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How Does CBD Work

Variety of CBD products from Eden's HerbalsCBD has become a widely popular substance that can be taken in multiple different ways. To better understand how CBD works in the body, its 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.

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. 

Two labelled vials containing THC and CBD Because THC is psychoactive, it can cause some people to feel stuck inside their heads.CBD does not come with any of these potential side effects.

 

How Does CBD Work?

CBD is a complex cannabinoid. It can affect many parts of the body including different cannabinoid receptors in the brain. 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 ones immune system. When CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system, it can make an impact in these bodily functions.

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 emotional concerns is at the heart of this system's role.

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.

Closeup of neurotransmitters reacting to CBDThe 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. 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 counteracts. Studies are focusing on this as we speak.

-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 gets to work. By binding to the vanilloid receptor, CBD can change the way an individual experiences a bodily process.

-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. This GPR55 receptor is known to have a negative affiliation in the body.

Studies conducted so far show potential signs that CBD can block these receptors.

Healthy woman doing yoga at sunrise

Conclusion

Although CBD is a relatively new tool for dealing with the human condition, it has been around for centuries, and the human body has specific endocanabinoid systems for utilizing it.It seems likely that this amazing plant extract will only continue to grow in popularity.