THE SCIENCE BEHIND CBD

THE SCIENCE BEHIND CBD

CBD  works by interacting with a signaling system called the endocannabinoid system, after which it controls critical processes and functions, including appetite, mood changes, emotions, sleep, pain, and fertility. The time it takes CBD to produce results, how long it takes to clear from the system, and how long it stays active once you take it to depend on many factors discussed in this article.

CBD is widely featured in the media, social media platforms, news, and adverts online. It is either recommended as an add-in booster to your coffee, a great additive to your sauteed vegetable, or a great supplement for your fitness and exercise routine. Consequently, you get interested in the product and feel compelled to try it. However, you need to know much, primarily the science of CBD or how it works. Before incorporating it into your regimen, this article helps you understand CBD, how it works, how long it stays in the system, and other critical details.

Understanding CBD

CBD is an active compound and one of the many components (cannabinoids) in cannabis plants. CBD comes from marijuana or hemp, although most brands use hemp to ensure the resulting extract has minimal THC. THC is another cannabinoid that’s abundant but has psychoactive effects and is linked to the high effect. Many consumers prefer CBD for its non-psychoactive effect, meaning that you do not get high from taking CBD oil.

The Science Behind CBD Oil

Much is not known about how CBD works, but most scientists believe that human beings and other life forms have a signaling system called an endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS comprises enzymes, cannabinoids, and receptors distributed all over the body in the brain, central & nervous systems, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, and other critical areas. According to Cooray et al. (2020), the ECS is the target of any drug or chemical substance one takes. It interacts with THC and CBD, two endocannabinoids. Earlier,McPartland et al. (2015) examined the ECS and noted it interacts with CBD and THC.

Naturally, the ECS receptors located in the critical organs all over the body control the enzymes and neurotransmitters to influence moods, emotions, sleep, fertility, reproduction, satiety, etc. The body naturally produces cannabinoids for the ECS, and these cannabinoids bind to the receptors to influence the processes mentioned in the preceding. However, the cannabinoids are destroyed when the body suffers a setback in the form of an infection, inflammation, or anything that destroys the equilibrium, and this is where the cannabinoid sets in. according to McPartland et al. (2015) and Cooray et al. (2020), the endocannabinoids such as THC and CBD do not necessarily bind on the receptors. Still, they interact in a way that somewhat restores the lost balance because of the infection, inflammation, or another setback. Campos et al. (2013) also refer to the ECS and its interaction with CBD, linking to the anxiolytic properties linked to CBD’s ability to fight anxiety, stress, and anxiety. Scientists suggest that all the health benefits of CBD, including its ability to help with pain, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and various illnesses, are linked to the ECS. Still, more studies are needed to uphold the findings of the mentioned studies.

The biggest challenge is that most studies on CBD use experimental models and animals in their tests and not human beings. We need clinical trials that look at CBD and the ECS before banking on CBD for the purported health benefits. The other drawback in CBD studies is that most research features small populations that are significant in real-life situations but lack statistical significance. We need more advanced studies on CBD that feature large populations to understand the science behind CBD better.

How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Work?

Generally, CBD takes 15- 60 minutes to work, but this depends on many factors, including the deliverable method, the stomach’s emptiness if you took edibles, the CBD dosage, and a person’s body chemistry. Intravenous CBD takes the shortest time to work, but it is not recommended if you take CBD regularly. You might opt for vapes that express effects within 0- 15 minutes or tinctures that take 15- 30 minutes to produce results. Edibles are convenient for masking the earthy taste of CBD oil, but they need time to be absorbed before they can express effects.

How Long Does CBD Stay Active?

CBD remains active in the system for 2- 6 hours, depending on many factors. If you take vapes that express effects fast, the results will not remain active for long, and the reverse is true for other CBD deliverable methods. Dosage is also a critical factor since high-strength CBD products last in the system for longer than low-strength CBD items. Besides, a person’s metabolism means you will feel the effects faster, but they will not last long.

How Long Does CBD Take to Clear from the System?

CBD can take 2- 5 days in your system, but it can also last longer. For instance, if you take it frequently and in high dosages, it could stay in the system for long. Besides, having higher metabolic rates means that the body gets rid of CBD faster system.

Conclusion

Although many people take CBD oil for various reasons, you need to understand its science and how it works. Studies on CBD are limited, and the mainline of understanding points to a signaling system called the endocannabinoid system that CBD interacts with. Find out more about this in the article and answer some important concerns about CBD.

References

Campos, A. C., Ortega, Z., Palazuelos, J., Fogaça, M. V., Aguiar, D. C., Díaz-Alonso, J., … & Guimaraes, F. S. (2013). The Anxiolytic Effect Of Cannabidiol On Chronically Stressed Mice Depends On Hippocampal Neurogenesis: Involvement Of The Endocannabinoid System. International Journal Of Neuropsychopharmacology16(6), 1407-1419.

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). Current Aspects Of The Endocannabinoid System And Targeted THC And CBD Phytocannabinoids As Potential Therapeutics For Parkinson’s And Alzheimer’s Diseases: A Review. Molecular Neurobiology57(11), 4878-4890.

Mcpartland, J. M., Duncan, M., Di Marzo, V., & Pertwee, R. G. (2015). Are Cannabidiol And Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabivarin Negative Modulators Of The Endocannabinoid System? A Systematic Review. British Journal Of Pharmacology172(3), 737-753.

Charlotte Cremers
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MS, University of Tartu
Sleep specialist

Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.

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