A Deep Dive Into CBD

Cannabis used to be something people passed around in the shadows; something your parents wagged their finger at. But now that it’s been legalized and studied, we’re starting to see all the potential benefits from this complex plant. 

Cannabis has become part of the medical and wellness community, and CBD (or cannabidiol) is a hot topic these days. You’ll find this cannabinoid in everything from tea bags to joints. 

But you might be wondering: what is CBD exactly, and how is it different from THC? We’re going to dive into everything we know about cannabidiol so far:

How Does CBD Work?

Have you heard of the endocannabinoid system? The ECS in your body aims to maintain homeostasis (a balanced, stable state). It regulates things like your:

Throughout your body, there are endocannabinoid receptors. They’re found in the brain, spinal cord, and the immune system. Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) bind to these receptors. Then, they create the varied effects that cannabis is known for.

Why Is CBD Different Than THC?

THC and CBD: these two cannabinoids go hand-in-hand. One causes primarily psychoactive effects, while the other does not. But why is that?

THC binds to the CB1 receptor to create psychoactive effects. But with CBD, the route is not as simple; it hardly binds to the CB1 receptors at all. This may be why CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Instead of creating a “high”, CBD affects the body in different ways.

What Are The Reported Effects Of CBD?

Before we get into this section, a quick disclaimer: the effects of cannabis are incredibly subjective. Your experience will vary based on things like the dosage, route of administration, and your genetics.

You and a friend can consume the same amount of CBD and still have two different experiences. Whenever you’re using cannabis products, we recommend starting with a low dosage; if you desire stronger effects, wait at least one hour before consuming more. 

That being said, here are a few effects that consumers commonly report after consuming CBD:

When CBD products are consumed with other cannabinoids (like the ever-popular THC), it can create an entourage effect. The effects of each cannabinoid synergize to create a more powerful experience. 

What Is CBD Used For?

Much of the research on CBD is preliminary. But what we’ve learned so far gives us an exciting glimpse into the future. A few medical applications of CBD include:

• Epidiolex. This medication is approved to treat two rare forms of epilepsy. It’s a prescription cannabidiol product that is taken orally. Epidiolex can be taken by those 2 years and older.
• Anti-inflammatory. One study demonstrated that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can potentially be used for pain relief. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
• Anti-anxiety. CBD acts on the body’s nervous system. For some consumers, they have reported that this can have a calming effect, which may help reduce anxiety. Remember to always contact your health care professional and discuss your medical issues with them before using cannabinoids to treat any illness or disease. 

There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and we’re only beginning to learn more about them. As more research emerges about CBD, we’ll be excited to share it with our readers.