Why CBD?
CBD is everywhere right now. Seriously. Every election that rolls through introduces new states and new regulation surrounding medicinal and/or recreational marijuana. Is both exciting and terrible overwhelming. What’s legal? What is definitely not? CBD. wtf? This little article is here to serve as an informative guide to help you navigate your questions and concerns about America’s favorite (and most controversial) plant.
Science Stuff
CBD is a non psychoactive compound found in plants like hemp. Extracted from the plant’s stalks and seeds, hemp oil can be infused into a variety of topical skincare and body products such as salves, lotions, and oils. Your skin’s receptors (referred to as CB2) are activated by the body’s own endocannibinoids (the main endocannabinoids found in the body are anandamide and arachidonoylglycerol) or by phytocannibinoids (THC &/or CBD.) These receptors allow your skin to regenerate on a cellular level and introduce outside ingredients like CBD (or THC should you be in a state that allows such) can actually aid your skin in repairing itself. Incorporating CBD into your skincare regimen can help fight some of the effects of aging, a variety of skin conditions, and even help repair existing skin damage and encourage healing. Some studies have even shown that CBD may help decrease lipid production in the skin. Great news for those with excessively oily and acne-prone skin! CBD itself is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it protects the skin from free radicals like UV rays, smoke, and environmental pollutants. Said free radicals will lead to wrinkles and fine lines. How do we stop ’em? Antioxidants baby. Antioxidants are little youth warriors on a mission to protect our skin and help fight the effects of aging. Use them, love them, thank them. The structural formulas of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) from analyticalcannabis.com
What’s the difference between CBD + THC?
First and foremost, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is psychoactive (meaning it will get you high) and CBD (cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive. So, no high with that one got it? This neat little detail is a big reason why CBD is so attractive to the medicinal community and less attractive to those looking for a good time. Unless you consider reducing inflammation a good time. I’m not here to judge. The bottom line for using Reign Rituals products is that you will not get high from using these products. OK? Good. Going back to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, THC and CBD differ here as well. CBD appears to boost levels of and stimulate the release of endocannibinoids in the body unlike THC which seems to work directly on cannabinoid receptors by activating the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Is it legal?
This part is complicated. Short answer? Sort of. Because CBD Hemp Oil is derived from hemp plants (which under US law can be imported and sold in the US) it is technically legal. On the other hand CBD is classified as “cannabis”, a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (1970), which states that it is illegal. to grow both hemp and marijuana under federal law. CBD is only an exception if it is extracted from the stalks or seeds of hemp plants and NOT the flowers found on marijuana plants. Also, hemp cannot be grown in states that have not passed regulated hemp production (part of the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill) so CBD extract must come from a regulated state but can be sold in products anywhere. Like I said, it’s complicated.
Cannabidiol (abbreviated as: CBD) is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It is a major phytocannabinoid, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.
Full Spectrum VS CBD Isolate
As it’s name would suggest, full spectrum CBD contains alllll the cannibinoids present in the plant. This is ideal for those of us looking to maximize the benefits of the plant as the combination of cannibinoids can act pretty powerfully as a team. Isolate CBD is also well named as it is isolated from other cannibinoids. This was previously considered to be superior and more potent form of CBD until somewhat recently when this study came out. Reign Rituals only uses full spectrum CBD extract in all our products.
*Please remember that due to a lack of clinical trials, CBD has yet to be approved by the FDA as a treatment for any specific medical condition.