other products are suitable for your needs (like for shorter periods of relaxation).

CBD is no longer just a therapeutic answer for humans. It is now available for animals, and CBD for dogs has become a fast growing trend among pet owners.

CBD-Infused Pillow

Now that you know the history of CBD, why not try it for yourself by sleeping with a CBD-infused pillow. CBD-infused pillows can help treat a variety of symptoms, including those mentioned above. If you're having problems sleeping, a CBD pillow can help lull you to sleep, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.

Through ​microencapsulation technology​, the CBD Pillow is a revolutionary new way of distributing this safe, all-natural sleep aid to allow you to have better sleep throughout the entire night.

Try a CBD-infused pillow and reap all the benefits. Order yours today!

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