CBD has become a widely popular substance that is used for a variety of different emotional and physical health issues. It can be taken in multiple different ways to receive medicinal effects. To better understand how CBD works in the body, it’s important to know what it is.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a chemical compound that stems from the cannabis plant. This substance can be used in oils, capsules, food, coffee and more. Some people prefer oil tinctures or other methods of quick delivery.

The letters CBD stand for cannabidiol. There are actually several types of cannabinoid molecules produced by the cannabis family. Tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, is also an element that can be found in the cannabis family. It is not the same as CBD.

CBD is a natural substance. Although it does come from the cannabis plant, it is not psychoactive.

What Is The Difference Between Marijuana and CBD?

CBD comes from the hemp plant, but does not cause one to feel “high”. This is because THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is not part of CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid that is extracted from cannabis and used for its own unique properties.

When most people think of marijuana, they think of the effects that THC produces. Some of these effects are enjoyable, but other people may feel uncomfortable when using it. Marijuana can cause a relaxed sensation that can invoke curiosity and introspection. It can also relieve physical pain.

Marijuana can also have many negative symptoms such as paranoia and intense food cravings. Some people may actually feel more anxious when using marijuana and their heart rate may rise. 

Because THC is psychoactive, it can cause some people to feel “stuck” inside their head.CBD does not come with any of these potential side effects.

Some research shows that CBD may be able to normalize brain rhythms to help treat seizures. The Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that CBD can help adults and children with this condition.

In addition to neurological issues, CBD is frequently used for cramps, migraines, nausea and joint pain. While more research is needed, CBD has even been touted to help with difficult conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

How Can CBD Help?

CBD can help with a wide range of issues. Some issues that are frequently helped include:

-insomnia

-autoimmune diseases

-stress

-arthritis

-anxiety

-migraines

CBD helps calm the body and mind so that stress and anxiety can be effectively lowered. This calming mechanism can help assist people in falling asleep faster. It can also relax the mind from chronic stress and help with panic attacks.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabinoids can affect the mind and body in many different ways. By using the cannabinoid, CBD, this can temporary change how we feel both emotionally and physically. It's important to remember that CBD has no psychoactive effects though.

The endocannabinoid system consists of neurotransmitters and cell receptors. These are in charge of maintaining what is known as “homeostasis” in the human body.

These receptors (cb1 receptors and cb2 receptors being the most common) can be found throughout the body. They are especially concentrated in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.

The endocannabinoid system is important for several reasons. This system controls a range of functions. This includes sleep, temperature, mood, pain perception, appetite, fertility and even the response of one’s immune system. When CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, it can impact both pain and pleasure perception.

CBD is a complex cannabinoid. It can affect many parts of the body including different cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

The Discovery Of The Endocannabinoid System

In the 1990s, scientists discovered what is known as the endocannabinoid system. While researching molecules and cannabinoids, the intricacies of this system were given a name.

By discovering the endocannabinoid system, scientists also discovered how the body works together to keep harmony. Balancing environmental changes and physical and mental stress is at the heart of this system.

It was once thought that the endocannabinoid receptors were exclusively found in the brain and nerves. We now know they can be found in the skin as well as the rest of the body. Scientists have found that CBD can block the breakdown of these cannabinoids. This allows the body to take better advantage of what it already has.

The Science Behind CBD

CBD works in a few different ways. Through serotonin, vanilloid and orphan receptors, this substance can affect the mind and body.

Serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a widely known chemical nerve. Most people have heard of the word “serotonin” through antidepressant ads describing depression or anxiety. Serotonin works by sending signals between nerve cells and is primarily entered through diet.

This chemical nerve can have a negative or positive impact on the mood. Without enough serotonin, an individual may feel depressed, anxious or have problems sleeping.

High concentrations of CBD can activate hydroxytrptamime, a serotonin receptor that can counteract anxiety. By targeting this area of the body, appetite, sleep, pain and nausea can change. By using CBD, many people have noticed an improvement in their mood.

Vanilloid receptors. Vanilloid receptors are actually ion channels. These are membrane proteins that allow for ions to pass through. Ion can consist of sodium or potassium and their channels are a prominent part of the nervous system.

CBD can interact with these ion channels to create a therapeutic presence. By affecting the vanilloid receptors, CBD can calm pain perception as well as inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune responses such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

By binding to the vanilloid receptor, CBD can change the way an individual experiences pain for a more positive outlook.

Orphan receptors. An orphan receptor is a protein that represents a diverse part of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It is thought that they impact the regulatory system. The G-protein known as GPR55 orphan receptor modulates blood pressure and other physiological systems.

Some studies have shown that CBD can effectively block the GPR55 receptor which is associated with osteoporosis. This could mean that CBD can decrease bone reabsorption, creating a preventative measure against physical health issues.

Cannabidiol Health Benefits

CBD has been found to be effective in severe conditions and chronic pain. Childhood epilepsy syndromes including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome have been studied with the help of CBD. By using this substance, seizures were also reduced in a number of studies.

In addition to some serious conditions, CBD can help with a garden variety of milder issues. CBD helps address physical issues in a couple of different ways. CBD can decrease inflammation and it can change the perception of physical pain.

Reducing inflammation is particularly beneficial for physical ailments such as arthritis or other autoimmune concerns. Some people find that arthritis is worse during changes in the weather. By using CBD, inflammation can be kept to a minimum.

CBD can also greatly impact the severity of anxiety. By calming the body and mind, many people notice a reduction in their stress levels. CBD can help with every-day stress or extreme forms of anxiety such as panic attacks.

Conclusion

Whether CBD is used as an edible, a lotion, or CBD oil tincture, CBD products can help physical and emotional stress. By impacting various receptors through the body, CBD can help with issues such as insomnia, anxiety, panic, arthritis and other ailments.

How CBD is taken often depends on the reason. For panic attacks, a fast-acting formula is usually recommended to help ease anxiety in a timely manner. For inflammation or pain, taking CBD in capsule form is often recommended.

For other issues such as insomnia or depression, asking a professional can help ease the decision making process. Depending on what it is used for, a medical professional can help locate the proper dosage and application of CBD. Some might need high levels of CBD while others just require a small dosage.

Although CBD is a relatively new tool for dealing with physical and emotional stress, it has been around for centuries. The hemp plant has long been used for medicinal purposes.

CBD has become a popular health solution in the United States, especially since it was federally legalized by the farm bill. More and more human studies reveal the many benefits that pure CBD can bring. It seems likely that this amazing plant will only grow in popularity.