To put it simply, CBD is a phytocannabinoid. With that said, we must first talk about cannabinoids before we can really dive in to what CBD is.
A cannabinoid is simply a molecule. A cannabinoid can come in three different forms; phyto, endo and synthetic. A phytocannabinoid is a cannabinoid that has been extracted from a plant source like hemp. An endocannbinoid is a cannabinoid that can be found in the human body and is produced naturally. A synthetic cannabinoid has been produced from a lab.
So, CBD is a phytocannabinoid, meaning it is a molecule extracted from a plant that interacts with the human body’s natural system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD can be found in both the Cannabis plant and the hemp plant. CBD is not psychoactive, even if taken from the Cannabis plant.
The ECS is made to be self-sufficient with its’ production of its’ own cannabinoids, 2-AG and Anandamide, however, scientists are beginning to find out that the ECS can be supplemented with additional cannabinoids, like CBD, to optimize homeostasis.
So, in short, CBD is a phytocannabinoid that human’s can use to optimize the function of their endocannabinoid system.