​In the modern-day and age, many people have decided to turn to nature and to non-toxic remedies. One plant, in particular, comes to mind when we talk about its wondrous healing properties and it’s been used for centuries for medicinal purposes… You guessed it, it is cannabis.
The first recorded usage of the plant dates back over 10,000 years ago. In the areas of modern-day Taiwan, hemp cord was used in pottery, which tells us that hemp is among the oldest agriculture crops known to man! The widely known American scientist Carl Sagan went on to say that marijuana was most likely the world’s first agricultural crop which led to the development of the civilization itself. In his 1977 book The Dragons of Eden, Speculations on the Origin of Human Intelligence he wrote – ‘’It would be truly interesting if in human history the cultivation of marijuana led generally to the invention of agriculture, and thereby to civilization.’’
CBD the Next Big Thing in the Health Industry
The first recorded use of cannabis as medicine goes back to 2,737 BC. The Chinese emperor Shen Nung was prescribing marijuana tea to treat malaria, gout, muscle spasms, and even poor memory. From Asia, the usage of cannabis continued to spread all over the world. Fast forward to the present day, more and more people have continued to explore its impressive health benefits.
The plant itself is comprised of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) compounds. CBD has become widely popular in recent times and is regarded as the next big thing in the health industry. The general interest for it only continues to grow since it is used a remedy for a myriad of ailments. But how does CBD actually work?
The Story of CBD and its Usage for Medical Purposes One of the first scientists to study CBD and its health benefits was Raphael Mechoulam. Back in the 1970s he was interested in learning more about how cannabidiol can be used to treat epileptic seizures. He conducted a study on 15 patients with epilepsy, where each patient received either a placebo or about 200 – 300 milligrams of CBD. The study was published in 1980 and it lasted for more than four months. During that time, 4 people who were given CBD experienced almost no seizures at all, 3 patients saw some signs of improvement in their condition, and it showed as ineffective in only 1 patient.
That was only the start as in the years to follow scientist performed numerous studies in order to demonstrate the benefits of the CBD usage and its effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).


What is Endocannabinoid system and what does it do? Did you know that we, as humans, have ECS? It was only discovered less than three decades ago, and it’s described as one of the most important biological systems involved in maintaining human health.
ECS has an important role in the development of central nervous system (CNS). It also modulates the peripheral nervous system, synaptic plasticity, and it affects immune function, sleep, inflammation, pain, memory, mood, as well as fertility, reproduction, to name a few. ECS is composed of endocannabinoids. We have more of these neuromodulatory receptors than all other receptors. Our brain naturally produces endocannabinoid molecules, which you can find not only in our brain, but also in organs, connective tissues, immune cells, and glands.
When ECS works properly, it brings balance or homeostasis to our bodies. If, for some reason ECS becomes dysfunctional, that can result in a variety of conditions.
The moment you take CBD, this cannabinoid gets instantly in search of receptors. Once found, CBD binds itself to them, which in return increases your natural levels of endocannabinoids. This further has a therapeutic effect on a plethora of conditions, ranging from pain relief, mood and anxiety, cancer, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and many more.
Pain Relief To relieve pain, including the chronic pain, many people turn to painkillers. However, once they stop using them, troubles, both physical and psychological, could ensue. But, when you use CBD, there are no dangers of opioid addiction.
The ECS is involved in processing pain signals, both centrally and peripherally. Several trials that were conducted on more than one thousand patients have shown just how efficient cannabinoids are for neuropathic pain.
CBD reduces sciatic nerve pain, as well as inflammation. When combined with THC, it turns out that it can relieve the pain related to arthritis and even multiple sclerosis.
CBD helps with pain relief


Diminish Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression Two things seem to be taking over society – anxiety and depression. Everyone has different ways of coping with both of these conditions, some turn to antidepressants while others are willing to try natural remedies and CBD. Some researchers have discovered that CBD can actually be used to greatly reduce the symptoms and treat both anxiety and depression, even in children. This is possible because CBD interacts with the serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a hormone and a neurotransmitter, widely known as the ‘’happy’’ hormone as well as the mood stabilizer.
A group of scientists from the Heidelberg University in Mannheim has conducted a research which suggests that CBD could have antipsychotic-like effects, and as such could even reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia.


Relieving Nausea and Fighting CancerWhen patients go into chemotherapy, most of them experience side effects like nausea and vomiting, but CBD can be used to relieve the symptoms of discomfort.
There are some studies which have shown that CBD could also have anticancer properties. What CBD does is that it actually switches off a metastasis gene. Especially in the aggressive type of breast cancer, and the cells which were affected become healthy again.
Cardiovascular Health In 2017 a study was published which has shown that CBD can lower blood pressure in patients and also reduce the stroke volume. Furthermore, in patients who had autoimmune myocarditis, it turned out to be a great therapeutic and it has reduced the condition.
Thanks to its antioxidant  and anxiety-reducing properties, CBD can diminish the inflammation, lower the blood pressure and also the tension of blood vessel walls.
Neurological Disorders It is believed that CBD can act on the endocannabinoid system. Therefore is used in treating multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
One of the studies that were conducted in recent times has shown that seizures were reduced in children with Dravet syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy that begins in the first year of life.
In patients with Parkinson’s disease CBD has turned out to improve the overall quality of life and in those with Alzheimer’s it can prevent neurodegeneration.
Bone Disease and Broken Bones Cannabinoids play a part in the bone metabolism, which is a crucial cycle that maintains healthy bones. About 10 percent of your old bone material gets replaced by a new one during one year. Researches have shown that CBD blocks enzymes that can destroy bone-building compounds. Also boost the formation of new bone and cartilage cells. This further reduces a risk of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and it also speeds the healing of broken bones.
Type-1 DiabetesThanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD could ease the inflammation in pancreas, which is just what this study published in 2016 has shown.
Other studies also shown that CBD users have fasting insulin levels that were significantly lower compared to non-using counterparts. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol (which protects against diabetes), and also lower insulin resistance.
This basically means that CBD could potentially either entirely prevent or delay the type 1 diabetes from being developed.
Difference Between CBD and Hemp
Heal Skin and Reduce AcneSkin has an extremely high concentration of cannabinoid receptors. That’s precisely why CBD oil can greatly benefit our largest organ. It can repair damage that UV rays caused. It helps regulate sebum production, by treating acne as well. CBD’s antioxidant is more powerful than both vitamins C and E. Which is why the oil has a remarkable therapeutic effect on our skin! Nowadays there are many cases of people who have successfully treated and cured various skin conditions. With the powerful CBD, and the CBD-based topical products are high in demand for treating psoriasis, melanoma and other skin cancers.
ConclusionEven though numerous studies have already been conducted, there is still so much to learn about CBD. Especially when it comes to its long-term effects. So far, the results have been promising indeed. It turned out that CBD really is the next big thing in the health industry. We’ve learned that it’s something entirely wondrous that can greatly help humanity. Treating all sorts of health conditions and in fighting various diseases. With numerous studies currently ongoing. We’re probably yet to discover the CBD’s full potential and learn just how immensely it can benefit our lives.

​The benefits of cannabis continue to make controversial headlines in the arena of wellness and medicine. But with more doctors, scientists and consumers experiencing the many surprising benefits of CBD, oil specifically, it is likely a matter of time before it becomes a federally regulated component of your wellness selections.
What is CBD?Cannabidiol (CBD for short) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It is one of over one hundred cannabinoids identified in hemp plants. However, unlike the full cannabis plant, CBD does not contain THC which is responsible for the stoned/high feeling that the recreational drug provides. Extracted from the flowers and buds of the hemp plant, CBD is being pressed into oil and is increasingly popular to treat, and even prevent, a wide array of health issues in states where medicinal marijuana has now been legalized. CBD oil is stronger and more natural than most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Since the Chinese first utilized marijuana for medicinal purposes in 2900 BC, many civilizations have utilized its benefits, for an array of medical conditions.
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Most Popular Benefit Backed by Science: Pain Management CBD oil is widely regarded as an effective product to treat and manage pain. The endocannabinoid system is a specialized system in the human body that aids in the regulation of sleep, appetite, the immune system and pain response. These naturally produced endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s nervous system. CBD can help to reduce chronic pain by impacting this receptor activity, thus reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. Currently, research is underway to determine the extent to which CBD can help with conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
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Groundbreaking Research: Brain Health The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that by 2050, nearly 14 million Americans will be diagnosed with the disease and it will cost the nation $1.1 trillion. A recent article published by MBG Health highlighted recent research into CBD oil and its benefits for brain health, specifically to protect the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, because it can help to prevent free radical damage, reduce inflammation and not only to protect the cells in the brain but to help generate new ones. This is also part of the reason why CBD is increasingly popular for patients suffering from seizures.
Studies are still under way to determine whether CBD can benefit those suffering from epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Because CBD hosts strong antioxidant (stronger than vitamins C and E), anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, it is widely recognized as a natural way to promote brain health and overall wellness. Earlier this year, the FDA advisory panel unanimously approved a CBD-based medication to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy.

Heart Health and Blood Pressure New research this year, published by the American Society for Clinical Investigation, has indicated that CBD may be an effective, natural treatment to lower high blood pressure. One study revealed that using CBD oil reduced resting systolic blood pressure and stroke volume in subjects who were exposed to stress. Researchers concluded that the anxiety regulating properties of CBD were responsible for the decrease in blood pressure, which ultimately supported heart health. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in CBD oil can also help to prevent heart related illnesses.
Support for Cancer Patients There is increasing research that supports the efficacy of CBD oil in treating some symptoms related to cancer treatment, such as nausea and pain. In a recent study, patients who were undergoing chemotherapy used CBD oil and found it helped to reduce the side effects of chemo, particularly feelings of nausea. The majority of these patients also reported that CBD helped lessen their discomfort and pain.
Sleeplessness and Anxiety CBD oil has been safely used to treat anxiety, including sleeplessness and PTSD. CBD has the ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and social behavior. It is similar to antidepressants, only more natural. You must be careful to use only CBD oil to treat any anxiety-related conditions, as any traces of THC can increase anxiety and have the reverse of the desired effect.
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Other Benefits Research suggests that CBD oil may be used to treat acne. This is due to its proven efficacy in treating inflammation and its ability to reduce the production of sebum and prevent the activation of small secreted proteins called cytokines. CBD-based products are popping up in many sexual health products and skin care products too, as they become a more natural solution to maintaining healthy, young-looking skin. Research is also underway for CBD’s effects on arthritis, allergies and other respiratory illnesses, and cancer prevention, to name a few.
The proven efficacy of CBD oil to treat inflammation comes mostly from animals at this point, however, as more scientific evidence suggests that CBD aids in the prevention of inflammation-related diseases, this is becoming a more widely accepted view. 
The FDA has not yet taken steps to regulate the production of CBD-based products, and there is much research to be done on safe interactions between CBD and other medications. However, with more and more clinical trials underway and an increasing number of success stories reaching the masses, it is likely that CBD oil will become a more readily available and more widely accepted part of healthcare.
You should always consult your doctor before entertaining the idea of adding CBD to your health regimen

A guide to CBD strength ratings - what do the numbers actually mean?Have you ever bought a CBD product and even after a few weeks of use didn't get any benefit from it? Maybe it wasn't as strong as the label implied!
Users of CBD products, especially new users, sometimes find themselves struggling to figure out how strong a CBD product really is from the information on the label. Sometimes it's not just as straight forward as reading the number of milligrams.This guide helps provide some insight into what the numbers on the label actually mean.

500mg, 1000mg, 2.5%, 8% - these are all examples of the kind of figures that are given on the labels of CBD products. But what do they mean when you’re trying to determine the strength of a product?

Well the number of mg typically refers to the total absolute amount of cannabinoids in the product (note this isn’t necessarily the same as the total amount of CBD, but we’ll come back to that later).

What often confuses people with this figure is that they assume it is the strength of the product, but it isn’t really, especially if you measure your doses by reference to drops, droppers, or millilitres as opposed to aiming for an exact amount of mg. In our experience most people measure doses in drops so understanding what the true strength of the CBD product you use is really important.
This is because there’s another variable that must be taken into account – namely the volume of the product container.

For example if you have a 10ml bottle of CBD Oil which has 1000mg stated on the label, and a 20ml bottle that is also stated as 1000mg, then those two bottles have different strengths.

Drop for drop and ml for ml, the 20ml bottle is only half as strong as the 10ml bottle. Yes they both contain the same overall amount of cannabinoids, but if you measure your dose in drops or ml’s then you’re getting only half the amount of CBD when using the 20ml product.

Confusing? It certainly is! This is why another metric is also very important and is given by some suppliers, including The Village CBD Company, on the label – a percentage.

The percentage given represents the concentration, i.e. the true measure of the drop-for-drop strength of a product.

To continue the example above, and trying to avoid any overly heavy maths, 1000mg of cannabinoids/CBD in a 10ml bottle is a concentration of 10%.
Therefore, 1000mg in a 20ml bottle is a 5% concentration - drop for drop it's only half as strong as the 10% oil.



So the percentage concentration is actually more important than the total overall mg in assessing the strength of a CBD product. 2000mg sounds like a very strong CBD product right? Well yes it is if it’s in a 10ml bottle, but not so much if it’s in a 100ml bottle! The former is 20% strength and the latter is 2% strength.
Here is our handy conversion table to calculate the percent from the mg of CBD on the label and the bottle size.


As an aside, in our opinion, anything less than 2.5% isn't strong enough for most people, unless you're buying it for pet use.So in summary, if you already measure your doses by calculating the exact milligrams of CBD that you're taking then you don't have to worry about percentages because you’ll already be adjusting your dose with stronger or weaker CBD products by taking a lesser or greater volume of the product respectively.

But most people measure their doses in drops, droppers, or millilitres and if you do that then the percentage concentration is crucial to be aware of, otherwise you might be taking a larger or smaller dose of CBD in milligrams than you intended.
Now earlier in the article I mentioned that the milligram rating of a product is typically the total overall amount of cannabinoids in the product.

In particular, suppliers of full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products may well be referring to the overall amount of cannabinoids.

So a 1000mg / 10% CBD oil might in fact contain 600mg CBD and 400mg CBDa, rather than 1000mg CBD. This is important to know because some cannabinoids like CBDa have far fewer proven benefits than CBD itself.

Therefore the product in this example may not be giving the benefits someone anticipates if they’re used to a different product that did actually contain 1000mg CBD.

The Village CBD COmpany always list the total amount of CBD itself to avoid any confusion, and so that customers always know how much CBD they’re using - 1000mg is always 1000mg CBD with our products.

Hopefully this guide has helped clear up some of the confusion surrounding the strength of CBD products and proves useful to readers going forward