LET'S START AT THE BEGINNING.
The earliest traces of its utilization can be traced back to 10,000 years. This remarkable plant has served multiple purposes throughout history, being used by people for both textile production and treating various medical conditions. Furthermore, indigenous communities, like the Indians, embraced its presence for ceremonial practices.
CANNABIS MAKES ITS WAY TO EUROPE
In 1841, cannabis found its way to Europe, thanks to the efforts of William O'Shaughnessy, an Irish physician and medical researcher who dedicated his work to the study of cannabis. Focusing primarily on its therapeutic applications, William conducted numerous experiments on his patients and made a significant discovery. He found that cannabis exhibited remarkable properties in alleviating pain and reducing inflammation. As news of William O'Shaughnessy's findings spread, the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes gained momentum throughout Europe.
BUT... in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, things changed slowly but surely. Countries introduced a complete ban on cannabis. This sudden change had a significant impact, with the cultivation of cannabis becoming highly restricted and requiring special licenses. As a result, the once-popular use of cannabis for its health benefits dwindled for about 80-90 years. However, it's worth noting that despite the ban, underground cannabis use continued to thrive.
Researchers have come to a remarkable realization: the complete prohibition of cannabis was a major misstep. Thankfully, we now understand that cannabis possesses incredible health benefits. Through extensive studies, it has become evident that the primary contributors to these benefits are cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids.
What's even more fascinating is that the negative effects previously associated with cannabis were predominantly linked to the use of high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) strains. THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for the euphoric high. By using cannabis extracts responsibly, people can harness its benefits while minimizing potential health risks. It's an exciting time as we unlock the true potential of this extraordinary plant.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THC AND CBD?
More and more people are gaining a better understanding of the distinction between these two compounds. We won't burden you with technical jargon; instead, here's a simple explanation.
THC and CBD, both found in the cannabis plant, are cannabinoids. Although both are technically psychoactive, THC goes a step further and is considered psychotropic, meaning it produces the "high" sensation. On the other hand, you can rest assured that no amount of CBD will induce a "high" effect, so there's no need to worry about that.
THC is primarily responsible for the feelings of euphoria, while CBD's main benefits lie in promoting relaxation. Most of the health benefits associated with cannabis or hemp are also attributed to CBD. That said, THC does have its own benefits, but we'll delve into those details in some other blog.
DOES CBD OIL NEED THC TO WORK?
Well, yes and no. Let's explore both sides of this intriguing debate.On the one hand, CBD oil can indeed benefit from the presence of THC. When combined with CBD, THC can potentially enhance certain health effects through what's known as the entourage effect. This synergistic interaction between cannabinoids may offer a more comprehensive therapeutic experience.
For example, THC-containing CBD oil has been suggested to assist with managing conditions like muscle tightness, insomnia, and appetite issues. The presence of THC in CBD oil may contribute to a broader range of potential benefits.
On the other hand, CBD oil can work effectively without THC. CBD, as a standalone cannabinoid, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. It has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties.
Combining them can be used to address various health concerns, such as reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being.
To summarize, CBD, whether with or without THC, can be a valuable solution for individuals dealing with anxiety, high stress levels, insomnia, or pain stemming from various causes. It is highly important to buy from a reliable source, as some companies scam people with the CBD content in their products. Read here, why the company you buy your CBD oil from must have a third party lab testing visible somewhere.
