An Overview of Cannabinoids

With more studies touting the benefits of cannabis to health, perhaps you’re willing to try it by buying CBD products that Millcreek, Utah offers. You aren’t sure whether it’s legal. To help end your confusion, it’s time to learn more about cannabis, especially its components called cannabinoids.

 What Is a Cannabinoid?

 Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds present in cannabis plants. They are significant since they work directly with the endocannabinoid system in the body.

 The endocannabinoid system is composed of ligands, enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. These receptors also bind with the neurotransmitters, or the chemical pathways and information highways of the central nervous system, especially the brain.

 The scientists discovered the endocannabinoid receptors during the 1980s; and since then, they found out they are all over the body, including the gut. When you consume cannabinoids, these compounds then bind themselves to the receptors, effecting changes with the way the system works.

 For example, it can alter the behavior of the neurotransmitters of the brain. These effects can then bring about the supposed health benefits of cannabis, such as relaxation and pain relief.

 Two Powerful Cannabinoids

 A cannabis plant can have a variety of cannabinoids at different strengths, but two of the most popular are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Of the two, THC is the more controversial one since it’s the cannabinoid with psychoactive effects. This also explains why marijuana can get you high: it contains high levels of THC.

 CBD, on the other hand, usually comes from hemp, a cannabis plant known for being a raw material in textile and rope, among others. Its consumption doesn’t result in changes in psychosis, so people consider it to be a safer option.

 Kinds of CBD Products

 If marijuana or weed can have hundreds of varieties or strains, a store can also sell different kinds of CBD products. They can be edibles (such as cookies) or gel capsules. But the most popular form is CBD oil. CBD oils can be:

 Broad spectrum

  • Full spectrum
  • Isolate

 The differences lie in the content. The broad-spectrum oil can contain other cannabinoids but no THC as well as terpenes, which give the extracts its distinct flavor and smell. The full-spectrum CBD oil will have all of the goodness of the plant’s extracts, and in some cases, it’s possible it will have THC. But CBD oil has less than 0.3% of THC, so it doesn’t get you high. An isolate, meanwhile, is a CBD oil that contains only cannabidiol—no terpenes and other cannabinoids.

 The Legalities of CBD and Cannabis in Utah

 Like in a lot of states, the provisions of the law are murky. On December 6, 2018, the state allowed medical cannabis for select patients. This also means those who are eligible to take it need to have a doctor’s recommendation and buy their supply from a recognized state dispensary. Those who have epilepsy might be able to consume CBD at limited concentrations for medical purposes.

 Note, though, the United States passed the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act. Also known as the Farm Bill, it had provisions that removed hemp as a schedule I controlled substance and classified it as a regular agricultural commodity.

It also defined a hemp cannabis plant as containing less than 0.3% THC. (Otherwise, the growers and sellers will have to deal with severe penalties). With this federal law, the sale and possession of CBD products, such as oil, became legal across 50 states.

Kenneth Bennett Atticus

Atticus Bennett: Atticus, a sports nutritionist, provides dietary advice for athletes, tips for muscle recovery, and nutrition plans to support peak performance.