How CBD Oil Works in the Body

CBD has been gaining popularity, due to its purported benefits. You may have heard about CBD but you're not quite sure about its effects on the human body. This article will not only explain how it affects your body but also some of its benefits and uses.

What is Hemp-Derived CBD?

Cannabis is a very complex plant, having more than 500 compounds. Cannabidiol or CBD is just one of many, commonly believed to have powerful benefits. A CBD oil extraction method is used to extract the compound from the industrial hemp plant.

The safest way to extract hemp oil is by using the CO2 extraction method. CBD products can then be made into CBD oil tinctures by adding it to a carrier oil like MCT coconut oil. CBD became popular due to its lifestyle claims.

Be sure not to confuse CBD with its popular counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound of the hemp or marijuana plant that creates a "high" when you ingest it. Unlike THC, CBD is actually not psychoactive so it will not alter your mind when you take it. Some full spectrum CBD tincture products may contain up to .3% THC.

When looking for high-quality CBD tinctures or gummies make sure the company can supply a lab test showing the CBD purity.

How does CBD work?

Within our bodies is a system of receptors that respond to CBD and THC, known as our endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for how you respond to cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

Unfortunately, while there have been many claims about the effects of CBD, there is still research that needs to be conducted to discover all of the benefits of this compound. Fortunately, within the last few years, more studies are starting to discover how effective it is.

But, how did researchers discover CBD's effect on the body in the first place?

While studying the effects of cannabinoids in rats, researchers discovered receptors in its brain that only reacted to cannabis compounds. This area of the brain was responsible for functions such as memory, emotion, and coordination.

Half a decade later, further research in this area leads to the discovery of more cannabinoid receptors that affected the immune system and peripheral tissues throughout the body.

A few years later, researchers discovered that these receptors were not only in found in rats but also humans. These receptors became known as C1 and C2.

Scientists wanted to explore the relationship between the cannabinoid receptors in our body and the ones found in the cannabis plant, such as CBD and THC. They've discovered that when these receptors are triggered, they will produce different responses throughout the body.

CB1 receptors

These receptors are one of the most common receptors in your nervous system and are necessary for a healthy functioning brain. Their location in your brain determines what they will impact - they can affect your memory, your mood, or your response to pain. They can also be found in your body and affect hormone production, your heart health, or digestion.

CB2 receptors

These receptors are most commonly found on cells in our immune system. Once stimulated, they can affect inflammation within your body or even how your body fights disease. This is beneficial for people who will take CBD.

Why is CBD beneficial for our health?

Over time, our body will start to deteriorate, causing a decline in health. However, endocannabinoids help us slow down this decline. When CBD binds with your CB1 or CB2 receptors, it improves its functionality. Therefore, if your body is in need of cannabinoids, taking CBD can help get rid of this deficiency in your endocannabinoid system, helping to again reach a balance in your body.

What Does CBD Offer?

CBD has a long history of being used on people but scientists have only recently studied its effects in a lab. Researchers studied CBD's effects on managing discomfort. They used a topical gel that was applied for 4 days.

During this time, they discovered that the rats had a significant decrease in discomfort. However, more studies need to be conducted with humans to confirm their analysis.

There are several studies that have conducted research on CBD's effects. In some studies conducted with rats, it was effective in reducing stress and providing calm.

Also, it may be effective in both social and post-traumatic negative feelings. It could help with thinking about negative memories, insomnia, or nightmares. Participants in this study were either given 400 mg of CBD or a placebo. Those who received the cannabinoid showed increased reduction of negative experiences.

Takeaway