CBD is an extraordinary compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis Sativa is the botanical name for the Hemp plant & it belongs to the Cannabaceae plant family. CBD stands for cannabidiol which is a naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant just like THC. But unlike THC, CBD is 100% non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot get you high. It is not an intoxicating compound & has no mind-altering effects & hence will not cause any mental slowness, drowsiness or haziness.
CBD is only one of the compounds found in above-mentioned cannabis species that contains more than 80 plant compounds. CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid system of the body, also known as the ECS system. They are a group of receptors in your brain & nervous system that control some very essential functions in the body. The ECS keeps all the bodily functions balanced & well-regulated.
These bodily functions include appetite, mood, immune response, pain, and sleep patterns. The cannabinoids made by the body & those found in the plants like CBD assist these receptors to work. The cannabinoids made by the body are called endocannabinoids & those obtained from plant sources are called phytocannabinoids. Scientists presume that cannabidiol helps maintain the body's balance by interacting with its internal endocannabinoid system. CBD can be used to support the complete physical welfare of your body. It can provide a sense of peace & wellness in people. But the cause & use of CBD changes from person to person and circumstance to circumstance. Some use it to support their overall well-being while others rely on it for specific problems. Many people use it for one problem or another. CBD has proven to be a solace from problems to many. There is ongoing research about CBD to unfold the entire significance & varied uses of it.
Today, cannabidiol is a prominent active ingredient found in a number of popular CBD products that are made using concentrated extracts of the hemp plant. This extract is used to create a variety of products from oils, capsules, edibles to infused skincare & a lot more.
When it comes to taking CBD, there are various methods people opt for. Some people swallow it while others prefer absorbing it under their tongue. Some might even prefer vaping it with an e-cigarette or apply it on their skin directly. Whatever be your method, you need to make sure that you use just the right amount for your bodily needs. Once you understand that, any method that suits you best can be selected. CBD works differently on different people & thus its dosage changes from person to person as well. Its dosage also depends on the reason you prefer taking CBD for. Also, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body & one person’s ECS differs from the other. This is another reason why the dosage of CBD changes from individual to individual. The dose one might find fit, might feel too much to the other person as people’s tolerance levels are different.
If you are using CBD for the first time, the best way to take it is to start with a very low dosage & then slowly increase it with time till you find your ideal dosage. This method is called the Up Titration method of dosing & is very effective for people taking CBD for the first time. You should start with a dose as low as 1 drop up to three times a day. You continue this dosage for a few days, up to a week. Then you can gradually increase your dosage in smaller increments like 1 millilitre or one drop at once & continue it for another week. Before you decide your right dosage, remember to keep an eye on the dropper’s quantity. One dropper might have the capacity of 10 ml while the other can have the capacity of 20 ml. So, make sure you measure your dosage in millilitres & not per drops. Another thing to keep in mind would be to measure how many times a day you take CBD. Make sure you increase your dosage gradually so that your body can cope with it.
To ensure you don't experience any side effects of CBD or don't overdose on it, we suggest you consult your doctor prior to taking CBD. You should discuss your problem with them & why you wish to take CBD for it. They can help you decide the right dosage for yourself. But still, figuring out the dosage for yourself is a highly trial & error method since everyone’s body acts differently to it.
Keep in mind to take your dose on an empty stomach for best results & if you notice any side effects, reduce your dose & see your physician at the earliest.
As the name suggests, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It is extracted from the hemp plant & can be as pure as 99.9%. The remaining product in the CBD isolate are the terpenes remaining in it. CBD isolate is the product formed after removing all minor cannabinoids & plant waxes present in the cannabis plant that give it its unique plant smell & flavour. This makes the CBD isolate completely odourless & flavourless in nature. It looks like a crystalline white powdery substance.
CBD isolate is made from the Cannabis plants by multiple extractions to remove other cannabinoids & plant wax. This is effectively done by the CO2 extraction method. The isolate is of the crystalline form & can be used in many ways like to enhance your skincare routine, add to drinks to consume or to enhance oils as well.
CBD isolate works with the endocannabinoid system of the body by stimulating the CB1 & CB2 receptors of the body. This helps maintain the homeostasis of the body, thus aiding overall health. It aids the stress responses & hormone responses of the body. It also helps regulate the body's immunity thus has a strong antioxidant effect. This helps reduce the free radical damage in the body, thus acting as a strong preventative.CBD is majorly used to address various daily health needs of the users. It is used as a form of alternative therapeutic remedy for certain issues. The most important advantage of CBD isolate is its versatility & adaptability. It can be used in a number of different ways. CBD isolate is used to make various CBD products available like CBD oils, tinctures, infusions, topicals, etc. Unlike THC, CBD isolate has no psychoactive effects & is 100% safe for adults, children & even pets too.
The cannabinoid oil is a completely non-psychoactive compound that works by stimulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body. The ECS is essentially a vast network of receptors throughout the body that receive chemical compounds. The ECS plays an important role in maintaining multiple physiological systems of the body. These include sleep schedule, regulating levels of anxiety, pain perception, anti-inflammatory response, immune system & more. It impacts the overall health & wellbeing of the body. CBD activates the ECS receptors of the body, helping it maintain the body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis can be better called as the biological equilibrium of the body. It has an important impact on the overall well-being of the body. There is evidence that it impacts the physical, mental & emotional health of the person. CBD helps in maintaining homeostasis, thus aiding the overall health of the body.
The outer layer of cells throughout your body is lined with cannabinoid receptors. Scientific studies support the fact that the CB2 receptors found outside of the central nervous system react with CBD in the immune system. This way, CBD prompts the production of endocannabinoids in the body which enhance its well being.
The effect of CBD on the body differs from person to person as it reacts differently for everyone. Where some might find it calming & soothing helping them sleep better, others might feel that it energizes their body, enhancing concentration. Every person’s health, lifestyle & circumstance cause CBD to affect them differently. This is why everyone should also determine their own dosage & not rely on someone else’s example.
CBD usually stays from 2 to 5 days in a person’s body. But this number is highly variable & depends on a number of factors like the amount taken, the frequency of dosage, method of delivery as well as the metabolism of the person taking CBD.
Though both THC & CBD are compounds derived from Cannabis Sativa plants, they are very different from each other in all aspects. There are over 80 cannabinoid compounds in the plant, of which CBD & THC are only two. CBD stands for cannabinoid which is a 100% non-psychoactive naturally occurring compound of the cannabis plant. THC, on the other hand, stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a kind of cannabinoid with psychoactive properties. Due to this, THC can make you feel euphoric or high, while CBD doesn’t.
CBD & THC are technically two different compounds of the same plant. Of these hemp-derived CBD is legal in many parts of the world while THC is illegal in multiple countries. Though completely different, since both compounds come from the same plant, a small amount of THC is present in CBD products like CBD oils. But we make sure that the level of THC is lowest possible keeping it less than 0.3%.
THC can be called the evil twin of CBD in many places. Where CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help maintain homeostasis stimulating the CB2 receptors to maintain physiological systems of the body; THC binds with the endocannabinoid system causing a psychological effect in the body through CB1 receptors found in the CNS. This activates the receptors causing you to feel euphoric or high. The basic chemical composition of both THC & CBD is similar, but the atomic arrangement is different in both cases. WHere THC is a closed ring cyclic compound, CBD has an open cyclic ring. THC can be found in abundance in other forms of cannabis, but hemp dominantly contains higher amounts of CBD in it. There is some proof to support the fact that CBD can worsen the condition of people suffering from anxiety or paranoia. CBD, on the other hand, helps aid the treatment of anxiety & panic attacks. Thus CBD is much more beneficial than THC in terms of intake.
CBD is a non-toxic & safe compound that can be taken in a number of different ways. You can consume it or even apply on your skin if you want. It will help add to your overall health & well-being. CBD is a very helpful compound & its method of ingestion is very important. Safe use of CBD will add to your health but overuse can have adverse effects. The easiest way of taking CBD is to take it orally, but make sure to follow the precautions given along with it. For convenience’s sake, we will divide this portion into two parts, viz. the method of taking CBD & when in the day should you take CBD.
For best effect, you should take CBD oil on an empty stomach.
- Make sure you do not eat, drink or smoke anything 5 minutes prior & 5 minutes after taking CBD.
- You should stand facing the mirror & using the dropper provided with the oil, drop a few drops of the CBD under your tongue. You can determine the right dosage for yourself by using the up-titration method mentioned in the CBD dosage section.
- Once you have dropped the CBD oil, under the tongue, you let it rest there for a couple of minutes. This will help the oil get absorbed under your tongue.
- After 1-2 minutes have passed, swallow the remaining CBD oil in your mouth completely.
- You can consume CBD oil up to 3 doses a day or as suggested by your doctor.
If you are trying to figure out when during the day you can take CBD, we can help you. Following are the given times we suggest when you can take CBD. You can pick the right time for yourself as per your frequency of taking CBD & convenience.
- You can make it a part of your morning routine & take it as a morning supplement.
- You can also use it after a fitness routine for muscle recovery.
- You can add it in your power shakes & smoothies to enhance fitness.
- You can use it on your skin as a part of your skincare routine.
- You can use it before sleeping at night for better sleep.
- You can also use it throughout your day to calm your mind.
The cannabis sativa plant contains more than 80 different kinds of cannabinoids, all of which have different properties. Where CBD & THC are the most famous ones, other phytocannabinoids & minor cannabinoids like CBN are present in the plant. CBN stands for Cannabinol, which is a cannabinoid like CBD.
In the cannabis plant, as the plant grows & cultivates, it undergoes a number of chemical changes leading to the production of various compounds called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids grow with time & evolve into each other as CBG evolves into CBD & THC. Similarly, with time, the cannabinoid THCa evolves into CBN in the later stages of the plant’s life. This happens due to a process called decarboxylation. Herein, the plant is exposed to oxygen, UV light & heat, which stimulates chemical changes in the plant leading THC to convert into CBN. This is why CBN can only be found in high amounts in the mature stages of the plant’s life.
Although there are not many studies to prove the nature of CBN, the existing studies prove that like other cannabinoids, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body. It binds with the CB2 receptors of the body, causing a sedating effect in the person. More research is being done on the subject, to better understand the complete potential & benefits of CBN. The sedative effect of CBN is of keen interest in the ongoing research of the compound.
The existing CBD oil available doesn’t contain more than 0.3% of THC & thus has next to no amount of CBN in them. There is potentially no effect of the compound on the human body. Micro cannabinoids like CBN show promising results for human health, but require more studies to unfold their complete competency. Though derived from THC, there is not much evidence to support the fact that CBN has any psychoactive properties. Where some reports suggest that CBN is psychoactive in nature, other reports paint a contradictory picture proving it has mild psychoactive effects.
There is no one-size fits all approach to deciding the right dosage for CBD. It interacts with the ECS differently for different people & thus has a different effect on them. Where some feel calm & relaxed after taking CBD, others feel highly energized & focused. This is why the dosage varies highly due to the individual taking it, the reason for taking it & its effects.
If you have never taken CBD before, you should remember to start really low, as low as 1 ml thrice a day. This dose should continue for at least a week. If you wish to increase your dosage, do this gradually by increasing each dose by 1 ml & continue the dose for at least 1 week. This way your body will be able to cope with the changing amounts of CBD & you will be able to decide the ideal dose for your body. Before you increase your dosage again, ensure that you give your body time to first get used to the old dosage.
Remember to not increase the number of times you take CBD through the day before consulting a physician. Though CBD is completely safe, overdosing can have adverse effects on the body. You should take your doses on an empty stomach for best results & mark the results of taking CBD. Another thing to note is to keep track of your dosage properly. If you suffer from any adverse effects after increasing your dosage, go back to your old dosage & stick to it. Also, see your physician at the earliest in this case.
The best suggestion is to visit a physician to decide the right dosage for yourself. They will assess your condition & your reason for taking CBD & thus help decide the ideal dosage for your body. You can also figure it out on your own but still taking the help of your physician is highly recommended.
CBD is an amazing compound with a plethora of different benefits. It helps in taking care of the overall wellbeing of the person. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system of your body which is a homeostatic regulator & plays an important role in every physiological system & its working in the body. CBD activates the receptors of the ECS system, thus contributing to your overall well-being.
CBD promotes the production of endocannabinoids in the body that help create balance. This creates a sense of balance & well being and supports daily wellness. This has been proven in multiple studies by scientists. It is also highly beneficial in shopping with normal day-to-day stress. Though CBD is not supposed to be used as a medication for any form of mental or anxiety disorders or other medical conditions; it can help people focus & maintain their emotional balance.
Scientists are still studying to try & understand the complete medical potential of CBD & what more benefits it can provide the human body. CBD is still a very new product & more research is required to say for sure all that it can do for the human body. But one thing that can be said for certain is that CBD contributes positively to the health & well being of any individual. One interesting fact about CBD is that it affects every person differently. People using CBD all have experienced different benefits of the compound. It is completely non-psychoactive, though it is derived from the same cannabis as THC. CBD has varying effects on differing due to their health, lifestyle & circumstances. Where some people discover that they feel very energized and more focused than usual due to it, others feel calm & relaxed. The effects of CBD can be different for you & the next person who takes it. But what is certain is that in both cases, CBD will be beneficial to the body.
When it comes to buying CBD, there’s no one-size-fit-all approach to it. You can buy Full-spectrum CBD oil, broad spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate as per your need & requirements. Let us make you familiar with these terms.
1. Full Spectrum CBD Full spectrum CBD products contain all the cannabinoids present in the industrial hemp plant. These plants also contain amounts of THC in them as less as 0.3%. The amount is low enough to ensure that you don’t feel any euphoric effect of high when consuming these. The THC included in these products enhance the entourage effect caused due to the products. This causes other cannabinoids in the hemp plant to synergistically act with each other to provide complete wellness benefits of the product. Though the products contain only trace amounts of THC, these products are not recommended for people who wish to avoid THC altogether or are required to take THC drug tests at work.
2. Broad spectrum CBD Broad-spectrum CBD products have a range of cannabinoids & other compounds in them, but without any traceable amount of THC. They only contain a broad range of cannabinoids in them & some other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, but no THC. The entourage effect caused due to broad-spectrum CBD products is not as effective as that from full-spectrum CBD products. Since these products virtually contain no THC in them, it is a more favourable option for certain people, especially those concerned about THC testing at work. Many people prefer broad-spectrum CBD products instead of full-spectrum ones, since they are almost as efficient but don't contain any THC.
3. CBD isolate. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD as pure as 99.9% with the rest being terpenes left during the processing. It contains the hemp plant compound cannabidiol in the isolated form. It is extracted from the hemp plant by eradicating other cannabinoids, minor cannabinoids & plant waxes. These things are responsible for the smell & flavour of CBD. That’s why it is flavourless, which proves an important factor in people favouring it. It is majorly popular due to its strength & versatility. CBD isolate has zero THC in it & has no entourage effect at all. CBD isolate is used in making a lot of CBD products.
Hemp, or Cannabis Sativa, is a plant belonging to the Cannabacaea family and is often cultivated for its (bast) fibre, or it’s edible seeds. Also known as Industrial Hemp, it contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - a psychoactivity inducing compound - but to a very less, non-toxicating degree, unlike other products in that family - marijuana and hashish. THC comes under the main compound - CBD. Hemp has a host of healing and therapeutic benefits that can be availed through multiple forms like tinctures, edibles, and more. Hemp has proven largely effective in inducing bodily calm and pain relief physically, and reduces anxiety and stress mentally.
Appearance: Hemp’s colour can vary anywhere between yellowish, greenish to dark brown and gray. It is a short but erect herb that flourishes annually and is aromatic. It’s stalks are thin and hollow and bear small, yellowish green flowers. Hemp grows better in warmer and sunny climates.
Uses: Hemp has more than 25,000 applications depending on which part of the plant is utilized. The plant typically comprises the seeds, the bast (fibre), and the shiv (hurd). The seeds possess high nutrition and can be consumed as foods in and of themselves, or make for healthy and delicious components to multiple dishes. The seeds also contain 30% oil that are versatile in their application as they are used for paints, soaps, edible oil production, and more. While hemp seed milk isn’t uncommon, shelled hemp seeds can be consumed raw or with salads and liquids.
Their sturdy and durable parts can be dried and used with rope, cable, yarn, and string making. In some cases, they can even be used for sacking (burlap) and canvas. Help can also shown promising results in being processed as biofuel, biodegradable plastic, animal feed, and insulation.
Hemp and cannabis are both derived from the same species - Cannabis sativa. The first time ever that the cannabis and hemp plants were classified was by a Swiss botanist called Carl Linnaeus. He was the one to call it Cannabis Sativa.
The main factor that determines the difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) present in both. Hemp plants generally contain more CBD (cannabidiol), and cannabis plants contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that causes the ‘high’ that people associate with cannabis use.
Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant.
- Mainly used for- It is grown primarily for use in industrial applications. It has been specifically cultivated to produce a low THC content and a high CBD content. Since hemp strains have very little THC and a lot of CBD, they do not produce psychoactive effects when ingested.
- Cultivation- Hemp is mostly grown outdoors and doesn’t usually need a lot of maintenance and care. They have a growth cycle of 108-120 days.
- Appearance- Hemp has skinnier leaves that’s concentrated at the top. Few branches or leaves exist below the top part of the plant.
- Chemical makeup- Legal hemp, on the other hand, has a max THC level of 0.3%, essentially making it impossible to feel any psychoactive effect or get a “high.”
- Clothing and textiles
- Building materials
- Plastic and composite materials
- Paper
- Cosmetics
- Food
- Mainly used for- It’s mainly used for recreational purposes and gives the user an euphoric high. This variant can be used in various forms like blunts, pipes, vaporizers, edibles like cookies, brownies, etc.
- Cultivation- Cannabis plants require much more carefully controlled growing conditions like proper temperature, lighting, and humidity to produce optimal results. Cannabis plants need a lot of maintenance as they are susceptible to diseases, molds, etc. They have a growth cycle of 60-90 days.
- Appearance- When you observe their leaves, cannabis’ shape tends to either be broad leafed, a tight bud, or look like a nugget with tiny hairs or crystals.
- Chemical makeup- An average batch of cannabis contains anywhere from 5-20% THC content. Some premium marijuana can have up to 25-30% THC.
- To brew tea.
- It serves a sacred and spiritual status in various religions and therefore is offered as an entheogen or a mind-altering substance.
- Can be sold as medicines for various ailments like chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, depression, seizures, etc.
- It’s also said to be quite effective in chemotherapies.
India has been privy to a rich history of cannabis use for medicinal, industrial, and religious purposes. Cannabis has been consumed in multiple forms ranging from concentrated hashish, charas, and bhaang, to less concentrated forms like gaanja - one of the most commonly used cannabis profiles. Several attempts in pre-independent India to delegitimize cannabis had been met with dissent and it continued to be popular and legal. It wasn’t until 1986 that, with severe medicinal lobbying by the USA to criminalize cannabis, India gave in to creating strict narcotic laws banning the growth, production, sale, and transportation of cannabis illegal.
As of today, under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Section 2(3), ‘Cannabis’ implies the following definition and criteria with the exception of bhaang:
(a) charas, that is, the separated resin, in whatever form, whether crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant, and includes concentrated preparation and resin known as hashish oil or liquid hashish;
(b) ganja, that is, the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops), by whatever name they may be known or designated; and
(c) any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of any of the above forms of cannabis or any drink, prepared from there;
As per NDPS, Section 20, being in possession of cannabis for recreational purposes entails upto 6 months in prison, or a Rs. 10,000 fine, or both. However, in case of possession of larger quantities - like 20 kilograms - of cannabis for commercial purposes, the punishment can lead to 10-20 years of imprisonment, or a Rs. 1-2 lakh fine, or both. Within this legal status, different states in India have come to display different laws for cannabis consumption. Odisha has legalized the use of cannabis, and Uttarakhand became the first state to make the consumption and commercial cultivation of cannabis legal. February 21 (2017) saw Gujarat removing bhaang from the list of “intoxicating drugs” that came under Section 23 of the Gujarat Prohibition Act - making it legal. Things have started to change however, with the population and experts in India increasingly vouching for the benefits of cannabis over its disadvantages. Cannabis has been medically verified to ease out chronic pains, loss of appetite, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and mental health issues like stress, schizophrenia, and the likes. Legalizing and removing the stigma around cannabis is also credited with potentially reducing crime with omission of black market of the plant, creating jobs in that sector of agriculture, and aiding the government with boosting the economy with organized production and regulation of the plant. Not to forget, the health benefits that the WHO, and other global organizations have claimed for cannabis to provide - as against the ill effects of alcohol and tobacco. As a result of such a national movement, open propagation of cannabis, and its benefits have enabled India’s first medical cannabis clinic to open in Bengaluru in February 2020. Vedi Herbals prescribes cannabis infused tablets and oils for target specific health and wellness issues.
As a result of such a national movement and open propagation of cannabis and its benefits, more and more people are opening up to the use of cannabis as a form of medicine and not a psychoactive drug.
Weed, a more colloquial term for a form of cannabis, has seen a rich presence in the history of India. Cannabis has seen itself to be one of the earliest domesticated crops. It’s roots can be dated back to 1700 BCE - almost 5 millennia ago. It has found use in various forms and names like Ganja (flower), Bhaang (seeds and leaves), Hemp, Charas (resin), and Hashish - although it found the most amount of use as bhaang that has been consumed with ‘Thandaai’ - a beverage most enjoyed during the festivals of Holi, Maha Shiv Ratri, and Hola Mohalla Sikh Festival. But to truly understand the richness that our history attributes to this plant, we’re going to have to dive into the depths of the industrial, medicinal, and religious significance that it imparts. Bhaang finds mentions in multiple Indian texts before 1000 CE. Cannabis Sativa is speculated to be the plant that was used to make ‘Soma’ or ‘Somaras’ - a ritual drink that has been glorified to possess dramatic effects and quality, and which has been lauded in the Rigveda. Atharvaveda has described cannabis as ‘one of the five sacred plants’ that is wondrous in relieving anxiety in its ancient Vedic literature.
Sushruta Samhita, the teachings of Sushruta - one of the greatest Indian physicians to have lived, has stated the efficacy of bhang in treating phlegm, diarrhoea, and catarrh around the 3rd-8th century BCE. Multiple other studies and texts by scholars and researchers around the world who travelled to India to study the cultural and medical relevance of cannabis have reported on the healthy benefits of weed in diluted or concentrated form, and on its instrumentality for a ‘long and happy life’. It has proven to be extremely potent in pain management, aiding with anxiety, and stress. Multiple Ayurvedic references also mention cannabis as ‘vijaya’, whereas it finds a mention as ‘samvid’ in tantric texts. Additionally, with its application including drawing on seeds and stalk, it’s been instrumental in the production of paper, textiles, and cordage.
It’d be ignorant at this point to dismiss that there have been reports of excessive consumption to be addictive, and to be more dangerous to lungs and liver than tobacco. However, Ayurveda never propagated the use of cannabis for smoking recipes.
Not only in the Vedic and religious texts, weed has found theistic significance as the Hindu god Shiva has been increasingly associated with the plant. Multiple accounts of weed being his favourite consumable, and of relieving him of the poison Halahala’s heat have imprinted the importance of the plant in the life of one of the most celebrated deities in Hindu mythology.
During the Middle Ages, Indian soldiers were believed to consume drink bhaang before battle, much like the tradition of soldiers in the Western cultures consuming whiskeys or rums before battle.
The first ever sign of dissent towards cannabis appeared with the advent of Europeans, mostly the British, as they were astounded with the commonness of the plant’s consumption. “For the sake of the natives’ good health and sanity’, the British Parliament decided to tax the common ganja, bhaang, and charas. Their government in 1798 ordered observation and regulation of cultivation of cannabis, production of drugs, and the resultant impact on society and morality.
It was 1986 that the status of weed ultimately was made illegal in India after severe lobbying by the USA for medicinal purposes. However, we’re noticing changing winds in the popularity - both cultural and medical - of weed as multiple states are starting reforms in the cultivation and consumption of the plant. As a ritual representative of the pre-dissent era for weed, ascetics and sadhus even today smoke hashish (resinous buds of the female plant or the resin itself) in chillums.
CBD is only one of the compounds found in above-mentioned cannabis species that contains more than 80 plant compounds. CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid system of the body, also known as the ECS system. They are a group of receptors in your brain & nervous system that control some very essential functions in the body. The ECS keeps all the bodily functions balanced & well-regulated.
These bodily functions include appetite, mood, immune response, pain, and sleep patterns. The cannabinoids made by the body & those found in the plants like CBD assist these receptors to work. The cannabinoids made by the body are called endocannabinoids & those obtained from plant sources are called phytocannabinoids. Scientists presume that cannabidiol helps maintain the body's balance by interacting with its internal endocannabinoid system. CBD can be used to support the complete physical welfare of your body. It can provide a sense of peace & wellness in people. But the cause & use of CBD changes from person to person and circumstance to circumstance. Some use it to support their overall well-being while others rely on it for specific problems. Many people use it for one problem or another. CBD has proven to be a solace from problems to many. There is ongoing research about CBD to unfold the entire significance & varied uses of it.
Today, cannabidiol is a prominent active ingredient found in a number of popular CBD products that are made using concentrated extracts of the hemp plant. This extract is used to create a variety of products from oils, capsules, edibles to infused skincare & a lot more.
If you are using CBD for the first time, the best way to take it is to start with a very low dosage & then slowly increase it with time till you find your ideal dosage. This method is called the Up Titration method of dosing & is very effective for people taking CBD for the first time. You should start with a dose as low as 1 drop up to three times a day. You continue this dosage for a few days, up to a week. Then you can gradually increase your dosage in smaller increments like 1 millilitre or one drop at once & continue it for another week. Before you decide your right dosage, remember to keep an eye on the dropper’s quantity. One dropper might have the capacity of 10 ml while the other can have the capacity of 20 ml. So, make sure you measure your dosage in millilitres & not per drops. Another thing to keep in mind would be to measure how many times a day you take CBD. Make sure you increase your dosage gradually so that your body can cope with it.
To ensure you don't experience any side effects of CBD or don't overdose on it, we suggest you consult your doctor prior to taking CBD. You should discuss your problem with them & why you wish to take CBD for it. They can help you decide the right dosage for yourself. But still, figuring out the dosage for yourself is a highly trial & error method since everyone’s body acts differently to it.
Keep in mind to take your dose on an empty stomach for best results & if you notice any side effects, reduce your dose & see your physician at the earliest.
CBD isolate is made from the Cannabis plants by multiple extractions to remove other cannabinoids & plant wax. This is effectively done by the CO2 extraction method. The isolate is of the crystalline form & can be used in many ways like to enhance your skincare routine, add to drinks to consume or to enhance oils as well.
CBD isolate works with the endocannabinoid system of the body by stimulating the CB1 & CB2 receptors of the body. This helps maintain the homeostasis of the body, thus aiding overall health. It aids the stress responses & hormone responses of the body. It also helps regulate the body's immunity thus has a strong antioxidant effect. This helps reduce the free radical damage in the body, thus acting as a strong preventative.CBD is majorly used to address various daily health needs of the users. It is used as a form of alternative therapeutic remedy for certain issues. The most important advantage of CBD isolate is its versatility & adaptability. It can be used in a number of different ways. CBD isolate is used to make various CBD products available like CBD oils, tinctures, infusions, topicals, etc. Unlike THC, CBD isolate has no psychoactive effects & is 100% safe for adults, children & even pets too.
The outer layer of cells throughout your body is lined with cannabinoid receptors. Scientific studies support the fact that the CB2 receptors found outside of the central nervous system react with CBD in the immune system. This way, CBD prompts the production of endocannabinoids in the body which enhance its well being.
The effect of CBD on the body differs from person to person as it reacts differently for everyone. Where some might find it calming & soothing helping them sleep better, others might feel that it energizes their body, enhancing concentration. Every person’s health, lifestyle & circumstance cause CBD to affect them differently. This is why everyone should also determine their own dosage & not rely on someone else’s example.
CBD usually stays from 2 to 5 days in a person’s body. But this number is highly variable & depends on a number of factors like the amount taken, the frequency of dosage, method of delivery as well as the metabolism of the person taking CBD.
CBD & THC are technically two different compounds of the same plant. Of these hemp-derived CBD is legal in many parts of the world while THC is illegal in multiple countries. Though completely different, since both compounds come from the same plant, a small amount of THC is present in CBD products like CBD oils. But we make sure that the level of THC is lowest possible keeping it less than 0.3%.
THC can be called the evil twin of CBD in many places. Where CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help maintain homeostasis stimulating the CB2 receptors to maintain physiological systems of the body; THC binds with the endocannabinoid system causing a psychological effect in the body through CB1 receptors found in the CNS. This activates the receptors causing you to feel euphoric or high. The basic chemical composition of both THC & CBD is similar, but the atomic arrangement is different in both cases. WHere THC is a closed ring cyclic compound, CBD has an open cyclic ring. THC can be found in abundance in other forms of cannabis, but hemp dominantly contains higher amounts of CBD in it. There is some proof to support the fact that CBD can worsen the condition of people suffering from anxiety or paranoia. CBD, on the other hand, helps aid the treatment of anxiety & panic attacks. Thus CBD is much more beneficial than THC in terms of intake.
Method of For best effect, you should take CBD oil on an empty stomach.
- Make sure you do not eat, drink or smoke anything 5 minutes prior & 5 minutes after taking CBD.
- You should stand facing the mirror & using the dropper provided with the oil, drop a few drops of the CBD under your tongue. You can determine the right dosage for yourself by using the up-titration method mentioned in the CBD dosage section.
- Once you have dropped the CBD oil, under the tongue, you let it rest there for a couple of minutes. This will help the oil get absorbed under your tongue.
- After 1-2 minutes have passed, swallow the remaining CBD oil in your mouth completely.
- You can consume CBD oil up to 3 doses a day or as suggested by your doctor.
- You can make it a part of your morning routine & take it as a morning supplement.
- You can also use it after a fitness routine for muscle recovery.
- You can add it in your power shakes & smoothies to enhance fitness.
- You can use it on your skin as a part of your skincare routine.
- You can use it before sleeping at night for better sleep.
- You can also use it throughout your day to calm your mind.
In the cannabis plant, as the plant grows & cultivates, it undergoes a number of chemical changes leading to the production of various compounds called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids grow with time & evolve into each other as CBG evolves into CBD & THC. Similarly, with time, the cannabinoid THCa evolves into CBN in the later stages of the plant’s life. This happens due to a process called decarboxylation. Herein, the plant is exposed to oxygen, UV light & heat, which stimulates chemical changes in the plant leading THC to convert into CBN. This is why CBN can only be found in high amounts in the mature stages of the plant’s life.
Although there are not many studies to prove the nature of CBN, the existing studies prove that like other cannabinoids, CBN interacts with the endocannabinoid system of the body. It binds with the CB2 receptors of the body, causing a sedating effect in the person. More research is being done on the subject, to better understand the complete potential & benefits of CBN. The sedative effect of CBN is of keen interest in the ongoing research of the compound.
The existing CBD oil available doesn’t contain more than 0.3% of THC & thus has next to no amount of CBN in them. There is potentially no effect of the compound on the human body. Micro cannabinoids like CBN show promising results for human health, but require more studies to unfold their complete competency. Though derived from THC, there is not much evidence to support the fact that CBN has any psychoactive properties. Where some reports suggest that CBN is psychoactive in nature, other reports paint a contradictory picture proving it has mild psychoactive effects.
If you have never taken CBD before, you should remember to start really low, as low as 1 ml thrice a day. This dose should continue for at least a week. If you wish to increase your dosage, do this gradually by increasing each dose by 1 ml & continue the dose for at least 1 week. This way your body will be able to cope with the changing amounts of CBD & you will be able to decide the ideal dose for your body. Before you increase your dosage again, ensure that you give your body time to first get used to the old dosage.
Remember to not increase the number of times you take CBD through the day before consulting a physician. Though CBD is completely safe, overdosing can have adverse effects on the body. You should take your doses on an empty stomach for best results & mark the results of taking CBD. Another thing to note is to keep track of your dosage properly. If you suffer from any adverse effects after increasing your dosage, go back to your old dosage & stick to it. Also, see your physician at the earliest in this case.
The best suggestion is to visit a physician to decide the right dosage for yourself. They will assess your condition & your reason for taking CBD & thus help decide the ideal dosage for your body. You can also figure it out on your own but still taking the help of your physician is highly recommended.
CBD promotes the production of endocannabinoids in the body that help create balance. This creates a sense of balance & well being and supports daily wellness. This has been proven in multiple studies by scientists. It is also highly beneficial in shopping with normal day-to-day stress. Though CBD is not supposed to be used as a medication for any form of mental or anxiety disorders or other medical conditions; it can help people focus & maintain their emotional balance.
Scientists are still studying to try & understand the complete medical potential of CBD & what more benefits it can provide the human body. CBD is still a very new product & more research is required to say for sure all that it can do for the human body. But one thing that can be said for certain is that CBD contributes positively to the health & well being of any individual. One interesting fact about CBD is that it affects every person differently. People using CBD all have experienced different benefits of the compound. It is completely non-psychoactive, though it is derived from the same cannabis as THC. CBD has varying effects on differing due to their health, lifestyle & circumstances. Where some people discover that they feel very energized and more focused than usual due to it, others feel calm & relaxed. The effects of CBD can be different for you & the next person who takes it. But what is certain is that in both cases, CBD will be beneficial to the body.
1. Full Spectrum CBD Full spectrum CBD products contain all the cannabinoids present in the industrial hemp plant. These plants also contain amounts of THC in them as less as 0.3%. The amount is low enough to ensure that you don’t feel any euphoric effect of high when consuming these. The THC included in these products enhance the entourage effect caused due to the products. This causes other cannabinoids in the hemp plant to synergistically act with each other to provide complete wellness benefits of the product. Though the products contain only trace amounts of THC, these products are not recommended for people who wish to avoid THC altogether or are required to take THC drug tests at work.
2. Broad spectrum CBD Broad-spectrum CBD products have a range of cannabinoids & other compounds in them, but without any traceable amount of THC. They only contain a broad range of cannabinoids in them & some other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, but no THC. The entourage effect caused due to broad-spectrum CBD products is not as effective as that from full-spectrum CBD products. Since these products virtually contain no THC in them, it is a more favourable option for certain people, especially those concerned about THC testing at work. Many people prefer broad-spectrum CBD products instead of full-spectrum ones, since they are almost as efficient but don't contain any THC.
3. CBD isolate. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD as pure as 99.9% with the rest being terpenes left during the processing. It contains the hemp plant compound cannabidiol in the isolated form. It is extracted from the hemp plant by eradicating other cannabinoids, minor cannabinoids & plant waxes. These things are responsible for the smell & flavour of CBD. That’s why it is flavourless, which proves an important factor in people favouring it. It is majorly popular due to its strength & versatility. CBD isolate has zero THC in it & has no entourage effect at all. CBD isolate is used in making a lot of CBD products.
Appearance: Hemp’s colour can vary anywhere between yellowish, greenish to dark brown and gray. It is a short but erect herb that flourishes annually and is aromatic. It’s stalks are thin and hollow and bear small, yellowish green flowers. Hemp grows better in warmer and sunny climates.
Uses: Hemp has more than 25,000 applications depending on which part of the plant is utilized. The plant typically comprises the seeds, the bast (fibre), and the shiv (hurd). The seeds possess high nutrition and can be consumed as foods in and of themselves, or make for healthy and delicious components to multiple dishes. The seeds also contain 30% oil that are versatile in their application as they are used for paints, soaps, edible oil production, and more. While hemp seed milk isn’t uncommon, shelled hemp seeds can be consumed raw or with salads and liquids.
Their sturdy and durable parts can be dried and used with rope, cable, yarn, and string making. In some cases, they can even be used for sacking (burlap) and canvas. Help can also shown promising results in being processed as biofuel, biodegradable plastic, animal feed, and insulation.
The main factor that determines the difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) present in both. Hemp plants generally contain more CBD (cannabidiol), and cannabis plants contain more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound that causes the ‘high’ that people associate with cannabis use.
Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant.
- Mainly used for- It is grown primarily for use in industrial applications. It has been specifically cultivated to produce a low THC content and a high CBD content. Since hemp strains have very little THC and a lot of CBD, they do not produce psychoactive effects when ingested.
- Cultivation- Hemp is mostly grown outdoors and doesn’t usually need a lot of maintenance and care. They have a growth cycle of 108-120 days.
- Appearance- Hemp has skinnier leaves that’s concentrated at the top. Few branches or leaves exist below the top part of the plant.
- Chemical makeup- Legal hemp, on the other hand, has a max THC level of 0.3%, essentially making it impossible to feel any psychoactive effect or get a “high.”
Hemp is used for a wide range of industrial purposes, including:
- 1. Clothing and textiles
- 2. Building materials
- 3. Plastic and composite materials
- 4. Paper
- 5. Cosmetics
- 6. Food
Cannabis, commonly known by other colloquial names like weed, grass, pot, Mary Jane, etc is derived from cannabis Sativa. It belongs to the “cannabaceae “ family and has 3 primary species-cannabis Sativa, cannabis Indica, cannabis ruderalis.
- Mainly used for- It’s mainly used for recreational purposes and gives the user an euphoric high. This variant can be used in various forms like blunts, pipes, vaporizers, edibles like cookies, brownies, etc.
- Cultivation- Cannabis plants require much more carefully controlled growing conditions like proper temperature, lighting, and humidity to produce optimal results. Cannabis plants need a lot of maintenance as they are susceptible to diseases, molds, etc. They have a growth cycle of 60-90 days.
- Appearance- When you observe their leaves, cannabis’ shape tends to either be broad leafed, a tight bud, or look like a nugget with tiny hairs or crystals.
- Chemical makeup- An average batch of cannabis contains anywhere from 5-20% THC content. Some premium marijuana can have up to 25-30% THC.
Other Uses of Cannabis:
- 1. To brew tea.
- 2. It serves a sacred and spiritual status in various religions and therefore is offered as an entheogen or a mind-altering substance.
- 3. Can be sold as medicines for various ailments like chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, depression, seizures, etc.
- 4. It’s also said to be quite effective in chemotherapies.
As of today, under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, Section 2(3), ‘Cannabis’ implies the following definition and criteria with the exception of bhaang:
(a) charas, that is, the separated resin, in whatever form, whether crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant, and includes concentrated preparation and resin known as hashish oil or liquid hashish;
(b) ganja, that is, the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops), by whatever name they may be known or designated; and
(c) any mixture, with or without any neutral material, of any of the above forms of cannabis or any drink, prepared from there;
As per NDPS, Section 20, being in possession of cannabis for recreational purposes entails upto 6 months in prison, or a Rs. 10,000 fine, or both. However, in case of possession of larger quantities - like 20 kilograms - of cannabis for commercial purposes, the punishment can lead to 10-20 years of imprisonment, or a Rs. 1-2 lakh fine, or both. Within this legal status, different states in India have come to display different laws for cannabis consumption. Odisha has legalized the use of cannabis, and Uttarakhand became the first state to make the consumption and commercial cultivation of cannabis legal. February 21 (2017) saw Gujarat removing bhaang from the list of “intoxicating drugs” that came under Section 23 of the Gujarat Prohibition Act - making it legal. Things have started to change however, with the population and experts in India increasingly vouching for the benefits of cannabis over its disadvantages. Cannabis has been medically verified to ease out chronic pains, loss of appetite, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and mental health issues like stress, schizophrenia, and the likes. Legalizing and removing the stigma around cannabis is also credited with potentially reducing crime with omission of black market of the plant, creating jobs in that sector of agriculture, and aiding the government with boosting the economy with organized production and regulation of the plant. Not to forget, the health benefits that the WHO, and other global organizations have claimed for cannabis to provide - as against the ill effects of alcohol and tobacco. As a result of such a national movement, open propagation of cannabis, and its benefits have enabled India’s first medical cannabis clinic to open in Bengaluru in February 2020. Vedi Herbals prescribes cannabis infused tablets and oils for target specific health and wellness issues.
Sushruta Samhita, the teachings of Sushruta - one of the greatest Indian physicians to have lived, has stated the efficacy of bhang in treating phlegm, diarrhoea, and catarrh around the 3rd-8th century BCE. Multiple other studies and texts by scholars and researchers around the world who travelled to India to study the cultural and medical relevance of cannabis have reported on the healthy benefits of weed in diluted or concentrated form, and on its instrumentality for a ‘long and happy life’. It has proven to be extremely potent in pain management, aiding with anxiety, and stress. Multiple Ayurvedic references also mention cannabis as ‘vijaya’, whereas it finds a mention as ‘samvid’ in tantric texts. Additionally, with its application including drawing on seeds and stalk, it’s been instrumental in the production of paper, textiles, and cordage.
It’d be ignorant at this point to dismiss that there have been reports of excessive consumption to be addictive, and to be more dangerous to lungs and liver than tobacco. However, Ayurveda never propagated the use of cannabis for smoking recipes.
Not only in the Vedic and religious texts, weed has found theistic significance as the Hindu god Shiva has been increasingly associated with the plant. Multiple accounts of weed being his favourite consumable, and of relieving him of the poison Halahala’s heat have imprinted the importance of the plant in the life of one of the most celebrated deities in Hindu mythology.
During the Middle Ages, Indian soldiers were believed to consume drink bhaang before battle, much like the tradition of soldiers in the Western cultures consuming whiskeys or rums before battle.
The first ever sign of dissent towards cannabis appeared with the advent of Europeans, mostly the British, as they were astounded with the commonness of the plant’s consumption. “For the sake of the natives’ good health and sanity’, the British Parliament decided to tax the common ganja, bhaang, and charas. Their government in 1798 ordered observation and regulation of cultivation of cannabis, production of drugs, and the resultant impact on society and morality.
It was 1986 that the status of weed ultimately was made illegal in India after severe lobbying by the USA for medicinal purposes. However, we’re noticing changing winds in the popularity - both cultural and medical - of weed as multiple states are starting reforms in the cultivation and consumption of the plant. As a ritual representative of the pre-dissent era for weed, ascetics and sadhus even today smoke hashish (resinous buds of the female plant or the resin itself) in chillums.