What is CBD?

In recent years, CBD has gone from an interest to a wonder drug found in everything from body oil to dog treats. You may be wondering, what is CBD? This blog will attempt to explain what this new craze is and if it is something that you should consider looking into.

To start, CBD stands for Cannabidiol. The marijuana or hemp plant contains around 100 cannabinoids, each with unique effects. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is another cannabinoid found in marijuana, and that is the chemical that results in the psychoactive effects of cannabis. When cannabis enters the body through any form, the THC stimulates neurons in the mesolimbic pathway, or the reward system of the brain, to start producing dopamine. This production of dopamine results in a feeling of euphoria, known as being high.

When CBD enters the body it targets the serotonin receptors, where it inhibits anandamide reuptake and breakdown, which increases endocannabinoid levels. This process can help with disorders involving pain, depression, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, schizophrenia, and more. Where THC may increase feelings of anxiety, CBD reduces these feelings, calming the user, and aiding in sleep. CBD will not result in feeling euphoric or high.

The calming and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD has made it beneficial in a variety of markets, adding in anxiety relief and even acne. CBD comes in many forms, gummies, vape cartridges, as well as dried leaves.

Gummies/Edibles

When CBD is ingested, the body digests these edibles then creates an extended-release of CBD throughout your system over a longer period of time. When edibles are ingested they target the Endocannabinoid System or ECS. The ECS has receptors all over the body from the brain, lungs, spine, pancreas, spleen, colon, immune system, liver, and more. The ECS plays a part in many bodily functions, the most important being homeostasis. This involves keeping a balanced equilibrium in your body's systems, which is crucial for the health and an overall sense of well-being. Taking CBD daily may help maintain the ECS’s best performance.

Our Matte Frosted Window Maple Leaves Design Aluminum Stand Zipper Bags can ensure the best performance of CBD edibles by preserving their shelf life and ensuring freshness.

Oil

CBD oil has a high concentration of CBD due to the extraction process that isolates the compound. Many companies add terpenes and other chemicals to dilute the mixture and increase the effects. This is why many CBD oils have between 60-80% CBD, with varying levels of terpenes and other compounds. The method of oil consumption can include direct drops on the tongue, as well as by vaping the oil. When the oil is absorbed through the mucus membranes of the lungs the effect of CBD is quicker and longer-lasting as they do not need to travel through the digestive tract. The long term effect of vaping CBD oil is not yet known, however, what data is available shows that the negatives of CBD vaping are more likely to come from the additives like Vitamin E acetate, as well as the flavorings added. When consuming CBD vape, it is essential to know what exactly is in the oil, and that it has been tested by a reliable source.

When packaging THC vape cartridges, ensure that the product is protected from sunlight and moisture by using a heat-sealed bag like our Green Herbal Leaf Pattern Design Metallic Foil Open Fill Bag

Dry leaf/ Flower

CBD flower or CBD in a dried leaf form will deliver a less concentrated dose of CBD than CBD oil, but it provides additional effects and a fuller experience because it hasn’t lost any of its terpenes, cannabinoids, or other active compounds through extraction. This also means there are fewer additives to the CBD flower. The chemicals that are added to oils and vapes occur naturally within the flower. Cannabis strains that are CBD-dominant typically have somewhere between 7-15% CBD. CBD flowers may also contain some THC—anywhere from just trace, physically undetectable amounts to more significant levels that will lead to a gentle high. For this reason, the CBD flower may not be widely available to you, depending on your state.

Store your dry leaf and flower CBD products in our Double-Sided Matte Mylar Stand Zipper Seal Bags because these bags are smell proof, and capable of blocking out moisture while guarding against sunlight. 

Storing CBD

The various forms of CBD each have unique packaging requirements. QQ Studio provides many options for packaging to meet the particular requirements of the different forms. We provide windowed bags for edibles that can show off the contents. We provide flat open fill bags for vape cartridges. And for the flower form of CBD, we provide double sided smell proof bags which guard the product from damage while preserving freshness.

Is CBD legal?

The legality of CBD varies in state and province. After the passing of the Farm Bill into law in December 2018, CBD that is derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC is legal. CBD that comes from the marijuana plant is still illegal since marijuana still has Schedule 1 drug status. However, in states that have legalized marijuana, CBD derived from the plant is also legal.

Should you use CBD?

CBD has a variety of health benefits and stress-reducing effects. If you haven't tried it, speak to your doctor first to see if CBD is an acceptable treatment for an existing medical condition. CBD can have adverse effects if combined with other medications. When your doctor approves you for taking CBD, then go ahead and start trying it. You can find various over the counter CBD products for sale, so find the form of CBD you are most comfortable using, try a low dose, and if the results are favorable then continue using it.  Tell us in the blog comments, what is your opinion of CBD, and what method is your favorite for taking this new miracle cure?