CBD seems to be the answer for everything these days. From sleeping disorders, to pain and even anxiety, CBD can fix it all. A question most people have is “How can this one product help in so many ways?” The answer lies within our body’s endocannabinoid system. While we are still learning about the endocannabinoid system research has shown it is part of the nervous system and helps to regulate the cells in our body.
The Endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system is broken down into three components: cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes
Cannabinoids receptors lie on the surface of our cells. Endocannabinoids are the molecules that activate those cannabinoid receptors, and the metabolic enzymes break down endocannabinoids after our body as utilized them.
So how do all these components work together? The cannabinoid receptors are located on the surface of cells and monitor the conditions outside of the cell. These receptors convey information about the changing conditions to the inside of the cell which responds accordingly.
There are several types of receptors, but the two major receptors studied are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are those most active in the brain. These receptors are responsible for interacting with THC to give humans the euphoric feeling associated with being “high”. However, it is essential to note that CBD does NOT have high enough levels of THC to get you high.
CB2 receptors are most commonly found outside the nervous system, but they can be found everywhere throughout the body.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that then bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors. Essentially, THC does the same, but endocannabinoids are created naturally in the human body.
Lastly, we have the metabolic enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids within the endocannabinoid system once they are used. These metabolic enzymes function to make sure endocannabinoids get used only when the body is in need and destroy them when not.
The endocannabinoid system enhances communication between all of these components.
What does the endocannabinoid system do?
So, what is the specific function of the endocannabinoid system?
As a whole, the endocannabinoid system controls a wide variety of our body’s functions, including sleep, mood, temperature, pain, memory, appetite, and more. When your health takes a turn, the endocannabinoid system kicks in to release natural cannabinoids that balance your body so you can function regularly.
Effects and Benefits
A common misconception people have about CBD is that since it is derived from marijuana that it would give you a high like THC. Although CBD and THC come from the same plant, CBD contains very little or no THC, the substance that gives you the sensation of being high.
When using marijuana, the THC attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which is what gives people the psychoactive effects mentioned above. However, CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, so it cannot create a high. It is also important to know that since CBD barely contains THC, CBD is completely legal and safe to use with consent of your primary care provider.
Those who use CBD say that you feel a sense of calm or relaxation, relief from pain or anxiety, and a boost in mood. A large dose of CBD can make you drowsy, but in small amounts, it can actually perk you up and make you more alert. Here are some of the most common reasons for people to use CBD:
- Promote relaxation
- Ease anxiety and stress
- Boost mood
- Comfort
- Pain relief
- Alertness
- Sleepiness (in high doses)
CBD has been proven to help with quite a few health conditions. While CBD is not a treatment for most of these health conditions, it does provide some relief of symptoms. Here are some of the most common health conditions CBD is used for:
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Side effects of Chemotherapy
- Neurological disorders
Different Types of CBD Products
Once you’ve decided to give CBD a try, the first step is finding the right product that will work best for you. There are several different types of products in various forms. Here are the most popular:
CBD Oil
CBD oil very well might be the most popular form of CBD. The CBD comes in a liquid form with a dropper. You place the dropper underneath your tongue, and it is then absorbed by the body. CBD in its oil form is such a popular product because of its versatility. You can take as much or as little CBD oil as you wish, and the CBD is distributed evenly throughout the bottle.
CBD Creams
CBD creams and lotions are excellent for any physical pain, such as muscle and joint pain. These lotions and creams provide relief to the area of pain and often contain ingredients such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus.
Although these products are typically used for pain, they could also be used to treat skin conditions like eczema.
CBD capsules and pills
CBD capsules are similar to CBD oil, but basically just in a capsule form that might be easier for consumption. CBD capsules and pills are used to ease a variety of symptoms, much like its other forms. Many people prefer to take CBD capsules because it is an easy addition to their daily vitamin routine. CBD pills are great to take on the go and are easy to swallow. Additionally, with CBD capsules, you don’t have to pay much attention to the dosage since the capsules contain a specified amount of CBD.
CBD Edibles
Some people prefer to consume their vitamins in the form of a gummy, which is exactly what CBD edibles are! Gummies come in small doses and, of course, are yummy to chew and swallow.
CBD For Furry Friends
Yes, you can get CBD products which are safe for your to use, too! CBD works on pets much in the same way it does the human body. To learn more about CBD for pets, check out our previous blog!
CBD Catalog: Providing you with all your CBD needs
CBD is a safe and legal product that can be used to treat several conditions. Want to learn more about our products? Contact our team, or, if you are ready to give CBD a try, check out our CBD Catalog of products.