HOW DOES CBD WORK?

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

CBD interacts with an internal system in lifeforms called the endocannabinoid system. The purported health benefits become clear as it interacts with the enzymes, receptors, and cannabinoids of the endocannabinoid system.

The cannabinoid is touted as safe in appropriate dosages, and since most people seem to tolerate it, its popularity seems to climb the ladder. There is a lot yet to be unveiled about CBD, including how it works. How does CBD work or interact with the body? This study explores what the available research has to say about this.

Understanding CBD

Despite its popularity, not everyone knows what it is, which is why this section addresses this concern. CBD is a chemical substance and an active compound in cannabis plants. Cannabis plants have more than 113 active compounds, and CBD is one. Unlike its sister, THC, another abundant cannabinoid, CBD does not have psychoactive properties, partially explaining why many people are drawn to it.

Types of CBD

Knowing the various types of CBD available helps you know what to go for the next time you need the cannabinoid for any reason. You can enjoy CBD as edibles (mints, lozenges, gummies), oils, tinctures, vapes (vape cartridges, vape tanks, and vape pens), capsules & softgels, and topicals (serums, lotions, shampoos, creams, etc.). for almost each of these products, you can have CBD in the following three formulations;

  1. Full-spectrum CBD; has CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and additional cannabinoids, including the psychoactive THC, CBC, CBT, CBC, and CBN. Because of the many compounds, the full-spectrum CBD is linked to the full entourage effect, which has everything to do with the benefits linked to CBD.
  2. Broad-spectrum CBD; comprises CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and additional cannabinoids as in full-spectrum CBD and is linked to the full entourage effect, even though it does not have the psychoactive THC. It makes a good alternative for people who want the full entourage effect of multi-cannabinoid CBD but want nothing to do with the psychoactive THC.
  3. Isolate-based CBD; contains CBD as the only cannabinoid and does not have terpenes and flavonoids. Although it is not linked to a full entourage effect, isolate-based CBD is a better alternative for people who want to enjoy CBD without THC or the earthy nature of whole-plant hemp extracts.

How Does CBD Work?

Various CBD studies have explored the working of CBD in the body, and they seem to revolve around one thing- the endocannabinoid system.

According to Lee (2011), the human system has a network of cannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes collectively called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that bind with phytocannabinoids, including THC and CBD. The receptors include CB1 and CB2, and when one takes CBD or its product, the cannabinoids bind on the receptors. Furthermore, the receptors are found in many critical organs of the body, so the ECS influences many processes and functions, including sleep, pain, moods, hormonal secretion, and emotions. The study also mentions that the infusion of CBD into the body and its interaction with the receptors affect these processes and functions, and the receptors are in a corrective mechanism mode. Below are what studies say about CBD and its relation with some processes.

CBD and Pain

One of the commonest reasons people use CBD is to fight pain, although there is insufficient evidence to support these pains. According to Uberall (2020), using CBD oromucosal sprays on areas affected by neuropathic pain may reduce pain. People have been using CBD oil and its products, including topicals, capsules, and tinctures. Still, there are many knowledge gaps surrounding CBD studies, so we cannot recommend the cannabinoid for any chronic or acute pain.

CBD for Skin

Skin is the largest organ in the body, and everyone wants to have it in good health. However, many conditions affect it, including psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and acne. While some go away fast and leave no memories, many have to deal with their skin conditions for as long as they are alive. Yet, the itching, cracking, and discomfort that comes with some skin conditions may be unbearable, so people look for better alternatives. According to Baswan et al. (2020), CBD may provide relief for skin conditions. Some people are allergic to CBD products, and there are risks linked to the cannabinoid, which is why a person needs to seek advice from his doctor before trying any CBD items.

CBD for Sleep

People struggle to get sleep, especially because of pain, stress, anxiety, or exhaustion. There are many sleep supplements, mostly featuring the neurotransmitter melatonin. Even so, not everyone has improved his sleep with these supplements. Besides, others are looking for more natural ways to improve sleep and wonder whether CBD might help. According to Chagas et al. (2014), CBD oil may help increase sleep time. There is a need for further studies to prove the efficacy of CBD for sleep.

Conclusion

A lot is yet to be understood about CBD, including how it functions. Currently, studies point towards the endocannabinoid system, a network of enzymes, receptors, and cannabinoids that bind with external cannabinoids such as CBD.The phytocannabinoids like CBD influence various functions and processes, including pain, sleep, and skin conditions. There is a need for further research to prove these claims, and because of the many knowledge gaps surrounding CBD, a person should consult a doctor.

References

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927

Chagas, M. H., Eckeli, A. L., Zuardi, A. W., Pena‐Pereira, M. A., Sobreira‐Neto, M. A., Sobreira, E. T., … & Crippa, J. A. S. (2014). Cannabidiol Can Improve Complex Sleep‐Related Behaviours Associated With Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behaviour Disorder In Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Case Series. Journal Of Clinical Pharmacy And Therapeutics, 39(5), 564-566

Überall, M. A. (2020). A Review Of Scientific Evidence For THC: CBD Oromucosal Spray (Nabiximols) In The Management Of Chronic Pain. Journal Of Pain Research, 13, 399.

Work- Lee, M. A. (2011). CBD: How It Works. O’Shaughnessy’s [Internet]

Ieva Kubiliute
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Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

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