What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the most widely used natural compounds in the wellness industry. It is used in drinks, skincare, supplements, and even some pet products.
However, CBD products face harsh restrictions even with massive popularity, many believe it is due to the lack of information and certain misconceptions about the products, which breeds misunderstanding among people regarding what CBD truly is and how it works in the body, or whether it is safe or not.
In this article, we will discuss what CBD does, bust certain myths, and discuss its significance and safety.
What does CBD stand for: Understanding CBD
CBD is a naturally occurring and commonly found compound and is often found in Cannabis sativa plants. It is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis, and is often extracted from hemp, which is one of the varieties of the plant that has extremely lower levels of THC.
While CBD is present in marijuana as well, it does not cause a “high” and is not usually considered intoxicating.
CBD, Cannabis, Marijuana, and Hemp
Cannabis usually refers to the overall plant species. Marijuana typically refers to cannabis varieties that have high levels of THC.
Hemp refers to cannabis with less than 0.3% THC and is the primary source of legal CBD. Even though CBD can be extracted from either marijuana or hemp, hemp-derived CBD is a form allowed the most in many countries.
How CBD Differs From THC
THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that is usually responsible for creating the feeling of euphoria or a “high.”
Contrary to what many people believe, CBD does not activate the same receptors as other products and is therefore not intoxicating. The key reason for the difference between CBD and other products is that you can use CBD without impairing daily activities.
The Legal Status of CBD
CBD is derived from the hemp that has become legal in the USA at the federal level after the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. That means hemp-derived CBD is legal and can be bought and used widely, although state laws still vary.
What does CBD Help With: How CBD Works in the Body
CBD interacts with a great network of receptors throughout the body. Although the research is ongoing, scientists still believe that CBD can influence the endocannabinoid system, which will help to regulate mood, pain, immune function, sleep, and also appetite.
CBD also interacts with various molecular receptors in the brain and the body, which will lead to effects that researchers are still working on to fully understand.
Effects of CBD on the Brain
CBD appears to affect certain receptors and neurotransmitter systems without the production of the euphoric or impairing effects seen with THC. It does not lead to a “high”, but it still influences brain pathways that are linked with anxiety, pain receptors, and inflammation.
Proven Medical Uses of CBD: What is CBD Good for
CBD can have the most scientifically proven application in managing severe types of epilepsy. The Epidiolex purified CBD drug that was approved by the FDA has been successfully demonstrated to reduce the number of seizures in such diseases as Dravet syndrome, as well as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
There are even instances when CBD has completely prevented seizures, making it a legitimate medical intervention.
The greatest use of CBD to date is in severe epilepsy. Epidiolex is a pure CBD drug approved by the FDA and has reduced seizures in conditions such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. CBD, in other instances, has prevented seizures completely, thus gaining it a legitimate medical status.
CBD and Scientific Research
Although CBD still seems rather promising, researchers still indicate that there are, however, significant gaps in our knowledge.
Instead, they are researching its true operation, its impact on long-term health implications, and the possibility of various types of CBD reacting differently upon the human body.
CBD and Pain Management
The fact that CBD has the potential to decrease neuropathic and inflammatory pain has a certain amount of evidence.
The initial animal research and clinical testing indicate that topical CBD could reduce the pain of arthritis. Nevertheless, we are yet to be persuaded that it is effective for chronic pain in general.
CBD and Anxiety or Sleep
CBD could potentially reduce anxiety and sleep problems; one of the studies suggests that it helps to change the reaction to stress and pain.
However, extensive, conclusive research is still lacking to prove it as a legitimate therapy for these conditions.
CBD and Addiction Recovery
There are initial results indicating that CBD may decrease the desire to use other substances, including tobacco, heroin, alcohol, and stimulants. That’s good news, although the results are yet to be convincing to promote CBD use as a mainstream approach to addiction treatment.
What We Still Don’t Know
The questions that remain unclear about CBD are its long-term health impacts, the most effective dosage, and what would occur should you take it for a longer duration.
Scholars are also considering the effect of various methods of delivery on absorption and gain. We are still unaware of the impact of CBD on the maturing brains, hence it should be used cautiously in children and adolescents.
Conclusion
CBD is a promising compound that has been demonstrated to have medical applications in certain situations, such as in severe cases of epilepsy.
It is used to effectively treat pain, inflammation, sleep, and anxiety, although further studies are necessary before it can be suggested in general.
At Pharmstrong, we offer a wide range of CBD products that make everyday life a bit easier and provide calm and energy.
