Guide to How CBD Works in Our Bodies

Cannabidiol (CBD) use is increasingly popular as legal restrictions regarding its manufacture and distribution continue to ease throughout the United States. This has also led to increased acceptance by the general public of the very real health benefits that responsible CBD use can offer. New research continues to show its positive effects on the human body, and by understanding how CBD works in our bodies, we can use it even more effectively to help with health and wellness.

Chronic pain, insomnia, epilepsy, arthritis, workout recovery, inflammation, anxiety, and stress are all issues that people commonly use CBD to help treat, and there are many other physical and mental ailments it is used to help treat as well. Below are just a few points about what CBD is, how it works once it is in our system, and some of the benefits it provides. 

What is CBD?

Simply put, CBD is an extract of the cannabis plant, but unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive reaction or “high” effect often associated with smoking marijuana. There are many compounds found within CBD, each offering a wide variety of effects that can be used as an effective form of treatment for a massive range of health and quality of life goals.

CBD is considered legal to sell and use if it is hemp-derived and contains less than .3% THC. Some states still prohibit use of CBD.

How CBD Works

CBD primarily works by interacting with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system of receptors that play a major role in how our body maintains function of appetite, memory, sleep, mood, the immune system, and more. Research continually shows that using CBD aids the ECS in maintaining and boosting its functionality, thereby improving the body’s ability to properly function and fight off sickness. In other words, CBD stimulates receptors in the ECS which aid the body in producing its own cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids.

Benefits of CBD for the body

As stated above, CBD is safely used to treat a massive range of mental and physical health ailments. CBD is a very popular alternative form of healthcare for those seeking a different option besides conventional prescription drugs. It is especially popular for people seeking relief from stiffness and pain as it is an incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory agent. More recently, CBD has been found to help people quit smoking and eliminate tobacco and nicotine addiction, as well as quite opioid addiction. A study from 2014 found that CBD may be very beneficial to people dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, as it potentially slows the onset of its symptoms and helps people retain their ability to recognize familiar faces and places.

When choosing CBD products, it is extremely important to select high-quality, organically produced and harvested CBD that is offered by a trusted source. Carefully study the packaging of the products you’re interested in, and don’t be afraid to ask us or your local store clerks about any concerns or curiosities you might have. Additionally, if you are currently taking prescription medication or have a diagnosed mental condition, talk about using CBD with your doctor before you actually use it, as it could complicate your current treatment and may have concerning side effects.