Here Is Exactly How CBD Works (Updated for 2021)

If you’re wondering how CBD works, you’re in the right place. Read on to find out…

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It also happens to be the second most famous cannabinoid after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people feel “high.” Unlike THC, CBD has no intoxicating properties, so it’s not psychoactive.

Better yet, scientific evidence shows that CBD can counter the psychoactive effects of THC, including elevated anxiety caused by overconsumption of THC. CBD derived from hemp is gaining a lot of attention for its therapeutic properties without mild-altering effects. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, they found CBD to be safe and well-tolerated in humans.

What Is CBD Used for?

CBD has been touted as a remedy for an extensive range of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence for its use is as an effective treatment for epilepsy, including a rare childhood epilepsy syndrome that’s non-responsive to anti-seizure medications. Numerous studies concluded that CBD can reduce the frequency of seizures, and in some cases, stop the seizures altogether.

As a result, Epidiolex, which contains CBD as a treatment option for some types of epilepsy, recently got FDA approval.

While more human studies and research are needed to better understand how CBD works, there’s preliminary evidence that it may be useful in managing conditions ranging from chronic pain and inflammation to insomnia, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease.

How CBD Works

CBD interacts with receptors in the central nervous system. Some evidence shows it to have a calming effect. It may also serve as an anti-inflammatory and provide pain relief for people suffering from acute or chronic pain.

People are turning to CBD as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs to relieve their symptoms. For people with anxiety and depression, CBD may help them avoid the typical side effects of conventional medication. For people seeking relief from chronic pain, CBD offers the potential to avoid highly addictive pain medication.

Is CBD Legal?

The legality of CBD largely depends on whether it comes from hemp or the marijuana plant. In other words, what matters is the levels of THC. In 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the Farm Bill, making the commercial production of hemp and hemp-derived CBD legal nationwide. Hemp-derived CBD comes from industrial hemp plants; under federal law, a hemp plant must have 0.3% THC or less.

On the other hand, CBD extracted from marijuana tends to contain THC levels higher than 0.3%. While some states have varying laws, marijuana-based CBD products are illegal at the federal level.

How to Take CBD

CBD is readily available in most parts of the country as oils, supplements, lotions, or gummies, and you can often purchase these products online. CBD oil is a popular form of CBD. Most oils come from industrial hemp and are made by extracting Cannabidiol from the cannabis plant. Consumers can take CBD oil orally or topically by adding it to moisturizers.

It’s crucial to note that hemp-derived CBD oil differs from hemp oil. Hemp oil doesn’t contain any cannabinoids and comes from the seeds of the cannabis plant.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) plays a crucial role in balancing our bodies’ most critical functions, from appetite and mood to sleep, bowel movements, and more. Scientists discovered the ECS in the 1990s when researching cannabinoids produced by the human body.

The ECS is a complex system and when in balance, offers health and wellness. Its primary role is to maintain homeostasis – biological harmony in response to changes such as mental and physical stress.

Scientific research has established the ECS to be present in mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and more. While initial research showed endocannabinoid receptors to be present only in the brain and nerves, recent studies reveal they can be found throughout the entire body, including the skin.

Today, we know that the ECS is involved in several body processes, making endocannabinoids arguably one of the most widespread and versatile molecules.

CBD and the ECS

The human body naturally produces its own endocannabinoids, but like any other nutrient, you may have a deficiency and need extra support. This is where the cannabis plant comes in. It produces phytocannabinoids that also interact with your ECS.

Unlike other cannabinoids, CBD doesn’t bind to the receptors in the ECS. However, scientists believe it interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors.

The exact way CBD affects receptors isn’t fully understood, but scientists think it helps balance the ECS by preventing the breakdown of the body’s own endocannabinoids. That way, the body can utilize more of what it’s already naturally producing.

Final Thoughts

How CBD works needs to be deeply researched to reveal its full potential. As scientists prepare to study cannabinoids further, it’s only a matter of time until CBD makes it mainstream on an international level. As research on CBD continues, more states may consider legalizing cannabis products, leading to wider availability.

If you’re interested in using CBD, talk to your healthcare provider about whether it’s a good idea and do plenty of research on how to obtain it safely. CBD oil comes in various strengths and may interact with your existing supplements or medications, so you want to keep your doctor informed at all times.

With the CBD industry being relatively young, there’s no shortage of fly-by-night companies looking to make a quick buck. To be on the safe side, be sure to get products from a reputable organization.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative and that you now have a better understanding of how CBD works.

At Saha Self-Care, we strive to make the world a better place for everyone by offering natural relief products that help our customers live healthy, productive lives. We never compromise on the quality of our products and services.

Text us today at (800) 558-8508 or email our friendly team at support@sahaselfcare.com for more information on how CBD works and if it’s right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.