Are you seeking the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis but prefer to skip the high? CBD might just be your new best friend. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need to touch the sky to feel better; sometimes, better wellbeing is right here on the ground. If you've been keeping an eye on the wellness industry lately, you've probably seen CBD popping up everywhere. From oils and edibles to skincare products, this superstar compound is making waves. But why the hype?
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been garnering attention in recent years due to its potential therapeutic properties. CBD is among more than a hundred phytocannabinoids in cannabis, but its unique effects and uses have set it apart.
How CBD Was Discovered
Although the flurry of positivity surrounding CBD seems like a fairly recent development, the first person to successfully isolate the compound was Dr. Roger Adams, an American organic chemist, way back in 1940. Dr. Adams and his team at the University of Illinois managed to extract CBD from the cannabis plant, but they were initially unsure about the nature and effects of what they had isolated.
The process of isolation involved meticulous extraction and modification techniques. First, they used a solvent to extract a complex mixture of compounds from the cannabis plant. This extract was then subjected to a process known as chromatography, which separates the different components based on their chemical properties.
However, due to limitations in the technology and scientific understanding at the time, they couldn't accurately determine the structure of CBD. It wasn't until 1963, when Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli chemist, elucidated the stereochemistry of CBD. This breakthrough helped scientists understand the chemical composition and potential effects of CBD.
Mechoulam's research involved using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, a technique that allows scientists to determine the physical and chemical properties of compounds. It was this sophisticated process that allowed Mechoulam to confirm the exact structure of CBD and paved the way for further research into the potential uses of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
How CBD Works In The Body
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors involved in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes. Several studies have highlighted CBD's potential in managing conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain. A landmark 2017 report by the World Health Organization acknowledged CBD's potential therapeutic uses, alongside a good safety profile and absence of addictive risks.
One of the most notable breakthroughs in CBD research has been its application in treating epilepsy. In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug, for treating two severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine affirmed the efficacy of CBD in reducing the frequency of seizures in these conditions.
CBD's anti-anxiety properties have also been substantiated by numerous studies. A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found CBD to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in individuals with social anxiety disorder. CBD's potential benefits extend to depression, with preclinical animal studies indicating its antidepressant-like effects.
Moreover, CBD's potential as a pain reliever has generated significant interest. A 2020 review in the journal Pain reported that CBD could help manage chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
There's a lot there to pique your interest, but there's a lot more, besides. Whether you're looking for medical benefits without the side effects, or if you're just looking for a boost in clarity without the psychoactivity of THC, high-CBD cannabis might be the answer.
Best CBD Strains in 2023
At Seedsman, we have a range of CBD strains that includes some truly unique cultivars. Here's a look at 10 of the best:
Cream & Cheese CBD 1:1
A therapeutic strain that retains all the qualities of a classic Cheese cannabis, Cream and Cheese CBD 1:1 can be used to treat a variety of ailments. Lab reports confirm CBD content of 18% in this amazing cultivar, and with a flowering period of 9 weeks, you don't have to wait too long to sample the effects.
Cream & Cheese CBD 1:1 doesn't include the strong cerebral power you'd find in a regular cheese strain, but there is a very noticeable bodily relaxation couretsy of a 22% THC content. The high volume of CBD means an altogether more balanced, soothing experience. It's a mostly-indica photoperiod variety, and yields are more than ample - indoor cultivation can see up to 600gm/m2 come harvest time, while outdoor growers could collect as much as 800gm/plant. With relaxing effects and a stunning cheese taste, Cream & Cheese CBD pleases the palate while soothing the soul.
Dr Seedsman CBD 30:1
If the healing power of CBD without the psychoactivity of THC is what you seek, look no further than Seedsman's crowning achievement, Dr Seedsman CBD 30:1. This 80% sativa wonder-strain provides deep relaxation for the body, with no cerebral effects whatsoever. All the benefits, none of the buzz. Up until now, many high-CBD strains contained equal amounts of THC, but Dr Seedsman's approximate CBD/THC ratio of 30:1 represents a landmark in high CBD cannabis.
This marvellous medicinal strain has a flowering time of between 8-9 weeks, and grows with tremendous vigour. The stunning taste profile contains a remarkable combination of ginger and pine, soothing you from the outset before giving way to feelings of pure, calming bliss.
Euphoria CBD by Royal Queen Seeds
With a CBD/THC ratio close to 1:1, Royal Queen Seeds' Euphoria CBD is a cup-winning strain with a long-held reputation as a champion of anxiety relief. A short and stocky cultivar with typical indica traits, Euphoria CBD grows to a maximum of 150cm, yielding between 400-450gm/plant when grown indoors, with similar yields achievable from an outdoor grow. This beautfiul plant features a captivating fruity flavour, and is highly touted as a therapeutic marvel for those experiencing pain and inflammation.
Royal Queen Seeds describes the effect of Euphoria as "relaxed but with an alert mindset".
Charlotte's Angel CBD by Dutch Passion
With its roots very much in the heart of Holland, Dutch Passion's Charlotte's Angel CBD is the product of Dutch Charlotte and Red Angel, two excellent high-CBD cultivars. Charlotte's Angel provides high levels of CBD (10-16%) with a THC content described as near-negligible (0.7-1%). The result is a deeply satisfying physical calm and a huge boost in one's sense of wellbeing.
Charlotte's Angel CBD takes 9-12 to finish flowering, but the extra time is worth the wait. Yields of 400-450gm/m2 produce pleasant, herbal-smelling buds perfumed with pine and diesel. Therapeutic benefits without the psychoactivity, and a sumptuous, soothing flavour make Charlotte's Ange CBD a strain in high demand.
Tatanka Pure CBD by Royal Queen Seeds
Royal Queen Seeds entered the realm of pure-CBD strains with the mighty Tatanka Pure CBD, a 70% indica variety with very high levels of CBD and low, low THC. If you're after a fast-flowering photoperiod CBD, you'll have a search on your hands to find anything to top Tatanka's 6-8 week flowering time.
Tatanka grows happily indoors and out, preferring a warm climate if grown outdoors. Yields are around the 450gm/m2 mark indoors, and 450gm/plant outdoors. CBD levels are measured between 9-14%, while THC is a neglible 0.25% or less. The result is a calming, soothing effect, illuminated by an intriguing flavour of bitter caramel and sweet spices. Coming in at between 70-110cm, Tatanka may be a smaller cultivar but it delivers the goods on therapeutic appeal.
Purple Kush CBD Auto 1:1
By combining the genetics from Purple Kush CBD Auto and Purple Afghan CBD Auto, we doubled up on the purple on this stunning-looking cultivar. You can call us biased if you like, but one look at her leaves and buds and you can't really argue. It is purple, and it is stunning! This plant is essentially the same as Pink Kush CBD 30:1, but with a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio.
PKCBD Auto 1:1 goes from seed to harvest in only 63 days, presenting you with high yields of resinous, indica-dominant buds in next to no time. Those beautiful buds are loaded with sweet and fruity flavours, and will provide sumptuous relaxation without the usual heavy cerebral punch of regular Kush strains.
Purple Star CBD Auto by Atlas Seed
Not to be outdone in the colourful cultivar contest, Atlas Seed offers this majestic-looking strain as part of their superb CBD autoflowering range. Purple Star CBD Auto is a sweet-tasting indica-dominant auto with high levels of CBD and low THC, making for a magical medical marvel.
These robust plants may be small but they grow with great strength and endurance, boasting great mold resistance which allows for high-density planting. The seed to harvest sprint takes around 9 weeks, after which you'll be treated to outstanding sweet grape and jam flavours, before being soothed by the therapeutic wonders residing in those striking purple buds.
Raspberry Cough by Nirvana Seeds
One of the most elegant-looking cultivars around, Raspberry Cough's breathtaking arrays of pinkish purple, white, and green set you up for a comforting experience few can match. With high THC and CBD content alike, the effects are uplifting, energising, yet calming and happy. This photoperiod variety has a flowering time of 9-11 weeks, after which you can look forward to the succulent taste of berries with earthy, pine, and herbal notes.
Yields are good, at around 400-500gm/m2 indoors, and this mostly-sativa hybrid has a reputation for uplifting symptoms of depression, headaches and pain. Raspberry Cough is an exuisite cultivar with looks that bring splendour to any growing environment.
Pink Kush Auto CBD 30:1
What do you get if you cross Pink Kush CBD Auto with Pink Afghan CBD Auto? A premium therapeutic strain that's no joke! We combined these two exceptional CBD-rich cultivars to create Pink Kush Auto CBD 30:1 - a medical marvel that few strains can match. The high CBD to THC ratio makes for a unique and intriguing medicinal cannabis strain that provides a light and relaxing body sensation to ease your aches and pains as cares float away on the breeze.
Pink Kush Auto CBD 30:1 boasts a life cycle of just 9 weeks, and produces impressive yields in most environments. The pink-tinged buds produce heavenly forest-like aromas, with a red berry flavour to sweeten the deal.
Charlotte's Angel CBD Auto by Dutch Passion
Fans of Dutch Passion's Charlotte's Angel CBD will be delighted to learn that the strain is also available in a faster-finishing auto version. Charlotte's Angel CBD Auto is a therapeutic treat with a seed to harvest cycle lasting just 10 weeks, meaning the calming benefits of those earthy, fruity tasting buds can be yours even sooner than before.
The 20:1 CBD to THC ratio is present and correct, and these compact beauties top out at just about 100cm, making this small wonder the ideal solution for homegrown medical strains in a tight space.
