I’ve got a question that I bet will make you groan. Get ready: have you heard of CBD oil? And what about CBD oil memes? Have you had your fill?
After the 2018 Hemp Act was signed on December 20th, CBD (short for ‘cannabidiol’) was quite suddenly everywhere. An oil from a plant eerily similar to one that’s been vilified for a hundred years is now being recommended by grandmothers, teachers, and doctors alike. They’re claiming that it can treat ailments of all kinds: anxiety, pain, arthritis, MS, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, insomnia, and even acne, among many other conditions.
It’s also now sold in every state, all over the internet, and in all kinds of stores – from places you’d expect it, like health food stores, to more dubious places like gas stations and bodegas. The ubiquitous presence of CBD oil is already verging on the ridiculous. And, being the clever modern folks that we are, we’ve created hundreds of CBD oil memes to capture the moment.
We’ve done some digging and come up with the best CBD oil memes, as well as good background information to make sense of the phenomenon.
Actually, CBD Oil Isn’t Magic – But Our Endocannabinoid Systems Kinda Are
CBD oil works so effectively because our bodies have an extensive network of special receptors throughout them, especially concentrated in our brains and spinal cords. This system was named for cannabis because it helped discover its existence: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our bodies naturally produce neurotransmitters, called endocannabinoids, that work with this system to regulate the functions of the body’s other systems.
So basically, the ECS makes sure that the other systems within the body are doing their jobs; making tweaks and adjustments to various systems, aiming to get them functioning “just right.”
And cannabis, as it turns out, contains many cannabinoids that also fit right into the receptors of the ECS; these are also called ‘phytocannabinoids’ or ‘exocannabinoids.’ CBD is one, and it’s a unique one at that. Instead of fitting directly into receptors, CBD actually stimulates the ECS itself, helping it to function at its best.
The ECS is a very extensive system, with receptors all over your body working to make sure that various functions and systems are working correctly – all kinds of systems, all over your body. Since CBD has the power to positively influence the homeostasis of the entire system, that means that it’s useful for treating many ailments.
Not magic, but still pretty awesome indeed.
You Can Have Too Much CBD (And CBD Oil Memes)
It’s commonly shared that CBD “does nothing” but help with ailments, suggesting that it’s safe to douse onto anything – but it’s not actually a good idea. Though it would take an extreme amount of CBD to be toxic, that doesn’t mean that it can’t have negative effects when taken in high doses.
Scientists don’t know a whole lot about CBD; or even the ECS, but they do know that it’s a fairly delicate system and can get out of whack with the overuse of phytocannabinoids. Overuse of CBD can also result in short-term problems, like feeling “bajiggity,” changes in appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue. It’s also been shown that people often benefit more from smaller doses and the effect can actually reverse when too much is taken. So start at a low dose and go up slowly, as needed.
CBD is Actually on a Team, and It’s a Team Player
THC and CBD get all of the attention, but cannabis is thought to contain hundreds of cannabinoids – and hardly any of them get you high! When these cannabinoids work together, they are able to produce a stronger positive effect on the body, a phenomenon referred to as the “entourage effect.” Products that offer a spectrum of cannabinoids will do a more powerful job than CBD isolates.
Are You Even Truly Buying CBD?
Since CBD is now available on the unregulated supplement market, it’s completely untested. Cannabis is just as easy to grow as hemp and separating cannabinoids isn’t a simple job, so you’re probably actually going to get many others in addition to CBD. While that might be great news if you’re looking to utilize the entourage effect, it’s a bummer if you’re looking to avoid a THC-positive drug test.
In fact, one study found that 57% of CBD products have <.1% THC, many that rang in much much higher. It’s also common for CBD products to contain many additives, and some companies aren’t careful about regarding how they may interact with other medications. It’s important to ensure that you’re really buying a safe product when approaching CBD.
Though CBD isn’t a magic bullet, and the market has some serious work to do, there’s a lot of potential. Purchasing your CBD products at a Have a Heart means that they will be tested by a laboratory and clearly labeled. We also ensure that our vendors use only safe and high-quality ingredients. Find your nearest dispensary below to get your hands on high-quality CBD products.
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