What is CBD & how does it work?

CBD: An Introduction

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a Phyto-cannabinoid discovered in 1940. It is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants and accounts for up to 40% of the plant’s extract. CBD oil is extracted from cannabis plants and has been shown to have therapeutic effects on a variety of medical conditions. CBD does not cause psychoactive effects, unlike its well-known counterpart, THC. This means that it will not get you high. In recent years, CBD has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions. Hemp/Cannabis has a long history as a medicinal plant. It was used to treat a variety of conditions including inflammation, anxiety and much more. In the 19th century, cannabis was available as an over-the-counter medication in the United States. However, with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act in 1937, cannabis became a controlled substance. The restrictions on cannabis led to research on CBD oil as an alternative treatment for various medical conditions. There are few side effects associated with CBD oil. The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other side effects include diarrhea and changes in appetite. CBD oil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without first consulting with a health care provider. Let’s take a closer look at what CBD is and how it might be able to help you.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors and chemicals that help regulate various functions in the body, including mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. When something is out of balance in the ECS, CBD can help to restore balance. For example, let’s say you have chronic pain. Normally, your body would produce endocannabinoids to help reduce inflammation. However, if you have an imbalance in your ECS, your body may not produce enough endocannabinoids or they may not be effective. This is where CBD comes in—it can help to supplement your body’s natural supply of endocannabinoids and reduce inflammation. CBD is just one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Another well-known compound is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the compound that produces the psychoactive effects of marijuana—the “high” that people experience when they smoke or consume marijuana products. CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. Instead, it offers many potential health benefits without the “high” associated with THC.

Potential Health Benefits

CBD and Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults over the age of 18. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Symptoms of anxiety can include feeling restless or irritable, having a hard time concentrating, sweating, and heart palpitations. CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder and other forms of anxiety. In one study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before giving a public speaking test. The group that received the CBD had significantly less anxiety and discomfort during the test than the group that received the placebo.

CBD and Pain relief

Pain is another common condition that CBD may be able to help with. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain perception. In one study, rats were given CBD after undergoing surgery to remove their sciatic nerves. The rats that received CBD had significantly reduced pain compared to rats that did not receive CBD.

CBD and Inflammation

CBD oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been shown to be helpful in reducing inflammation. CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help reduce inflammation. A study from 2016 found that rats given CBD had reduced inflammation in their joints. CBD oil has also been shown to be helpful in treating other conditions that are related to inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease. A study from 2014 found that rats with Crohn’s disease who were given CBD had reduced inflammation in their intestines and an increase in appetite.

While more research needs to be done to fully understand all of the potential health benefits of CBD, it seems clear that there are many potential uses for this compound. If you’re considering taking CBD for any reason, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you and won’t interact with any medications you’re currently taking.

CBD vs THC

As we mentioned earlier, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. This is because it does not interact with the body’s CB1 receptors in the same way that THC does. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for getting people high. It binds to CB1 receptors throughout the body and alters your perception of reality. CBD does not bind to these receptors. Instead, it binds to other receptors such as serotonin receptors which are responsible for regulating mood and anxiety levels.

CBD is a natural compound that offers a wide range of potential health benefits without any of the psychoactive effects associated with THC. If you are looking for an all-natural way to improve your health and well-being, then CBD might be worth considering!