CBD has hit the vaping world by storm. With so many new products breaking into not only the vaping world but the coffee, medical and edibles world, CBD has truly changed the face of vaping. With countless new flavours taking centre stage in UK vape shops, CBD oil and dry herb promises a whole new dimension to the way consumers approach the industry.
Whether you’re a vape mod veteran or picking up your first vape pen, CBD oil will undoubtedly have something to offer you. For those uninitiated among us, we’ve compiled a few facts to help you get your head round the bubbling CBD phenomenon.
What is CBD?
CBD is the chemical that makes up around 40 percent of the hemp extract. This marijuana plant-based chemical is found in almost every strain of cannabis but for a long time was overlooked for its more psychoactive sibling, THC. The main difference between the two is that THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol(what a mouthful!), has mood-altering and psychoactive properties, those sought after for recreational use, whilst cannabidiol does not. Nevertheless, CBD retains the medicinal properties which make marijuana such a valuable herb.
CBD is legal, THC is not
The lack of psychoactive and psychologically addictive properties of CBD means that there is no black market trade for the chemical. Instead, it acts as a natural pain relief remedy, giving the same effects as a relaxing herbal tea. This makes it useful for recreational purposes, but doubly so as a proven medical remedy for a large number of ailments.
The legality of CBD has also led to the regulation of its ingredients. Whilst many chemically altered strains of skunk have made their way onto the street, CBD’s existence within the law keeps all the ingredients safe to use.
CBD helps treat anxiety
The relaxing properties of CBD do not stray into the psychoactive as THC does. Whilst many of the side effects of THC can lead to increased anxiety and occasionally linked to psychotic episodes, CBD actually soothes mental illness. With its relaxing properties, conditions such as anxiety and depression have their symptoms made less potent by the use of CBD oils and edibles.
And arthritis
There are many hemp creams to be found on the shelves of even the most popular high street shops. These CBD infused creams can help with joint and muscle pain, making them invaluable in the fight against arthritis.
And epilepsy
Two rare forms of childhood epilepsy have been proven to be effectively treated with CBD inhalers. Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome have diminished effects when CBD oil is used.
And Parkinson's
Evidence has been put forward by many medical researchers showing that CBD can be an effective tool in the fight against neurological disorders. These disorders include Parkinson’s and even Alzheimer's.
Only the female flower provides the medicinal effects
It is the female flower of the cannabis plant which provides the most potent medical properties of CBD and THC. Whilst the root and leaves can be cultivated for use, it is the female flowering bud of the marijuana plant which holds the most useful chemicals.
CBD is not psychoactive
As previously stated, CBD is NOT psychoactive. Whilst it can be a mood enhancer and relaxant, it does not dramatically change to chemical balance in the brain. This is one of the most important points to keep in mind when differentiating between CBD and THC, as the two can often be mixed up and one misused to criticise the often illegal other.