All About CBD's Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Why You Dont Need THC for Health Benefits

In recent years, the world of wellness and alternative medicine has been buzzing with excitement over the potential health benefits of CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, and it has gained recognition for its potential to reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. 

Some Interesting History

The history of hemp's prohibition is a complex tale woven with various economic, political, and social factors. Here's a concise overview of the key events leading to the illegality of hemp in the United States:

1. Early Use and Importance: Hemp, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, has a long history of use dating back thousands of years. It was prized for its versatility in making textiles, paper, ropes, and various other products. In fact, it was so valuable that in the early American colonies, farmers were often required to grow hemp.

2. The Mexican Revolution and Racial Concerns: In the early 1900s, political and racial factors played a role in the growing concerns over cannabis. The Mexican Revolution led to an influx of Mexican immigrants to the United States, bringing with them recreational cannabis use. This stoked racial tensions and contributed to a negative perception of the hemp plant.

3. Outside of Prohibitive Legislation: Corporate interests have had an influence on the outlawing of hemp. In the 1920s, businessmen like W.R. Hearst and William DuPont were threatened by Hemp, because they had a vested interest in the use of wood to produce paper. W.R. Hearst, who was in the newspaper business, owned forest acreage which was used to produce paper. He was so threatened by hemp, in fact, that he produced contrived stories in his newspapers, telling tales of the dangers of the hemp plant. William DuPont, who was in the business of creating chemicals that enabled the production of paper from timber, was equally threatened by hemp. Making matters worse, Harry Anslinger, who in the 1930s was the first appointee as commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, upheld W.R. Hearst’s exaggerated claims that the hemp plant is the same as the plant that has THC in it. Anslinger was responsible for introducing the Marijuana Tax Act to Congress, which would make the hemp plant a Schedule I controlled substance.

4. Reefer Madness and Propaganda: In the 1930s, anti-cannabis propaganda campaigns, such as the film "Reefer Madness," painted cannabis as a dangerous drug that could lead to madness and criminal behavior. There are definitely truths to these stories, but the negative impact they created was they influenced public opinion and policymakers to connect cannabis with hemp.

5. The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937: In 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed in the United States. This act didn't explicitly target hemp, but it imposed strict regulations and taxes on the cultivation, sale, and possession of all cannabis varieties, including hemp. This legislation effectively made it financially burdensome and bureaucratically challenging to grow hemp.

6. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970: Hemp remained in a legal grey area until the passage of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified all forms of cannabis, including hemp, as Schedule I controlled substances. This classification equated hemp with high-THC varieties of cannabis, making it illegal to grow without a special federal permit.

7. Modern Hemp Legalization: It wasn't until the passage of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills in the United States that the legality of hemp started to change. These bills legalized the cultivation and production of industrial hemp, differentiating it from marijuana by establishing a legal definition based on THC content (hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC) and 0% for industrial use hemp.

8. Hemp's Resurgence: With the legalization of hemp, its cultivation and use in the United States have seen a resurgence. Hemp is being utilized in various industries, including textiles, paper, food, and wellness products, and its potential as an eco-friendly and sustainable resource is finally being recognized.

9. It may seem like a "conspiracy theory", but the fact that hemp was widely used for thousands of years, then all of a sudden it was illegal?! Why would we want to only use trees, which are beneficial to sustaining this planet, instead of a fast low waste plant like hemp? Could it be that some rich people in the paper industry had such a vested interest in using trees because that's what they were making money from plus owning the tree land that hemp was made illegal?

Understanding CBD

CBD, unlike its well-known cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), does not produce the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis. This makes it a safe and legal option for those looking to experience the potential therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant without the "high."

Benefit 1: Inflammation Reduction One of the most widely researched and celebrated benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is at the root of many health issues, including arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and various chronic diseases. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation. By influencing this system, CBD may help reduce inflammation and its associated symptoms better than any other nutritional vitamin on the market.

Benefit 2: Pain Management In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can help manage pain. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, headaches, or post-workout soreness, CBD may offer a natural alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers. It interacts with receptors in the body to help modulate pain perception.

Benefit 3: Anxiety and Stress Relief CBD has also shown promise in reducing anxiety and stress. Many people use CBD to help manage their mental well-being without the adverse effects often associated with prescription medications. It may promote a sense of calm and relaxation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefit 4: Sleep Improvement For those who struggle with sleep disorders or insomnia, CBD is a game-changer. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, CBD may help you fall asleep more easily and enjoy a more restful night's rest.

Why THC Is Not Necessary

It is essential to understand that the psychoactive effects of THC are not required to experience the therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant. Many people prefer to avoid the "high" associated with THC, making CBD a more appealing option. CBD offers its health benefits without the mind-altering effects, making it a safer choice for a broader range of people. In fact, after knowing that CBD is what is helping your medical condition improve, but you still seek THC alongside CBD, then you just want to get high.