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cbd school

Kush Kingdom’s CBD School provides detailed answers to the most frequently asked
questions relating to CBD. You can be sure that this information is backed

by thorough, scholarly research from trusted historians and scientists.

What is CBD, and where does it come from?

CBD is a chemical that comes primarily from a plant called “Hemp”. This is simply a slang term for the species of plants scientifically named Cannabis. Originating in Central Asia, people used the Cannabis plant fibers as early as 4,000 years ago to create paper, clothing, and rope. Evidence shows that people were burning Cannabis 2,500 years ago to mourn as they buried their loved ones, as well as using the plant for many other medicinal applications. By the 1600’s farmers in the original 13 colonies of America were growing Cannabis as a major crop for a variety of reasons. Even America’s first president, George Washington, grew Cannabis on his farm in Virginia!



So why is Cannabis illegal in certain places?

Cannabis farming and use in America took a drastic with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. By this time, hundreds of scholarly articles had been published in Europe and the United States about the value of Cannabis as medicine for issues like insomnia, bronchitis, headaches, tumors, chronic pain, and to improve appetite and sexual disorders. However, big pharmaceutical businessmen realized they couldn’t patent and get richer from this healing plant, so they lobbied to get the 1937 law passed which made it more difficult, expensive and legally risky for doctors to prescribe the plant and for patients to use it. Cannabis was removed from American pharmacopoeia in 1941. Fast forward to the 1960’s, when scientists discovered and published specifically how the chemicals in Cannabis interact with our body. Even though their astonishing findings made it impossible to continue to deny the medical benefits of Cannabis, federal legislators passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 which made all forms of Cannabis completely illegal in the United States.



What is the legal status of Cannabis today?

Since the passing of the Controlled Substances Act, continued research and public demand has eventually led to Cannabis being legalized in many states of the U.S. starting with California in 1996, though it remains illegal according to the federal government. Recently, Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, a game changer in the Cannabis industry. It allowed for only a certain, specific type of Cannabis called Hemp to be farmed and sold. Now thousands of farmers and manufacturers across America have begun to bring back a form of the plant once used around the world as medicine
for all. While one form of Cannabis, Marijuana, is only legal to grow and use in certain states, Hemp is now legal to grow, sell and use nationwide. However, each state has its own laws governing Hemp farming and retail which may require certain licenses or permits. Please check with your local government before growing or selling Hemp, CBD or any other Cannabis products. To understand the differences between the types of Cannabis that are legal and illegal, check out the Cannabis Chemistry Class.



FREQUENTLY ASKED

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hemp history 101

cbd chemistry class

How is Hemp different from Marijuana?

Cannabis is a genus of plant that is known mainly by two names, Marijuana and Hemp. These distinct names are used to describe two very different genotypes or aspects of the same plant. They differ mainly in the types of chemicals, called cannabinoids, that they produce. Marijuana is a Cannabis plant that is grown to produce high levels of a cannabinoid (chemical) called Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Hemp is a Cannabis plant grown to produce high levels of the cannabinoid called Cannabidiol, or CBD. Although all Cannabis plants contain some level of both THC and CBD, Hemp is legally described in the U.S. as a Cannabis plant containing less than .3% THC, while Marijuana is legally defined as a Cannabis plant containing more than .3% THC.



Can Hemp or CBD get you high?

THC is the chemical in Cannabis that results in the “high” feeling that people get after ingesting Marijuana. CBD does not have the psychoactive effects of THC; thus, it cannot get you high. Since Hemp contains so little THC (.3% THC or less) it does not get users high. Hemp often contains high percentages of CBD, which has a wide range of effects on the brain and body. In fact, CBD can even counteract many of the effects of THC, meaning that if you ingest CBD along with THC, you’re less likely to get high.



So how does CBD work?

Our body is naturally and perfectly designed to absorb and use the cannabinoids THC and CBD to keep us healthy. This is thanks to our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS plays a major role in regulating our other body systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, reproductive and immune systems to maintain homeostasis, or balance within our body. This system functions as a series of cannabinoid receptors located throughout our body, and when these receptors bind with cannabinoids there are many different positive effects. Scientists have discovered that our body naturally produces some cannabinoids which already work with our ECS. The most prominent naturally produced cannabinoids are the chemicals “anandamide” and “2- AG”. Anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “bliss” and is responsible for feelings of extreme pleasure in our body. THC is a plant created cannabinoid that is nearly identical to Anandamide, which is why THC gives the often pleasurable “high” to those who ingest it.
The way CBD works within the endocannabinoid system is still unclear, as it does not bind to
cannabinoid receptors the way THC does. While research into exactly how CBD works is still ongoing, scientists do know that CBD has many medicinal benefits minus the negative side effects many people associate with THC. Without feelings of anxiety and memory loss often reported with THC-heavy marijuana, science has shown that ingesting CBD helps to reduce inflammation, may serve as an antidepressant, and slows the growth of some cancer cells. As a neuroprotectant it is effective in combating the effects of diseases like Parkinson’s. Studies have even demonstrated that ingesting CBD prior to drinking works to protect cells from alcohol damage and lowers blood-alcohol concentration. These are just a few scientifically researched examples of the many positive effects of CBD when ingested and absorbed by our ECS.
While much more research is needed, the science and history of Cannabis reveals that this plant has been and will continue to be used for centuries as way to bring natural, holistic health and wellness to humans worldwide. Check out our growing online store and get your CBD products today!