What Are Cannabinoids And How Do They Affect Your Use of Cannabis?
Cannabis is not a “modern” plant by any means. In fact, the first records of cannabis date back to 6000 B.C. in China. However, the verified use of cannabis in wellness was during 2700 B.C. when the Chinese emperor used to add it to his tea, suggesting its “healing” powers. From that date onwards, records about cannabis have spread across Asia as it became popular among men of medicine. Nearby in India, cannabis was treated as a sacred plant that was believed to have superpowers. Valuable manuscripts even paid homage to the cannabis plant depicting exact methods of extraction to prepare healing balms and oils. Even the Romans knew of the cannabis plant and used it for the same purposes as you would a modern-day painkiller. While in Egypt, where one of the most important civilizations of the old world was birthed, cannabis was found buried in tombs indicating that it was indeed used to prepare remedies and other medicinal concoctions.
Cannabis in the West
During the 16th century, cannabis was grown all over Europe as per the directions of Henry the 8th given its numerous benefits which were already known at that time. Medical texts across Europe and American colonies were raving about cannabis. Fast forward to the industrial age, prominent doctors were experimenting with the use of cannabis to treat chronic illnesses like rheumatic diseases.
Cannabis in Modern Times
Even though cannabis was used in the early 20th century as an ingredient in cough syrups and sleeping pills, it was not long after that the plant was declared illegal in 1930. It took almost 30 years for researchers to have a clearer answer to "What is CBD?" and how it can enhance our endocannabinoid systems. CBD stands for cannabidiol which is an active ingredient derived from the hemp plant and carries all of the essential benefits of cannabis. Unfortunately, in 1970 during the global war on drugs, governments did not differentiate between the two distinctive properties of the cannabis plant as its cultivation altogether was declared illegal. Furthermore, cannabis was listed as a high-risk of dependence substance that bears no medical benefits.
The Turning Point for Cannabis
In 1996 the American state of California took precedence and legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, marking a new era for the cannabis plant. This move encouraged health experts to intensify their researches studying CBD and the myriad of ways it can be used to promote a healthy life. Thanks to the public hype, CBD is quickly growing to become one of the most sought-after natural ingredients with a market share worth millions of dollars.
Most Popular Cannabis Myths
To this day, cannabis is still seen as a controversial plant. Even though many studies have already debunked most of the popular myths about cannabis, they are worth being mentioned as an important part of the history of cannabis. Here are a few:
CBD Will Get You High
Genuine CBD derived from a hemp plant doesn’t contain enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the cannabis plant component that has psychoactive properties. So the short answer is no, CBD was actually found to have opposite effects to THC on the brain receptors. However, most manufacturers prefer to issue a disclaimer advising people to identify their individual tolerance levels before using any CBD product liberally.
There is No Scientific Evidence that CBD Works
This might have been true decades ago, however, all the recent studies show that CBD has already been admitted in government-approved medications. This alone is concrete proof that CBD is not a zero-benefit substance as it was wrongfully declared in the 70s.
CBD is Another Hoax
Like any new substance, companies across different industries will try to ride the wave to make their fair share of profits. The fact that the market was going to be dumped with CBD-infused everything was inevitable, however, this doesn't negate the medicinal potency of CBD.
CBD Gives Immediate Results
The answer is no, like other legitimate drugs, you need to take CBD for a prolonged period as per your specific condition in order to see real results. Furthermore, CBD has to be prescribed to you by a healthcare professional who understands how to best employ this powerful ingredient and recommend the right dosage. Otherwise, if you don’t suffer from a CBD-treatable issue, you won’t be able to vouch for or against its efficacy.
The Shadiness of the CBD Industry Questions Its Legitimacy
This is perhaps one of the most valid myths about CBD. The fact that there isn’t a regulatory body governing the CBD products sold online and in stores makes it an even more suspicious product. An astounding number of traded CBD products don’t carry enough concentration to have real effects. However, just like the case with hocus CBD products that are flooding the market, the shadiness of the industry doesn't mean that real CBD products aren't legitimate.
Is CBD For You?
As mentioned above, if you have any of the conditions that CBD products were clinically proven to help with, then you should definitely try it. As long as you have access to high-quality CBD and do your research before consumption, you will be pleased. After all, CBD is a natural ingredient if used right can be much better in the long run than synthetic drugs that have a plethora of negative side effects.
Medical studies researching CBD are still going strong. As you have read, Cannabis has been going through extreme phases. What was once villainized as a deadly substance is now being developed to cure chronic diseases. Cannabis has come a long way in recent years and the future looks bright as researchers and the medical community learn more about this ancient plant.