CBD Fast Facts

CBD, along with cannabinol (CBN), was among the first cannabinoid molecules discovered in 1940 and is one of a family of over 113 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids which are naturally produced within the tiny hair-like structures known as trichomes which grow on hemp and cannabis.

Outside of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance found in high concentrations in marijuana, CBD is the beneficiary of the second largest body of research on the medical effects of cannabinoids including its use as an anticonvulsant (antiseizure), anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, neuroprotector and immunomodulator. And that research is growing.

However unlike THC, CBD is non-psychotropic meaning it does not result in feelings of euphoria. In other words, it will not get you high. CBD is also non-psychotoxic meaning it does not have a detrimental effect on a person’s mind, personality or behavior.

The WHO (World Health Organization) recognizes CBD as being safe, non-toxic and with little to no side effects making it a safe alternative to synthetically derived options which have substantially less clinical data in their support. Although the endocannabinoid system is linked to a number of crucial processes involving the brain, nervous system and reproductive organs, it does not affect regions of the brain controlling heart and lung function.

This is one of the main reasons why it is virtually impossible for fatal overdoses of cannabis or cannabinoids to occur. That being said, consult your doctor if you plan on taking more than 300mg in a 24 hour period.

1. Archaic government laws
2. Only discovered in 1992

Until very recently CBD was classified as a Schedule 1 drug which claims that it poses a high risk of abuse as well as having no medicinal value. In hemp’s multi-thousand year history there has only been one recorded fatality. Almost nothing in life has that kind of track record. According to the Center for Disease Control, about 800 Americans die annually from falling out of bed.

The endogenous cannabinoid system or endocannabinoid system (ECS) was only recently discovered in 1992 by a research team led by Professor Raphael Mechoulam, long considered to be the world’s most preeminent figure in cannabis research. A network of cell receptors found throughout the entire human body including the brain, glands, organs, connective tissue and immune cells, the endocannabinoid system is in fact the body’s largest receptor system playing a role in almost every physiological function.

The endocannabinoid receptors which make up the endocannabinoid system are located in our central nervous system, which includes our brain and spinal cord, our peripheral nervous system, which acts as a communication network linking our central nervous system to the rest of our body, and our immune system. Cannabinoid receptors are found in every animal species from Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and Tina Fey all the way down to the lowly sea sponge.

In addition to discovering the endocannabinoid system itself, Professor Mechoulam found that the human body produces its own internal cannabinoids with the brain containing the heaviest concentration of cannabinoid receptors. These naturally produced cannabinoids have proven to be of critical importance in regulating human mood, memory, pain and more. As a matter of fact, one of the first endocannabinoids discovered is a chemical named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ‘ananda’ or ‘bliss’.

While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, has garnered the most research, publicity and notoriety, over 100 different cannabionoids have been found to exist, each with their own unique receptor interactions and separate roles in helping the body maintain homeostasis. As research on cannabinoids becomes popularized, the growing amalgamation of evidence is showing overwhelming promise in the treatment of anxiety, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s as well as early indication that endocannabinoid deficiency may be linked to other debilitating disorders like migraines, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. Please feel free to check out our Scientific Data & Research page to stay informed on the latest research on cannabinoids as well as keep us informed of any new research you might know of as well!