A fossil pollen study in 2019 has revealed that the earliest known presence of cannabis plants on our planet can be traced back to northwestern China around 20 million years ago. Scientists believe, however, that cannabis may have originated on the Roof of the World, the Tibetan Plateau, as much as 28 million years ago.
The first use of cannabis or hemp cannot be dated with any certainty. Archeologists discovered traces of hemp cords, seeds, and oil in parts of China and Taiwan that date back approximately 8,000 years. Various other discoveries are claimed, including hemp rope found in 1997 in the Czech Republic. This rope is estimated to be almost 27,000 years old.
The first medicinal use of cannabis is also somewhat vague. The first reference to medicinal cannabis use is attributed to Chinese Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopoeia in 2,800 BC. He is widely regarded as the father of medicine in China. From these earliest known uses to the present, cannabis has a checkered history.
Cannabis has been and still is a hero to some and a villain to many. It is believed that cannabis was initially predominantly used medicinally. Its use as a psychoactive drug became more common over the ensuing centuries. Apart from a few instances of countries or territories criminalizing cannabis in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was widely criminalized during the 20th century.
The tide turned in the 1970s when a handful of countries legalized cannabis possession and use subject to various conditions. The 21st century has seen widespread legalization or decriminalization. The acceptance of cannabis by society, in general, has also grown substantially. Nowadays, it is common to see CBD products openly advertised, sold, and used.
What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol. It was first discovered in 1940 by organic chemist, Roger Adams at the University of Illinois. He didn’t, however, document its structure so little became known about it. Then, in 1963 and 1964, Raphael Mechoulam, a chemist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem determined its structure to be Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
This discovery led to a whole new direction for research into cannabis and cannabinoid compounds. Mechoulam tested both new compounds on primates and very quickly established that THC had psychoactive properties that caused intoxication while CBD did not. This puts the question, “what are the benefits of CBD?” on everybody’s mind all across the world.
What are the various forms of CBD?
Little was known about the chemical structure of cannabis or of the different compounds and their specific individual uses until relatively recently. Historically, very few people asked, “what are the benefits of CBD?”. Cannabis was smoked or ingested in various simple edible forms. Some users chose to chew the plant material as is while others produced cakes or cookies containing dried and crushed cannabis. Nowadays, however, CBD, which is the more widely legalized component of cannabis, is available in a wide variety of different applications.
The first distinction in CBD products is the make-up of the product and the range of cannabinoids and other compounds that it contains. There are generally three classifications.
- CBD Isolate is a pure CBD extract without any other cannabinoids and, more specifically, no THC. CBD isolate is ideal for new users who are apprehensive about the narcotic effects of cannabis products.
- Broad Spectrum CBD contains a range of other cannabinoids and terpenes. Typically, they contain no THC, although some products may contain trace quantities.
- Full Spectrum CBD contains a broad range of cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC. The THC content, however, is by law required to be a maximum of 0.3%. At this concentration, the THC will not cause a high.
In recent years, many new forms of delivery or applications of CBD have been developed.
- CBD Oil is probably the best-known and most common CBD product. Oils are usually delivered in an alcohol or oil base and come in various concentrations and flavors.
- Edible CBD is available in many forms. Gummies are quite common. Together with teas and infusions, chocolates, sodas, and baked goods.
- Topical creams, lotions and gels for external use and are used directly on affected parts of the skin or nails or as a shampoo.
- Vaporizers deliver the quickest results. A CBD-infused liquid is drawn over a very hot element and boils instantly producing an inhalable vapor.
- Capsules and tablet are available in various concentration which make exact dosing a lot easier.
What’s the best way to ingest CBD?
- Oils can be applied directly on or under the tongue using a dropper, or they can be mixed into food or beverages. Dosage can be determined and measured accurately.
- Edibles, as the name suggests, are consumed by mouth. Depending on the preparation methods, dosage may be a little difficult to establish accurately.
- Creams, lotions, and gels are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. Shampoos are used in the normal manner or as a supplement together with regular shampoo.
- Vapor is inhaled as if smoking a cigarette or vaping. While the juices have a specific concentration of CBD, it is impossible to gauge the inhaled content with any degree of accuracy.
- Capsules and tablets are swallowed like regular medication. For those that are concerned about dosage, this is the best option.
What are the benefits of CBD?
Since CBD was first properly analyzed and understood in the 1960s, much research has gone into its uses and benefits. Claims abound around the medicinal benefits of CBD. There are thousands of testimonials from people who have benefited from the use of CBD in relieving or reducing symptoms of:
- Anxiety and depression
- General pain
- Autoimmune conditions
- Mental health disorders
Despite all the studies and testimonials, there is as yet no definitive clinical evidence to support these claims. Whilst there seems to be little doubt that many people will benefit from supplemental CBD, it should not be considered as an alternative for conventional medical therapy.
Get your Manitu CBD Products today
Manitu is a leading supplier of top-quality hemp products. All the plants are organically certified and cultivated on an outdoor farm in Slovenia. The hemp is legally grown in accordance with a permit issued by the Slovenian agriculture ministry. All plant material is hand-picked, and full analysis results are available on request.
If you’re still asking, “what are the benefits of CBD?”, go ahead and find out for yourself. With worldwide shipping, easy email customer support, and a wide range of payment options, Manitu is your first and best stop for all your CBD needs.