Although cannabis has been in existence for thousands of years, many CBD rich strains were discovered in Northern California, thanks to years of extensive research. Today this part of the US is the breadbasket of cannabis in America. All of which is credited to the wide array of certified patients who now receive medical marijuana legally. Today, pharmaceutical and medical advancements have identified CBD alternatives to medicines with harsh side effects.
The Multipurpose Molecule
Cannabis is derived by its two most potent components, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). These two phytocannabinoids, both extremely potent and distinct in nature, encourage research of their uniqueness and medical prowess. With that in mind, while THC and CBD emanate from the cannabis plant they both have different uses and case the body to react very differently. This is evident as THC gives the user a feeling of intoxication while the CBD serves as a panacea for a wide array of ailments.
The potency of the CBD brought to light by researchers, physicians and medical practitioners has been one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs in recent times and even helped contribute in the legalization of its use in some states. CBD works perfectly in the human body by interacting and mimicking part of our regulatory system called the Endocannabinoid System. This system helps regulate much of our physiology including energy level, mood, immunities, blood pressure, metabolism, bone density, intestinal fortitude, the experience of pain, hunger, stress, and much more.
As such, inconsistencies or irregularities in our Endocannabinoid system leads to disease, depression, gastrointestinal issues, skin disease, autoimmune disease, and much more. CBD works synergistically with our body, boosting our regulatory's efficiency and effectiveness.
Since the declassification of cannabidiol as a Schedule I narcotic in 2018 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), research into pharmaceutical CBD has grown exponentially. Cannabis and CBD however, has remained on Schedule I as an illegal narcotic by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and thus is only available to be sold nationwide as pharmaceutical CBD.
When it comes to pharmaceutical CBD, medical pharmacists such as ourselves opine that not all CBD’s are equal. This is due to an increasing number of dubious companies, jumping at the opportunity to get a piece of an increasingly lucrative cannabis industry. Often times, the cheapest CBD comes from China, designed with fake labels that claim to provide cures and "highs" rather than naturalistic remedy and regulatory system booster. However, acquiring Pharmaceutical CBD with excellent quality means visiting companies with traceable, tested products and potentially paying upwards of $30,000 per year.
For those who cannot financially afford pharmaceutical CBD, the internet, storefronts, gas stations, retail spaces, health clubs, and coffee shops have begun selling various hemp-derived CBD oil products. This massive boom in consumer demand has led to a surge in use. However, it is important to recognize that most of these new CBD products are untested, unverified, nor should they be recognized as a cure-all for diseases. Which is why pharmacists like us, recommend scientifically tested CBD that are prescribed as a therapeutic benefit that works in conjunction with your specific physiological system. Everyone is different, so it is important to consult your physician or pharmacist to understand which CBD products can help you, and which will bring faux benefits.
When it comes to acquiring the best CBD, conducting a little research is key. At Pharm + CBD, our certified and trained physicians offer free consultations on all CBD and CBD related products.
