CBD: Understand How It Works

CBD has garnered a lot of popularity in the past few years. Studies state that there has been a drastic rise in the online search frequency for CBD since  2014. The health benefits of CBD may be the primary reason for its increasing popularity.

The United States Farm Bill of 2018 legalizing the growth and sale of hemp plants in various states. The legalization has immensely contributed to the development of the CBD industry. Manufacturers are creating a wide range of CBD supplements and products to help users alleviate various health conditions. For instance, from CBD oils for pain relief to Sunday Scaries for anxiety, the range of products is endless. So if you are keen on using CBD products, here’s a detailed guide on how it works.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the many hundreds of compounds present in cannabis plants. CBD  and THC  are the two most studied compounds of cannabis. Both hemp and marijuana plants have CBD in them as they are cannabis plants. It is a non-psychoactive compound. That means it does not create any euphoric effects or high among the users. The non-psychoactive compound offers various health benefits. It may help in relieving anxiety, chronic pain, depression, and chronic insomnia. Currently, only one CBD-based medication is available for use. It is an FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) approved drug known as Epidiolex. The medicine helps in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome. Those are two rare forms of epilepsy occurring in children.

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Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system present in all mammals. It works similarly to the immune system of the body. Scientists identified the ECS in the 1990s while exploring THC. Interestingly, it handles various bodily functions like sleep, mood, memory. It also maintains a healthy balance in the body. It is vital to know the components of ECS to understand its working. The ECS consists of three main components – receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes.

Receptors

These are present throughout the body, and endocannabinoids bind to them. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors present in the nervous system. Both handle different bodily functions. The CB1 receptors control movement, mood, pain, appetite, and memory. CB1 receptors are present in the central nervous system. In comparison, the peripheral nervous system has CB2 receptors monitoring pain influence and inflammations.

Endocannabinoids

The endocannabinoids activate the cannabinoid receptors to ensure the effective functioning of various bodily functions.

Enzymes

Enzymes present in the ECS break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.

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CBD and Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

We have already mentioned that the ECS consists of endocannabinoids.  They ensure its proper functioning. However, the natural cannabinoids in our body may deplete in various situations. CBD  acts as an external cannabinoid activating the cannabinoid receptors in such cases. CBD interacts with the ECS without binding the receptors directly. It activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors when needed, helping the ECS achieve a healthy balance in the body.

Marijuana CBD V/S Hemp CBD

As mentioned earlier, all cannabis plants contain CBD. However, there is only one difference between the CBD found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD extracted from marijuana plants has more THC content than CBD extracted from hemp plants. The potency of CBD or the levels of other phytocannabinoids and terpenes is the same in CBD extracted from both plants.

Effects of CBD

Apart from helping in the treatment of epilepsy, CBD may possess many other healing benefits like alleviating anxiety, stress, chronic pain, inflammation. CBD may also help in achieving healthy and radiant skin. Continue to read how.

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1. Anxiety

Huge adult population struggles with anxiety and depression in the U.S every year. However, CBD may help reduce the effects of anxiety and depression because of its potent anxiolytic properties. It regulates the levels of serotonin receptors in the body. These receptors are mainly responsible for influencing aggression, mood, and sleep.

2. Stress

CBD may help individuals reduce physical and psychological stress by regulating cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone.

3. Chronic Pain and Inflammation

CBD may act as a natural pain reliever as it may help in reducing chronic pain. CBD blocks the receptors present across the body from receiving pain signals. Thus, blocking the pain signaling activity alters the perception of pain and blocks it. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of CBD reduce inflammation-messenger activity. That way, CBD may lessen any internal or external inflammations in the body.

4. Insomnia

Insomnia is another common health condition that people of all ages experience. CBD may help in treating chronic insomnia in two ways. The first is by acting upon the factors causing insomnia. That includes the health conditions mentioned above – stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. Moreover, CBD has potent calming properties that help soothe the mind and put the user in a slumbering state.

Final Thoughts

CBD is a cannabis compound that offers many health benefits. It can act as a natural health supplement when used correctly. The quality of CBD products plays a vital role in its efficiency. Using low-quality CBD products may result in adverse effects. So, it is always better to purchase high-quality CBD products from reputed sellers only. Also, keep in mind the dosage when using CBD products. The effect may differ from one person to another, so start with small amounts.