The only way you could have missed the popularity of CBD at this point is if you were actively not paying attention. CBD has become something like a gold rush, given its massive spike in popularity. Surveys have shown that 1 in 7 Americans – almost 15% – have tried the compound as of August 2019. That number has certainly risen since then. Estimates vary about how much money the CBD industry will generate on an annual basis, but most put that number at well north of $20 billion in the next few years.
CBD’s popularity comes despite the fact that many don’t fully understand how the compound works exactly. That’s unfortunate, as people should always have an idea of how something works before they use it. As such, here’s an overview of what CBD is, how it works, and how it interacts with your body’s Endocannabinoid System.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a cannabinoid, which is a specific type of chemical compound that is known to have a specified impact on humans and animals. There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids, but CBD is arguably the second most well-known one – second only to THC. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the cannabinoid in marijuana associated with intoxication.
CBD comes from the hemp plant. This is different than marijuana, which comes from a marijuana plant. CBD should not be confused with marijuana, has CBD use will not result in any type of intoxication.
There are many methods of CBD extraction, and how the compound is actually extracted from the plant will ultimately determine its quality, quantity, and method of consumption. Indeed, one of the most appealing aspects of CBD is its ability to be highly flexible. There are many methods of CBD ingestion, including edibles, tinctures, vaping, capsules, creams, balms, and more. How you consume CBD will ultimately impact your experience with the compound, as to how you consume it will impact the speed of absorption, and thus how quickly you experience its impact.
According to a study produced by the WHO (World Health Organization), CBD is safe, non-addictive, and has no potential for abuse. Some people do experience mild to moderate side effects when they use CBD, so if you are using it for the first time, you should be ready to manage any of the ill effects that come as a result of your CBD use.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
Every advanced creature – including all humans and animals – have an Endocannabinoid System. Your Endocannabinoid System is generally associated with keeping your body in a state of homeostasis, meaning keeping your body stable. It has a moderating impact on a variety of systems and physical sensations. As a result, your Endocannabinoid System is involved in the regulation of a variety of functions that you are very familiar with, including pain, sleep, temperature, stress levels, hunger and more.
This system, first identified by researchers in the early 1990s, has multiple components. These include:
- Cannabinoids that your body creates
- Receptors for these cannabinoids. These receptors are found throughout body
- Enzymes that destroy cannabinoids
Scientists have, thus far, identified two different receptors in the Endocannabinoid System, though it is possible there are additional receptors. They are known as CB1 and CB2. The activation of each of these receptors can produce different effects – some positive, and some negative. For example, activating CB1 may assist with reducing depression, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation. CB2 activation is often associated with the immune system and disease reduction.
Your Endocannabinoid System works like other neurotransmitters. Cannabinoids are created in your body, then bind with the appropriate cannabinoid receptor. The best way to picture this is like a lock and key: The correct cannabinoid (key) will be inserted into a receptor (lock), thus causing a chemical reaction. Upon the conclusion of a reaction, enzymes break down the cannabinoids, ending the reaction.
How does CBD impact your Endocannabinoid System?
CBD works differently than other cannabinoids when it comes to how to affect your Endocannabinoid System. It is important to realize that CBD does not, in and of itself, bind with your cannabinoid receptors. This is different from other cannabinoids, like THC, and may help to explain why CBD’s impact on your body is more subtle.
Instead, CBD strengthens the bond between your cannabinoids and these receptors. It also causes the reaction to take place for a longer period of time. This, in turn, can “exaggerate” the positive effects of your Endocannabinoid System.
What effects does this have on your body?
If the research noted above is true, it follows that CBD activation may have numerous positive impacts on your body. Indeed, some research conducted has identified numerous potential positive impacts that CBD can have, potentially assisting with reducing depression and stress levels, pain relief, skin care, inflammation reduction, and more. All of this is believed to be directly tied to the impact that CBD has on your Endocannabinoid System.
It is important to note that all of the above impacts have yet to be confirmed or approved by the United States FDA. At the moment, it is against Food & Drug Administration regulations to make medical claims about the impact that CBD can have on your body. There is one exception to that: Epidiolex. Epidiolex was approved by the FDA for the treatment and management of seizure disorders in children. It is a CBD-based drug and the first of its kind to be able to be legally prescribed within the United States.
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