Cannabidiol has received quite the media coverage in recent years. Often known as CBD, it is one of the many natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, which are commonly referred to as cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is the key psychoactive component found in cannabis that induces the sensation of feeling “high.”
Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. However, both elements have their own unique benefits and potential that are often overlooked, especially CBD. Ready to learn more about these incredible compounds? Let’s dig a little deeper.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The Endocannabinoid System primarily consists of two components. The first includes endocannabinoid receptors present on the cells’ surface throughout the body. The second includes the endocannabinoids, which interact with the receptors.
Anandamide, a well-known endocannabinoid, is responsible for the creation and uptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood. This molecule also induces “runner’s high.” Experts are still researching the ECS to understand it better. Nevertheless, we still have enough information to know that it helps regulate different bodily processes and functions, including;
- Memory
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Fertility and Reproduction
CBD is known to act as stimuli for the cannabinoid receptors present in the immune system, gut, and brain. This interacts directly with our ECS, improving its overall function. Consumption can also activate the endocannabinoid system present in the brain and the nervous system.
The ECS comprises three main elements: enzymes, receptors, and endocannabinoids.
- Endocannabinoids – These are molecules produced by your body similar to cannabinoids. Main endocannabinoids include AEA and 2-AG. They are responsible for helping the body’s internal functions remain smooth.
- Endocannabinoid Receptors – These receptors are present throughout our body. Endocannabinoids cling to these receptors to signal the ECS when action is needed. CB1 and CB2 are key receptors found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively.
- Enzymes – These ensure that the endocannabinoids have completely broken down once their function is complete. These include monoacylglycerol acid lipase and amide hydrolase.
Further research is still necessary to confirm exactly how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, and the extent of the interaction. However, early research has established that CBD doesn’t cling to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way that THC does.
Rather, it works by preventing endocannabinoids from breaking down. This possibly makes them more effective on the body. Taking that into consideration, studies show us that CBD can help manage nausea, pain, and symptoms of different other diseases.
Benefits of Using CBD
CBD is most commonly used in the form of oil to manage the symptoms of various health conditions. It is extracted from the cannabis plant and added to a carrier oil like coconut oil to promote faster absorption. In the wellness world, CBD is gaining more recognition for its possible benefits. Here, we will be discussing science-backed benefits.
CBD and Pain Relief
Using cannabis to treat pain is a practice that dates all the way back to 2900 BC. Research shows that using potent CBD may help relieve chronic pain by affecting the endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing and relieving inflammation. Another study indicated that oral CBD given to rats helps minimize pain caused by a surgical incision.
A source of comfort for those dealing with Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are common disorders that can be hard to deal with if not properly addressed and left untreated. Today, most people dealing with these conditions rely on pharmaceutical drugs that, unfortunately, often come with undesirable side effects. These side effects can include insomnia, irritation, and lethargy, among many others.
CBD has been shown to improve overall mental health and wellbeing for those dealing with depression and anxiety. This has sparked the interest of many as it shows potential to be a natural alternative to conventional medicine.
In a clinical study conducted in Brazil, participants received a dose of oral CBD or a placebo before performing a public-speaking experiment. Experts concluded that the CBD dose was most effective in substantially calming the participants’ nerves. However, the placebo had little to no effect on the candidates’ anxiety levels.
CBD and Mood
CBD can help support emotional stability. Studies show that CBD interacts with the ECS to affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the body’s serotonin levels. A bad mood is often associated with low serotonin levels in the body. Clinical studies have indicated that CBD, which is natural and non addictive, interacts with serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and can cause enhanced feelings of well-being.
CBD and Sleep
CBD can also assist users in improving their sleep cycles. Many people like to take CBD before going to sleep so they can wake up feeling energized and refreshed the next day. In a study involving insomnia patients, using CBD to help with better sleeping habits led to reduced sleeplessness.
Which CBD Products to Use?
When it comes to CBD, you should know the difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD Isolate products. Full-spectrum CBD products contain multiple extracts derived from cannabis plants, such as essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids naturally found within them. The synergistic effects of these cannabinoids and other compounds lead to what is known as the entourage effect, where accessory cannabinoids interact with each other and amplify their effect.
Broad-spectrum CBD products allow you to enjoy the benefits of the entourage effect minus the small amounts of THC. The THC is carefully removed, leaving you with a still potent and highly effective CBD product.
Pure CBD is referred to as CBD isolate, but it lacks all the beneficial terpenes and other beneficial cannabinoids naturally present in the plant. Since they are the least effective form of CBD, they also tend to be the least expensive.
CBD is separated during the chemical extraction process, and all other cannabinoids are removed during the chemical extraction process. In the absence of these beneficial cannabinoids, you will not be able to experience all the benefits and the superior entourage effect.
That is because the compound may help us in three important ways:
- Improve our body’s ability to absorb good chemicals
- Fight the defense mechanism of bacteria
- Enhance the absorption of cannabinoids as well improve their efficacy
The CO2 extraction method helps maintain the overall quality and effectiveness of cannabinoids and terpenes. This method utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide to take out the desired components from the cannabis plant. When used at a particular pressure and temperature, CO2 acts as a solvent and is seen as one of the most effective and safest extraction methods out there. The method is also FDA-approved and is commonly used in the food, wellness, and supplement industry.
It is also very important to purchase CBD products that are premium quality and from a brand that has and is transparent about third-party lab testing. A good company will always provide its consumers with up-to-date lab test reports for their batches to ensure ultimate transparency.
For organic CBD products made with the best raw material and techniques, check out Beni Bush. You can choose from a variety of high-quality broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products that are free of any heavy metals, pesticides, molds, and preservatives. Their full-spectrum products are also tested to assure that they do not contain more than the legal limit of 0.3% THC in them.
