CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Over the past few years, CBD has become increasingly popular as a natural remedy for a variety of health concerns. But what exactly is CBD, and how does it work?
CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a "high" or alter your state of mind. CBD is typically extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis with low levels of THC.
What Does CBD Stand For?
CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one out of a hundred compounds, also known as "cannabinoids," found in the cannabis plant. Most people automatically assume that if it's cannabis, it gets you high, but that is not the case with CBD. CBD is not a psychoactive compound, but its sister cannabinoid isn't.
Marijuana (Cannabis Indica) is famous worldwide as the strain of Cannabis that gets you high. The reason that is possible is due to the high concentration of THC naturally found in the plant.
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive cannabinoid. When taken internally, it can cause an altered sense of time, a desire to eat, impaired body movement, memory loss, and difficulty thinking.
There are also positive benefits of taking THC. THC can help reduce nausea, improve comfort levels, reduce inflammation, and reduce unhealthy mood levels. Industrial hemp (Cannabis Sativa) is well known for its high concentration of CBD. Industrial hemp was a popular crop back in the 1700s.
Hemp was used to make rope, clothes, and other textiles. Industrial Hemp is grown today for the sole purpose of gathering CBD and other cannabinoids.
How Does CBD Work?
When CBD is taken orally, the body absorbs the CBD, and our endocannabinoid system processes it. The endocannabinoid system syncs with our body's nervous system to distribute CBD to CB1 and CB2 receptors primarily found in the brain, organs, immune system, and tissues.
Cannabinoids like CBD interact with these receptors to produce both physiological and psychological effects. The endocannabinoid system primarily responds to endogenous cannabinoids (those produced naturally in the human body).
Only recently has science confirmed that this system also responds to external cannabinoids such as CBD. Interestingly, CBD can influence certain endogenous cannabinoids by heightening their natural benefits.
What Is The Endocannabinoid System?
Take anandamide, for example, the first endocannabinoid to be identified by scientists. Anandamide is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that plays a role in pleasure and motivation.
CBD creates higher levels of anandamide through inhibition of the enzyme Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH). The reduced rate of anandamide breakdown by FAAH results in higher levels of the cannabinoid in the brain.
The CB1 and CB2 receptors are still a very new discovery by modern scientific standards, with knowledge of their existence first appearing in 1990 and 1993, respectively.
CB1 receptors are located throughout the body, but more so in the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the nervous system, with only a few in the brain.
A common misconception is that CBD "binds" to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This isn't accurate, as CBD indirectly affects these receptors (CB1 and CB2) by activating others that assist bodily functions.
It's interesting to note that THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, thereby stimulating dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high.
The Entourage Effect
CBD and THC are remarkably similar, having the same chemical formula but with different atoms. This slight variance in structure gives THC its psychoactive properties. While THC and CBD have therapeutic effects, CBD's non-psychoactive nature makes it more accessible and acceptable.
Despite this, numerous studies indicate an "entourage effect" whereby THC and CBD, among other cannabinoids, work together to enhance their overall effectiveness. This is why whole plant or full spectrum oils contain a minuscule amount of THC and tend to be popular.
One of the more interesting examples of CBD/THC interactivity is curbing the psychoactive effects of THC by CBD, as reported by some users. While more research is needed in this area, anecdotal evidence suggests that coupling a high dose of THC with CBD can mitigate unwanted adverse side effects.
Now that we understand how CBD works. What are the benefits of CBD?
What Are The Benefits of CBD?
It's great to know what CBD stands for, but more importantly, what does it do? CBD oil continues to gain popularity as a natural remedy for a variety of health concerns. Researchers are beginning to explore its potential therapeutic benefits. From discomfort, mood, sleep, and some studies have suggested that CBD may have a range of potential health benefits.
Discomfort
One of the most well-known potential benefits of CBD is its ability to reduce discomfort. Studies suggest that CBD may help reduce discomfort by interacting with receptors in the brain and immune system, reducing inflammation and improving the body's natural pain response.
CBD has been shown to be effective in reducing discomfort associated with certain health conditions. Additionally, unlike many traditional pain medications, CBD is non-addictive and does not produce the same side effects or risk of dependency. As a result, many people are turning to CBD as a natural alternative for discomfort relief and recovery.
Mood
CBD may also have potential benefits for improving mood. By interacting with receptors in the brain that regulate mood and emotions, CBD may help regulate mood and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being.
In one study, CBD was found to be effective in reducing social distress in people with a social disorder. Additionally, because CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a "high" or alter one's state of mind, it may be a safe and effective option for those seeking relief from mood disorders.
Sleep
Another potential benefit of CBD is its ability to improve sleep. CBD may help improve sleep quality by improving mood, promoting relaxation, and reducing discomfort that can interfere with sleep.
Additionally, because CBD is non-addictive and does not produce the same sedative effects as many traditional sleep aids, it may be a safer and more natural option for improving sleep.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits that CBD has to offer, the growing body of research is promising.
What CBD Product Is Right For You?
After reading through the article this far, if CBD sounds like something you feel you might benefit from, it's important to find a CBD product that best meets that need. Not all cannabis products are created equal, and what works for one person may not work for another.
The effectiveness of CBD can depend on a few factors, such as age, gender, weight, and height. CBD comes in various forms like oil tinctures, edibles, capsules, or topicals.
Tinctures tend to be the most effective due to the application method of inserting the oil under the tongue. This method is effective because the CBD is quickly absorbed by the blood vessels under the tongue.
Make sure to purchase a CBD strength that best meets the needs of your body. The CBD strength on the front of the bottle lets you know how much CBD is in the entire bottle.
Make sure to know what the per-serving strength is before purchasing. If you purchase a product that delivers a minimal amount, it may not be enough to meet your needs.
Click here to learn more about picking the right CBD product for you.
Sum It Up!
What does CBD stand for? CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and is typically extracted from hemp, a variety of cannabis with low levels of THC.
CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which responds to both endogenous cannabinoids produced naturally in the human body and external cannabinoids such as CBD.
The potential therapeutic benefits of CBD include reducing discomfort, improving mood, and aiding sleep. The article notes the "entourage effect," where THC and CBD work together to enhance their overall effectiveness.
Why You Should Choose Zatural
Zatural sells a collection of CBD and Hemp products that a Naturopathic doctor crafted. Each product has therapeutic benefits that can assist in increasing your overall health and wellness. Each product is made in a GMP-compliant facility and is free from harmful fillers and additives.
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