Natural substances derived from plant materials are all the rage these days, and that’s for a good reason. Many chemical compounds found in plants have potent effects on the body, and those effects can be safe and easy to bring about this way.
Two of the most commonly seen plant-derived products are Kratom and CBD products. Each of these offers an impressive array of potential effects, and there is a lot of research being done to see what people might use them for.
Are you curious about these natural remedies and how they might benefit you? Learn more about each of them today!
Understanding CBD: An In-Depth Look
Let’s start by talking about CBD.
CBD quickly became a mainstream substance over the last few years. As medical marijuana and CBD products became legalized in many areas of the country, seeing CBD products became more normal for people everywhere. But what exactly is CBD, and why is it so widely accepted?
What Is CBD Derived From?
Cannabis is a plant more commonly known as marijuana and hemp (both types of cannabis plants, distinguished primarily by the percentage of THC – hemp contains trace amounts, while marijuana can contain high percentages). The most commonly known properties of cannabis are the results of the cannabinoids, like THC, found in the plant matter.
CBD is another one of those cannabinoids. Extracted from the plant itself, CBD is a cannabinoid that has been extensively researched for its positive effects on the human body’s physical and mental conditions.
Studies show that CBD oil and other CBD products may have many benefits. Cannabinoids can be very powerful, and CBD is a great example of that. These uses are well-supported by science, but there’s still a lot to learn about CBD and how it can benefit us.
How Does CBD Work?
CBD has specific reactions in the body because of the way that it is shaped.
Like all cannabinoids, CBD is a specific chemical compound with a particular shape. When it enters the body, CBD reacts with the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds with specific receptors and sets into motion a chain reaction within the body. That reaction eventually causes the effects that CBD is known to have.
While other cannabinoids found in cannabis can make you high, CBD does not have any intoxicating effects. The primary cannabinoid found in marijuana is THC; THC binds with CB1 receptors to cause intoxicating effects. CBD actually prevents THC from binding with CB1 as effectively and can taper off the effects of THC in some strains of cannabis.
Is CBD Legal?
Safety rules and regulations about CBD vary from state to state, but most states have made it legal and protected to use CBD products. This is thanks to the impressive amount of research showing the CBD is a non-psychoactive botanical that has proven positive effects.
As with any product, however, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have any health concerns about using it. Additionally, be sure to source your CBD products from a reliable and reputable vendor to reduce any potential risk.
Understanding Kratom: Beyond The Basics
Kratom’s popularity snowballed in the last five years as well, but that popularity is nothing in comparison to CBD’s growing mainstream appeal. Still, there are many exciting things about Kratom getting noticed. We can expect Kratom to continue becoming a more common feature in botanical products.
What Is Kratom?
Mitragyna speciosa, also known as Kratom, is a tropical tree that grows in Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asian or South Pacific areas. Kratom trees grow in large forests in regions where the tropical climate combines with fertile soil for the perfect growing environment. There, these trees soar to great heights, and their leaves are harvested to create great Kratom products.
Kratom leaves are harvested and processed into Kratom products such as Kratom powder and Kratom. A wide variety of strains can be created by altering the harvesting, drying, or processing method. Enthusiasts worldwide have found Kratom to be a hugely beneficial substance that improves their lifestyle.
How Does Kratom Work?
Many plants in the world contain chemical compounds known as alkaloids. Alkaloids have varying effects on the body. It just so happens that the effects caused by mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both found in Kratom leaves, may have great benefits.
When these compounds enter the body, they bind and react with various receptors in the body. There is no specific set of receptors that they work with; each alkaloid has its own priority system. Caffeine, for example, is an alkaloid that stimulates the body.
Kratom’s alkaloids need to be studied in more detail to understand better what effects they have. Still, early studies suggest very promising results.
Is Kratom Legal?
At this time, Kratom is neither fully legal nor illegal. In fact, Kratom’ status is dependent on what state and locale you are in.
While the FDA continues to ignore studies that suggest Kratom could be beneficial, states around the country have taken a different approach.
Many states have passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act at the urging of the American Kratom Association and other advocates. These laws set up standards that vendors must follow and ensure consumers can legally buy and consume Kratom. We are working hard to help get this bill passed in our home state of Oregon.
Find It All At Phytoextractum
Whether you’ve found that CBD suits your needs or you are curious about Kratom powders, we carry it all here at Phytoextractum!
From CBD oils and blends to Kratom powders and capsules, you can check out a variety of safe, tested products. We pride ourselves on having a wide array of options for the enthusiast while ensuring that our customers can be safe.
It’s essential to ensure that the vendors you support are doing their part to ensure their products are safe. By having regular third-party testing and putting energy into advocacy as well, we do what we can to create a safe environment for everyone involved.