How Does CBD Work in The Body: Explained
|
|
Time: 4 min
Introduction
So, you're curious about how does CBD work in the body? It's a common question. How does CBD oil work, and what does it even do? Let's explore this together.
I used to deal with nagging anxiety. A friend of mine suggested CBD oil, but I was skeptical. I thought to myself, “Isn't it just cannabis without the psychoactive effects?” I was mistaken. And after trying it and doing the research, I figured it is time to share it with you.
Table of Content
Introduction What is CBD? How Does CBD Work in the Body? The Endocannabinoid System CBD and Its Potential Benefits CBD and Pain Management CBD for Mental Well-being What Does CBD Feel Like? CBD: Safety and Considerations Different Forms of CBD and How to Use Them Conclusion FAQs about How Does CBD Work in The Body
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. It won't get you high. This is because it differs from THC, marijuana's psychoactive component. CBD and THC are like siblings with different personalities.
How Does CBD Work in the Body? The Endocannabinoid System
CBD interacts with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This complex network of receptors helps regulate functions like:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Pain
- Inflammation
While CBD doesn't directly bind to the main ECS receptors (CB1 and CB2), it influences them indirectly, affecting our natural endocannabinoid levels. It inhibits the FAAH enzyme (fatty-acid amide hydrolase).
CBD and Its Potential Benefits
Research shows that this healing cannabinoid - CBD may offer various health benefits for numerous health problems. I've found it helpful for my anxiety. Scientific evidence suggests CBD may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially helping conditions like arthritis and offering pain relief. CBD is being studied for its potential to improve sleep quality, manage chronic pain, and relieve anxiety and insomnia.
CBD and Pain Management
Research focuses on CBD for chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain from nerve damage. Some report reduced muscle spasticity. Early studies suggest that CBD products could relieve arthritis-related pain and inflammation, helping with joint pain.
CBD for Mental Well-being
Many explore CBD for mental health. Studies are investigating its role in managing anxiety, possibly aiding conditions like Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease.
What Does CBD Feel Like?
CBD promotes relaxation without the "high" of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It offers a calming effect to help manage stress. Does CBD oil work for every health condition? Not necessarily, but research continues to explore its potential, and many find it beneficial. CBD helps in many ways.
CBD: Safety and Considerations
While generally safe, consider a few things about CBD. The EMA doesn't regulate CBD products like medications. Look for third-party tested products to confirm purity and potency.
Research shows acute CBD use alone is unlikely to affect daily life. The World Health Organization highlights naturally occurring CBD's safety and tolerability, with no public health problems linked to its purified form.
Talk to your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you take other medications, to avoid interactions. This is important if you take blood thinners; CBD could increase the risk of bleeding.
Start with a low dose and gradually increase it. CBD and other medications could compete for liver enzymes that break down drugs. This interaction can change how your body processes these substances.
In Other Words: CBD is generally safe, but it’s not regulated like medicine by the EMA, so always choose third-party tested products for quality. The World Health Organization confirms that purified CBD is safe and doesn’t cause public health issues. If you’re on medications, especially blood thinners, talk to your doctor first, as CBD can interact with how your body processes certain drugs. Start with a low dose and increase gradually to see how it works for you.
Different Forms of CBD and How to Use Them
CBD comes in various forms:
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Gummies
- Topicals
Experiment to find what suits you. Oils or tinctures under the tongue might act faster. Gummies are discreet. Topical creams provide localized relief, good for muscle soreness. If using CBD products, it's best to avoid alcohol. This is because CBD can increase blood levels of alcohol and certain other medications.
Conclusion
As more people use CBD for chronic pain, anxiety relief, or promote better sleep, understanding how CBD works is vital. CBD may offer an effective treatment for certain conditions, like pain relief. It's about discovering what works for you.
Understanding CBD's interaction with our systems could improve lives. Medical cannabis, including both hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD has demonstrated therapeutic potential. Many individuals, seeking more than just a solution to a specific issue, have also explored CBD to support overall men's health. Some also seek its possible health benefits for issues like breast cancer and the management of symptoms associated with diseases like Dravet Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis. Human studies are ongoing. Scientists are working hard to add to our scientific evidence base and understanding of the cannabis plant. Research is examining if and how CBD works in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
"The plant knows best. If you’re trying to heal from something, nature is always the answer."
FAQs about How Does CBD Work in The Body
How does CBD affect your body?
CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate important functions like mood, pain, inflammation, and sleep. Unlike THC, it won’t get you high but instead works to promote balance in your body, helping you feel more stable, relaxed, and better equipped to handle daily stress.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors (CB1 and CB2) in your body that keeps things like stress, immune response, and pain in balance. CBD supports this system by interacting with these receptors, helping reduce inflammation, calm stress, or ease discomfort.
How long does CBD take to work in your body?
How fast CBD works depends on the method you use. Vaping or oils under your tongue can work within 10-20 minutes for quick effects, while edibles or capsules may take 30-90 minutes as your body digests them. Always give it time and adjust your dose if needed.
Author: Edijs Eleksis
Growing up in a country where cannabis was stigmatized and even shamed, Edijs faced many roadblocks to get to enjoy the benefits of this plant. However, as more countries worldwide are opening up to the idea of cannabis-available society, Edijs is inspired to take on a mission: spreading awareness about cannabis and its industry in Europe through engaging, educational blog content. Because only with more information, humans as a collective, can make decisions that are better for all of us!
