Most people know that CBD is great for stress, anxiousness, and just making you feel good overall. But if you asked someone if they knew what CBD stands for, they’d probably look at you like you’re crazy.
Granted, asking a stranger this question might throw someone off. But the point is that so many people use CBD without even knowing anything about it. CBD actually stands for “cannabidiol.” But what is that? And how do you say it? Can you use it in a sentence?
Let’s brush up those vocabulary skills and learn about why cannabidiol is a word that you should add to your everyday vernacular.
How Do You Say “Cannabidiol”?
It’s only shown up three times so far, but there’s a good chance you’ve already said it wrong in your head. Don’t worry, it’s not pronounced how you’d think it would be.
Many people look at cannabidiol and want to say “kan-uh-bid-OIL” because people are familiar with CBD oil tinctures. Likewise, other people might want to pronounce it like “kan-uh-BID-ee-all” because that’s how you might say most other words that end with -iol, such as vitriol.
Surprisingly, the correct way to pronounce cannabidiol is “kan-uh-buh-DAI-ohl,” or put into English words: “can-a-bid-dial.” The first half sounds like how you’d think, but then the final syllables should rhyme with “smile.” This is pretty interesting considering how CBD and physically smiling have such similar benefits!
Fortunately, you can just say CBD instead, which is a lot harder to mispronounce.
But anyway, now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s learn about what cannabidiol actually is.
What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is an active ingredient that is derived from the hemp plant. Because of that, it’s often confused with hemp or hemp seed oil. The difference is that hemp seeds contain no CBD, whereas CBD is present in all parts of the plant, such as the stems, leaves, and flowers.
CBD can be extracted a few different ways. One is called carbon dioxide extraction, in which a pressurized chamber liquifies CO2 gas over top of a hemp plant. This extracts cannabinoids such as CBD. Another method is known as solvent extraction. It’s similar to CO2 extraction, except butane, propane, or ethanol are used instead. Both should be done by professionals, but the product is perfectly safe for consumers.
There are also different types of CBD — here are the two most popular:
- Isolate: This is the purest type of cannabidiol. It contains no added nutrients, vitamins, or anything — it’s just CBD extract.
- Broad-spectrum: CBD that also has some added nutrients, vitamins, and oils for enhanced overall health. Combining CBD isolate with other natural ingredients from the hemp plant can improve its effects.
CBD is a cannabinoid, which means it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide whole body wellness benefits such as soothing tension and relaxation.
How Does CBD Work?
Similar to the nervous system or digestive system, there’s another regulatory network in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). An endocannabinoid, also known as endogenous cannabinoid, is a molecule that your body produces naturally. This is in contrast to a cannabinoid that is ingested or applied as a supplement.
Your body produces endocannabinoids as needed to keep internal functions running smoothly. The ECS helps regulate things like sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. It’s also linked to immune system responses, stress, cardiovascular function, and more.
When an endocannabinoid is produced, or a cannabinoid is taken, they’ll bind with receptors in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action. There are two main types of receptors that cannabinoids will attach to:
- CB1 receptors, which are found mostly throughout the central nervous system. These influence functions in the brain.
- CB2 receptors, which are more common in the peripheral nervous system. They’re also found in a number of immune cells.
Depending on where the endocannabinoids attach, you’ll experience different benefits. If a cannabinoid binds to a C1 receptor in the muscular network, it might soothe pain. But if it binds to a C2 receptor in an immune cell, it may be able to reduce inflammation.
Enzymes will then break down endocannabinoids or cannabinoids after they’ve carried out their function.
Is CBD Safe?
Since cannabidiol comes from the hemp plant, it has a bit of a reputation for being unsafe or having negative side effects. However, CBD is generally well tolerated and if any side effects arise, they’re often extremely mild.
CBD can’t get you “high” like many people think. It is in no part psychoactive nor does it distort or impair cognitive functionality. Even if you were to take a large quantity of CBD at one time, you wouldn’t hallucinate or have any alteration in judgement. In fact, cannabidiol can actually enhance your cognition and help you with mental clarity.
It’s also entirely legal thanks to passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. While CBD manufacturing and consumption was illegal up until then, it is now fully allowed in all 50 United States. So you don’t have to worry about breaking any laws the next time you use a tasty CBD gummy.
Despite that, there is still concern that CBD can show up on a drug test. Theoretically, it is possible that a drug test by your employer or a professional will yield a positive result. However, a secondary test will be administered, which will isolate CBD compounds from other unwanted substances.
If you have concerns about your status on an upcoming drug test, just have a chat with your employer ahead of time to clear the air.
How Can Cannabidiol Be Used?
Don’t worry, using CBD products is a lot easier than trying to pronounce it. And it’s profoundly versatile, so you can incorporate cannabidiol into your life without having to completely alter your routine.
Oil Drops
CBD oil drops are some of the most popular and well-known ways to feel the benefits that this compound can offer. For fast relief from life’s heated moments, all you need to do is put one to two drops of Smile’s French Vanilla CBD Oil underneath your tongue. And that’s it! No need to combine it with a food or drink.
Of course, you can still do that! A flavorful CBD oil might be the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or nightly tea. Just sprinkle a few drops in, stir it up, and enjoy. Likewise, you can put a drop or two into a fruit smoothie, juice drink, or anything yummy.
Topical Cream
Since CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist with achy joints, CBD creams are quick and easy ways to feel cannabidiol’s physical benefits.
Just rub some cream onto an affected area and let the compound do all the work. The CBD will absorb right into the affected area, soothing tension and bringing relief.
CBD also has antioxidants that reduce signs of aging skin, eczema, and acne. So while you’re getting instant relief from those tender muscles, you’re simultaneously rejuvenating your skin for a glowing complexion.
Gummies
Arguably the most fun way to take CBD supplements is in gummy form. Smile’s tasty vegan CBD chewables come in all sorts of flavors, and all you need to do is take one daily in the morning.
These are great for people who already take a multivitamin, as you can just take it at the same time as your normal vitamin routine. It’s also great for people who like using cannabidiol regularly, as it only needs to be taken once daily.
In Conclusion
Cannabidiol, pronounced “kannuh-buh-dai-uhl,” is an active ingredient that comes from the hemp plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to bring holistic benefits, such as improved symptoms of anxiety and soothed tension.
CBD works by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. These relay information between the brain and certain bodily processes such as sleep, mood, appetite, and more.
And despite some negative connotations, CBD is generally very safe and 100% legal thanks to passage of new legislation that permits its manufacturing. Although CBD may show up on a drug test, it can be differentiated between harmful substances easily, meaning you won’t need to worry.
Cannabidiol is also highly versatile. It can be taken as pure oil drops or gummy multivitamins, but it can even be applied topically with creams and lotions. Pronouncing cannabidiol is honestly more difficult than just using it yourself!
And what’s even easier than using CBD? Smiling! But the great thing is that they both have some of the same benefits. Smile’s CBD combines the mood improving benefits of physically smiling with the tension soothing properties of CBD for a holistic feeling that’s sure to put a grin on your face.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
