Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity in the medical marijuana industry because it has demonstrated positive medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects normally associated with marijuana. CBD can be beneficial for a variety of different medical conditions. It’s particularly praised for its anti-inflammatory qualities and its ability to relieve pain, muscle spasms and anxiety. CBD is found in most strains of cannabis, but an increasing number of strains are now bred so that CBD is the primary cannabinoid found within the plant, rather than THC, which is best known for its psychoactive properties.
CBD in Cannabis or Hemp
CBD can be sourced from cannabis marijuana or hemp, and there are many differences between the two. Hemp is naturally low in THC and high in CBD. Hemp-based CBD oil tends to be more accessible, though it’s also likely to contain far less CBD than oil derived from cannabis.
CBD oil made from cannabis also contains the added benefits of higher levels of complementary cannabinoids, which are believed to lend added benefits. Often this is referred to as the entourage effect, and many people claim that without the additional cannabinoids, CBD is far less effective medicinally.
CBD Oil
CBD oil can be extracted from the whole plant of a CBD-heavy strain of marijuana using a variety of solvents. It’s important to look for an oil that’s not extracted using neurotoxic materials, such as butane, which may leave dangerous residues in the final product.
One of the best methods for CBD oil extraction is through the use of CO2, which uses low temperatures and high pressures to create a potent and pure oil. Ethanol and coconut oil are also used in the extraction process, depending on what the intended use for the oil is. CBD oil can be taken directly or it can be put into capsules to be taken like regular pills.
CBD oil can also be mixed into different food items such as smoothies, or it can be baked into edibles. CBD oil, whether in the form of an edible or in its pure state, can be a great option for people who desire to have a discreet administration method for their medical cannabis.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are alcohol or vegetable glycerin-based cannabis extracts that tend to be less concentrated than oil. Tinctures are normally found in dropper bottles and come in many different concentrations of CBD to THC. Tinctures can be made at home or purchased. A tincture can be taken through a dropper directly into the mouth or mixed into food or drink. Much like oil, tinctures can be a very discreet method of administration for cannabis, making it a good option for patients who need doses throughout the day when they may be in a more public setting than their homes.
CBD Topical Products
Topical products can be applied directly to the skin. CBD topicals can provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Topical products are non-psychoactive, no matter their concentration of THC or CBD. CBD topicals can aid in reducing inflammation, which can particularly help people who suffer from conditions such as arthritic joint pain or muscle aches.
CBD Vaporizing
You can vaporize high CBD cannabis. Vaporizing allows for the effects of the medication to be felt quickly, without the adverse effects that can come with smoking—whereas vaping heats the cannabis, smoking combusts it, thereby creating hot, ashy smoke that can irritate the throat and lungs. This form of administration is particularly helpful when you need fast-acting relief from pain and inflammation.
CBD Sublingual Spray
Sublingual sprays are concentrated cannabis tinctures that are meant to be used by being sprayed under the tongue. Sublingual sprays can be discreet and allow for a patient to have a choice of different CBD to THC ratios depending on what symptoms they’re trying to target or the time of day they’re administering their medication.
High CBD Marijuana Strains
The most well-known strain of high CBD cannabis is Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte’s web was created for a young girl who suffered from seizures and has less than 0.3% THC and about 13% CBD. Charlotte’s web is a sativa strain and has no psychoactivity associated with it. Charlotte’s Web is popular for the treatment of seizures, but it can also be very helpful for other conditions that respond positively to high levels of CBD.
Canna-Tsu is a CBD-heavy hybrid of Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami, which are both individually high CBD strains. Canna-Tsu, unlike Charlotte’s Web, has noticeable amounts of the cannabinoids THC and CBN, but it is heaviest in CBD. Canna-Tsu is about 13% CBD and is a great choice for pain management and anxiety. Most patients don’t experience psychoactivity while using Canna-Tsu. It does, however, have about 10% THC, so some psychoactivity is possible for patients who are particularly sensitive.
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC. Harlequin, which has little to no psychoactivity, is particularly helpful for people with stress, anxiety or depression, due to its lower THC content as compared to the CBD contained within the strain. Harlequin can also be helpful for pain management, especially during the day for patients who don’t want to experience any psychoactivity.
Do you have questions about CBD? Go to HelloMD's Answers page where you can connect with a health practitioner or well-informed member of our community who will respond to your queries.
