The Science of CBD

CDB is growing in popularity all the time. It is being used for treating everything from inflammation to anxiety. You can even get it added to your smoothie or cooking oil. 

It is widely available in many forms, including oils, lotions, gummies, vape juice, and capsules. While the science behind its uses continues, here is what we do know about CDB.

Types of CBD

There are three different types of CDB available. These are full spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Each has its own properties and is used for various things.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

When people talk about full spectrum CBD oil they mean an oil rich in CBD, and also small amounts of THC (up to 0.2%), terpenes and flavonoids. There is the thought that full spectrum CBD oil over CBD isolate due to the entourage effect theory. 

This theory alleges that taking CBD and THC together, along with other cannabis compounds may be more effective than taking cannabidiol alone. Full spectrum CBD includes all parts of the cannabis plant.

CBD Isolate

CBD Isolate is an isolated form of cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD isolate oil is the purest form of CBD oil since it does not contain any other cannabinoids or natural compounds of the cannabis plant.

It is usually 99% pure, if not more. This level of purity will deliver the biggest benefit of this type of CBD since you can maintain the potency of CBD even when added to other substances, such as foods, lotions, or shampoo.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Somewhere in between isolate and full spectrum is broad spectrum CBD. This CBD oil contains mostly cannabidiol along with small amounts of other cannabis compounds, but it doesn’t contain THC. However, some products will contain trace quantities.

This oil may produce heightened effects because it contains additional components that work together. Some of the usually added compounds include cannabinol (CBC) and terpenes, such as limonene, myrcene and pinene.

As to which is best, it mostly comes down to the individual and what you are using it for. It tends to be a bit of trial and error to find which one you like best or get the best results from.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified some years ago by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis.

The endocannabinoid system is made up of three components: receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. We have receptors throughout our entire body and are a substance to which endocannabinoids bind.

Enzymes appear in many forms, but only two types of enzymes break down endocannabinoids. So, understanding the effects of CBD involves looking at the relationship between the receptors and endocannabinoids.

Whether you use cannabis or not, your endocannabinoid system is always active. Scientists have so far figured out that it helps to regulate sleep, appetite, mood, memory, and even reproduction and fertility.

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD

As of yet, scientists are not entirely sure how CBD interacts with the ECS. But they do know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does. Many believe it works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down. 

This allows them to have more of an effect on your body. Still, there are others who believe that CBD binds to a receptor that hasn’t even been discovered yet. There are over 85 cannabinoids in cannabis, CBD and THC being the ones most of us are aware of.

How CBD Works

Whether taken orally in some form or applied directly to an affected area, it is thought that CBD interacts with receptors in the central nervous system. There is some evidence that it acts as a calming agent. 

Because our endocannabinoid works naturally to regulate various functions in our body, so does CBD. So CBD actually enhances the endocannabinoid system to boost it along even further.

If your endocannabinoid system isn’t all it should be, CBD can help improve or boost that particular deficiency to help with sleep, mood, or whatever it is you need. 

THC directly stimulates two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) located throughout the human body, However, researchers believe that CBD works in a different way.

Our body breaks down cannabinoids by enzymes. CBD prevents these enzymes from working normally, keeping the cannabinoids in the body. But, research and in-depth information on how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system are limited and in its early stages. 

What We Do Know

With the research into CBD still ongoing, here are a few things that scientists have discovered.

 

• Stress relief
• Chronic and minor pain relief
• Relief from anxiety
• Insomnia
• Reduced inflammation
• Improves mood and emotions
• Arthritis 

 

CBD topicals are very beneficial for people suffering from arthritis, eczema, joint pain, inflammation, and many other physical concerns. For mental health issues like depression, it is better to take it in an oral form.

It is thought that CBD helps to boost the serotonin in your body. Serotonin is found mostly in your digestive system, so CBD taken orally can help improve your mood considerably. 

CBD

Researchers are still discovering new information about CBD and its properties. CBD can stay in your system for up to several weeks, however, the effects wear off much faster.

There can be side effects if you take too much. Using too much can weaken its effects, just like anything else. Plus, you may experience drowsiness, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

CBD taken orally may also interfere with other types of medication you are taking, causing unknown results. Some types of CBD can contain THC, which is what brings on the high.

But CBD is mainstream now and available everywhere. It is a safe alternative to other more harmful drugs, like opiates, and seems to work well for all types of ailments.

If you are using CBD and not finding the desired results, consult your healthcare professional. CBD is not a cure-all and it is not going to have the same effect on everyone.