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EVERYTHING ABOUT CBD
What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a natural active substance derived from the hemp plant. Explore the science, benefits, and practical applications of CBD. From the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system to uncovering CBD's potential therapeutic effects, our articles are written to empower you with knowledge.
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FAQ
What is CBD?
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a natural active substance derived from the hemp plant. It is a gentle solution to regulate and balance key body functions by interacting with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is present nearly everywhere in the body and maintains a healthy equilibrium for: stress management, emotional processing, sleep, learning and memory, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses. CBD differs from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as it is safe, non-psychotropic and there is no physical dependence from it.
Where does CBD come from?
CBD is naturally produced by and extracted from the hemp plant. Specifically, it is found in the trichomes (or resin glands) of the plant. These trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that cover the surface of the plant and contain a variety of different cannabinoids, including CBD.
In the case of AlpReleaf products, the CBD is extracted from hemp leaves that come from BioSuisse certified Swiss grown plants. We use Co2 extraction and Flash chromatography to reach the broad spectrum extract contained in the oils and additional purification techniques to reach pure CBD isolate that you may find in CBD Releaf Day Cream or CBD Recovery Cream.
How is CBD extracted from the hemp plant?
There is a variety of methods to extract CBD from the hemp plant. In our view, the most gentle process for the active substances of the plant is CO2 Extraction. This process yields a full spectrum hemp extract that includes cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
To obtain a broad spectrum extract, flash chromatography is used to remove THC while preserving the beneficial molecules. This advanced filtering technique allows us to selectively remove unwanted compounds without damaging the ones we want to keep, resulting in a pure and high-quality product.
How does CBD interact with the human body?
Our bodies have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that helps regulate various functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response. The ECS produces its own endocannabinoids, which are similar in structure to phytocannabinoids found in plants like CBD. When CBD is consumed, it interacts with the ECS by blocking the enzyme that breaks down our endocannabinoids, allowing our body to use more of its own cannabinoids. This, in turn, can help to regulate these various functions and bring the body back into balance, also known as homeostasis. Additionally, CBD interacts with other receptors in the body, such as serotonin and vanilloid receptors, which can also have a positive impact on mood, pain sensation, and more.
What is the ECS (endocannabinoid system) and how does it work?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered in the 1990s and is a complex signaling system that exists across all mammal species on Earth. It is known to have three major types of components: endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors and enzymes. It has also been proven that through its components, the endocannabinoid system regulates your mental and physical well-being.
What are the different types of CBD extract?
Type of extract
Full Spectrum
Broad Spectrum
CBD Isolate
%CBD
~50%
~80%
Up to 99.99%
Molecules Present
All the cannabinoids (including THC), terpenes, polyphenols and flavonoids
THC is removed. Terpenes, polyphenols and flavonoids are still present depending on the extraction method used.
Pure CBD
Entourage Effect
Yes
Yes
No
Taste
Strong Herbal Taste
Mild Herbal Taste
No Herbal Taste
What types of CBD extract does AlpReleaf use for its products?
We use broad spectrum extract for our CBD Oils and CBD Isolate for our CBD creams. The hemp that goes into our products is Swiss grown & BioSuisse certified.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
THC and CBD are the two most famous cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant. The biggest difference between them is that THC has psychotropic effects whereas there is no evidence of psychotropic effects with CBD. This is due to the fact that they have different chemical structures, this makes them interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in our body in a different way.
What are the benefits of using CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, has been the subject of extensive research in recent years and has been found to have numerous potential benefits. Some of the most commonly reported benefits of using CBD include: pain relief, anxiety and depression, improved sleep, skin health, neuroprotective effects and reduced addiction. It's important to note that CBD is not a cure-all and its benefits are still being researched. However, many people have reported positive effects from using CBD for a variety of health and wellness concerns.
Can CBD get me high?
No, CBD cannot get you high. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and will not produce any euphoric or mind-altering effects. Our products are made using a broad-spectrum hemp extract that has been processed with supercritical CO2 extraction and flash chromatography, removing all traces of THC while preserving other beneficial compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes. You can enjoy the potential benefits of CBD without any risk of getting high.
What are terpenes and polyphenols?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create the characteristic scent of many plants and have many health benefits. Polyphenols are micronutrients found in plants, usually very good antioxidants.
How long will CBD stay in my system?
Every body reacts differently and it will depend on your metabolism and dosage but generally CBD will be disseminated by your body within a few hours.
Is CBD safe?
CBD is considered safe by many health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). It has a good safety profile and very few side effects have been reported. However, as with any supplement or medication, it is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you are taking other medications or have any pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you are purchasing CBD from a reputable source that provides third-party lab testing results to ensure product quality and purity.
Is CBD addictive?
The World Health Organization(WHO) has concluded from controlled human studies that there is no physical dependence on CBD.
Is CBD legal in my country?
The legality of CBD in Europe varies by country, as each country has its own laws and regulations regarding cannabis and CBD. Generally speaking, CBD is legal in most European countries as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC.
In the European Union, CBD is regulated as a novel food ingredient, which means it must go through a safety evaluation and be authorized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) before it can be legally sold as a food or dietary supplement. Some countries, such as Austria, France, and Germany, have specific regulations on CBD products and require certain labeling and testing. AlpReleaf CBD Oils & Creams are regulated as cosmetics containing CBD as they are not meant for ingesting.
It's important to note that even though CBD is legal in many European countries, some products may still be subject to import or export restrictions, particularly if they contain higher levels of THC or other controlled substances. Additionally, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Overall, the legality of CBD in Europe is complex and depends on various factors such as the source of the CBD, the level of THC, and the intended use of the product. It's important to do research and understand the laws and regulations in your specific country before purchasing or using CBD products.
In the case of AlpReleaf products you would need to simply check whether cosmetics containing CBD are accepted in your country. AlpReleaf CBD Oils contain undetectable amounts of THC (<0.05%) and AlpReleaf CBD Creams are THC-Free.
How does CBD interact with other medications or supplements?
CBD can affect the way your body processes certain medications, potentially causing unwanted side effects or altering their effectiveness. However, many people safely use CBD in conjunction with other medications or supplements. Therefore, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD.
