What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is just one of the 113 identified cannabinoids naturally found in Cannabis Sativa L. In contrast to the more commonly known cannabinoid, THC, it has no psychoactive properties, is completely legal, and when isolated, can have a multitude of benefits.
CBD vs THC
Whenever we see the word ‘cannabis’, our minds jump to its recreational uses and psychoactive effects. Put more simply, we think of its capacity to get us ‘high’. While plants in the Cannabaceae family harbour this potential, it depends heavily on their cannabinoid profile. More specifically, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) must be present.
At DragonflyCBD, we carefully select Cannabis Sativa strains that are low in THC and high in CBD, as well as using specialist extraction techniques to reduce THC content to trace amounts. Formulated with premium CBD extract, all of our products are completely legal, non-psychoactive and specially designed to boost your health and wellbeing.
The Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol is so powerful when it comes to our health and wellness because of how it interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Just as its prefix ‘endo’ – taken from the Greek word for ‘within’ – suggests, the Endocannabinoid System is internal to the body. Comprised of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes, it plays a vital role in promoting homeostasis and maintaining general health.
Logistically speaking, our body manufactures endocannabinoids – microscopic fatty substances or oils – in order to pass messages concerning functions such as memory, appetite and mood. These endocannabinoids then interact with or bind to cannabinoid receptors, of which there are two types – CB1 and CB2 – found in the central nervous system and the immune and gastrointestinal systems respectively. The most common analogy used to understand this interaction is the lock and key, with the receptors posing as the lock – securing access to important bodily systems – and the endocannabinoids as the keys. Taking from the most recent research, scientists have suggested CBD may bind to similar sets of receptors to maintain optimum wellbeing and balance. Current studies are further investigating this relationship.
How is CBD made?
As an entirely natural compound, CBD is actually ‘extracted’ – not made – from our carefully cultivated Cannabis. Shortly after harvesting, our organic flowers are taken down to the lab to be processed using state of the art alcohol extraction.
The plant material is first soaked in ethanol, in order to remove all cannabinoids. This ethanol-cannabinoid mix is then distilled and evaporated into natural CBD extract via advanced chromatography techniques. Not only does the alcohol help to produce premium CBD oil, but it also protects all our extract from bacteria and fermentation.
Taking CBD
While there are a number of different ways your body can consume CBD, each method has its own unique advantages. Options include ingestion, topical application and sublingual administration (under the tongue), all of which vary in terms of absorption rate, convenience and longevity. Ultimately, choosing between them boils down to personal preference as well as your reason(s) for seeking out the benefits of CBD.
Sublingually: CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream through tissues under the tongue. This is perhaps the best way to maximise absorption and reap the benefits of CBD for longer periods.
Ingestion: CBD is swallowed or infused into food. Ingestion offers lower absorption rates (than the sublingual route), but is a convenient way to build CBD into your routine.
Topically: CBD is absorbed through the skin. This can be achieved by mixing DragonflyCBD oil with your favourite skin cream or balm and applying as desired. Topical application can be a useful way to target specific areas, particularly problem ones.
