What is CBD?

“What is CBD?"

Let’s start with some basics, what the heck is CBD?  We hear this question more than you would think, so let’s try and break it down real simple like. 

Where is CBD found?

CBD is a compound that is found in the Cannabis Sativa plant (Also known as hemp). We are already familiar with the concept of plant-derived compounds, we use them every day! For example, Vitamin C is a compound that is most commonly derived from oranges. We know by  drinking orange juice or eating a tangerine, we are getting a good dose of Vitamin C. We also understand that we don’t need to eat an orange to get our vitamin C and we can take supplements such as tablets or gummies.

So why do we consume these plant derived compounds such as vitamin C? Because they can be incredibly beneficial for us, such as boosting our immune system! This is true for CBD as well - we are seeing promising research that CBD can help with a long list of ailments - inflammation being a major one.   

If it is that simple and amazing - why are we just hearing about CBD?  Well, unlike oranges, the Cannabis Sativa (hemp) plant has been federally illegal since the 1930's and unfortunately CBD is not abundant in many other plants. This means we have not had legal access to this compound until very recently. 

The 2018 Farm Bill officially made the Cannabis Sativa plant containing less 0.3% THC legal for the first time in over 70 years. We now have access to the beneficial compounds found in this plant. This is why we are seeing the CBD boom! What's more interesting is that our bodies actually have a whole system designed to receive cannabinoids, called the endocannabinoid system -  so in a way - our society has had a cannabinoid deficiency, unless you were one of the “stoners” for the last 70 years, you probably haven’t been getting enough cannabinoids in your diet. But more on that in another post!

Hopefully that gives some basics on CBD and trust me this is only the beginning. There is so much more to learn!

Thanks!