CBD definition

Written by: Aimee Prasek, PhD

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that has effects on the body and brain but does not cause the sensory and psychological effects that THC does.  

Want to learn more about CBD and its possible uses? See FAQ below and we've also simplified some common (but confusing!) terms used in the CBD world. 

How can you take CBD?

CBD containing products are available as capsules, oil, edibles, beverages, gummies, and topical cream/lotions.

Does CBD Oil Get You High? 

The short answer is no (assuming you have a trusted, high-quality product). CBD Oil is primarily hemp-derived and contains less than .3% THC content by dry weight. It's important to note that CBD and THC each offer a range of usages which are unique to their composition. They are chemically similar, but have unique effects. 

What's the difference Between CBD and THC?

As a powerful psychoactive agent, THC can directly bind to the so-named CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body’s endocannabinoid system which induce the mind-altering, euphoric effects referred to as "being high.” CBD products can actually block the CB1 and CB2 receptors and achieve its therapeutic effects by instead interacting more directly with serotonin, opioid, and immune system receptors, thereby avoiding the “high” feeling associated with THC.

Key CBD terms to know

• CBD types. There are three main types of CBD extract:
  • Full-spectrum CBD products contain multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol. Full-spectrum CBD products may also contain up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • Broad-spectrum CBD products are nearly identical to full-spectrum with the exception of THC. However, trace amounts of THC may still occur.
  • CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD. It contains no other cannabis plant compounds including no THC. 
• Entourage effect. Some people believe that terpenes will affect or enhance the high a person gets from using cannabis. This is known as the entourage effect and it implies that terpenes enhance or alter the effects of THC and CBD in the body.
  • Some research backs up these claims. For example, this study found that people with epilepsy who took a CBD-rich extract had improved symptoms and fewer side effects than those who took purified CBD. This suggests that the other components in cannabis, such as terpenes, may affect how the body uses CBD.
• Flavonoids, a group of natural substances with variable chemical structures which are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea and wine. These natural products are well known for their beneficial effects on health.
  • It has been reported that flavonoids are important for human health because of their antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti‐inflammatory activities and because they act as free radical scavengers as they are potential reducing agents that protect from oxidative damage.
• Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, and lavender, as well as fresh orange peel. The fragrance of most plants is due to a combination of terpenes. In nature, these terpenes protect the plants from animal grazing or infectious germs. 
  • Because terpenes produce vibrant smells, they form the basis of many essential oils and are an integral part of many alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy. Inhaling the scents from some plants and essential oils may affect a person’s mood and stress levels.
  • There is plenty of medical research on isolated terpenes themselves, and some may even make their way into medical use. Studies describe that many terpenes have demonstrated beneficial effects on the human body and could serve as “natural” therapies for a variety of issues.

CBD Supplements at Natural Mental Health

• Sleep CBD is a blend of broad-spectrum CBD (30 mg per serving) combined with 5 mg of CBN (cannabinol) and 3 mg of melatonin. CBN is a form of phytocannabinoid shown to be more specifically helpful for sleep, and melatonin is nature’s internal timekeeper, helping set a more consistent bedtime. CBD Sleep may improve a variety of challenging sleep issues, and is especially helpful for those who have trouble falling asleep. 

• Calm CBD combines 30 mg of broad-spectrum CBD with 200 mg of l-theanine, an amino acid that can also help reduce anxiety and stabilize mood. Together, they may improve stress resilience and calm anxiety without sedation. Taken at bedtime, CBD Calm may also be helpful for those who tend to wake in the middle of the night.

• Restore CBD gummies are infused with the highest quality, all-natural, US-grown hemp. Each gummy offers a precise dose of broad-spectrum CBD to support your endocannabinoid system with naturally occurring, plant-based ingredients. This synergy of multiple cannabinoids work together for the greatest impact to restore your natural resilience. 

SOURCES

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3. Ballard, C. R., & Junior, M. R. M. (2019). Health benefits of flavonoids. In Bioactive compounds (pp. 185-201). Woodhead Publishing.
4. Bridgeman, M. B., & Daniel T. A. (2017). Medicinal cannabis: History, pharmacology, And implications for the acute care setting. P&T: A peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 42(3), 180-188.
5. Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic and medicinal uses of terpenes. In Medicinal Plants (pp. 333-359). Springer, Cham.
6. Morales, P. et al. (2017). Molecular targets of the phytocannabinoids: A complex picture. Progress in the chemistry of organic natural products, 103, 103-131. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_4
7. Noreen N., Muhammad, F., Akhtar, B., Azam, F., & Anwar, M. I. (2018). Is cannabidiol a promising substance for new drug development? A review of its potential therapeutic applications. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr, 28(1), 73-86. doi: 10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2018021528. 
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9. Wong, S. S., & Wilens, T. E. (2017). Medical cannabinoids in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Pediatrics, 140(5).