What is Raw CBD and Where did it come from?
CBD, the abbreviation for Cannabidol, is one of 113 currently known active cannabinoids found within marijuana. This active phytocannabinoids makes up almost half of the extract of the plant. Cannabidol, or CDB, currently has not shown any known psychoactive compounds or effects. This cannabinoid is unlike its partner cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (otherwise known as THC), which has various psychoactive effects with the mind.
CBD rose to household knowledge when many news stories began breaking out about CBD’s effect on seizures. One such story was covered by CNN in 2013. Charlotte Fiji, a six year old young girl, was suffering from a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome. After exhausting all possible medical options the young girl’s parents turned to find relief in the medical use of CBD.
Now, the acceptance of CBD is growing amongst the general population as a valid option for various medical conditions. For some people that have simply left no stone unturned in their search for medical options and cures, medical marijuana (specifically CBD oil) offers new hope and in many reported cases, substantial relief and in even healing.
However even now the suspected harmful effects of the compound (CBD) has received more research and research resources than the potential health benefits of the compound. More research into the befits of the compound is required. However, a progression, albeit it a slow progression, is a leap forward from the many years of demonisation due to ignorance.
Countless individuals have heard the term ‘CBD’ yet few can adequately understand what it is, nevermind the difference between processed CBD and raw CBD.
What Exactly is CBD?
CBD is one of two widely known compounds if the marijuana plant. Namely, they are CBD and THC. THC is the component that stimulates the psychoactive activity while the CBD compound can actually have the opposite effects. One of CBD’s roles is to act as a system relaxant. CBD has not shown any psychoactive stimulation in the studies done thus far. There have been various pre-clinical trials that have suggested that CBD has substantial effects as a relaxant and/or neutraliser. These pre-clinical trials have been performed on animals and it is the lack of human trials that prevents claims of health benefits to be made official.
How Exactly does the Component Work?
Within the body there are existing cannabinoid receptors and the body has its own endocannabinoid system. CBD acts by communicating with these cannabinoid receptors. These receptors have a network that is spread throughout the body. Namely these receptors are serotonin, vanillin and adenosine receptors.
Raw CBD Oil (CBDa)
This is exactly what the name suggests, pure and raw. Raw CBD oil (known as CBDa) is a compound that has not been chemically altered by heat or filtration. This makes CBDa have a chemical makeup that is slightly different to CBD. CBDa is a phytocannabinoid in itself and is in essence more acidic than (or the acidic form of) the more universally known CBD. CBDa is this raw CBD oil and it is not commonly found. CBDa is easy and swiftly converted to CBD through heat and it is uncommon to find it present. This rarity is catching the attention of scientists, researchers and foodies alike. Research is being conducted into the potential effects and benefits of such a compound.
The Creation of CBDa
To begin, all cannabinoids come from the cannabigerolic acid (known as the CGBa). To keep it simple, the CGBa is the cannabinoid that comprises the stem cells of the marijuana plant. This ‘mother’ cannabinoid is then broken down into other cannabinoids. These are all primarily acidic and are generally the cannabinoids CBDa and THCa. From here onwards, the other cannabinoids are formed. CBD is created from decarboxylation of the acidic base of CBDa and THC is formed from its acidic base of THCa. This process known is Decarboxylation is a heating process which alters the molecular structure.
The Workings of CBDa…
Our body’s endocannabinoid system and CBDa have shown to hold an innate connection. Homeostasis is the body’s process of maintain and effeciently running internal systems that are essential for a healthy equilibrium. The endocannabinoid system holds a key role in this homeostasis because the endocannabinoid system is responsible for running a healthy immune system, healthy sleep patterns, a balanced appetite, and many more essential body functions and maintenance.
However confusing this may seem, it is important to have a grasp of the scientific facts and concepts before forming or assuming any opinion about Raw CBD oil.. in layman’s terms, Raw CBD oil (CBDa) is raw CBD. It is the unheated and unfiltered compound mother of CBD. There is a rising interest in Raw CBD oil just as there is a rising tide of individuals looking for a more whole, pure foods. For those already advocating for whole foods, Raw CBD oil is the way forward. More research will surely be conducted into this compound.