Cannabidiol, better known to most as CBD, is a popular compound found in hemp and cannabis. The plant’s chemicals interact naturally with the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. Consumers purchase CBD for anxiety, sleep, and pain and inflammation relief – among many other things.
What is CBD?
CBD is a phytocannabinoid or cannabinoid for short. It’s one of 545 compounds found in the hemp and cannabis. The other phytochemicals include terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Scientists isolated CBD in 1940, two years before they first extracted THC, which is the most commonly known component found in the two plants. Most CBD is non-psychoactive and comes from industrial hemp plants that contain less than .03% THC.
How CBD Works
CBD interacts with the ECS, or endocannabinoid system. The complex cell-signalling system located in the body of all mammals, which is why CBD works for pets as well as people. It includes endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids that are made by the body, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. Studies show the ECS plays a role in regulating sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and pain.
The cannabinoid receptors, referred to as the CB1 and CB2, are found throughout the body. Cannabinoid receptors 1 or the CB1s are located primarily in the central nervous system, and the system mostly expresses CB2s in immune tissues. These cells circulate throughout the body and brain through the bloodstream. They were first isolated in the spleen and are also in some bone and liver cells.
Although CBD interacts with the ECS, it doesn’t bind to the receptors like THC. This difference explains why the two cannabinoids share identical chemical structures, but CBD doesn’t produce psychoactive effects.
CBD for Anxiety
Many consumers use CBD to reduce stress and anxiety. Most people experience anxious feelings and heightened levels of stress in their lifetime. CBD is ideal for its calming effects that lower stress levels and eliminate anxiety. The cannabinoid’s ability to relieve anxiety has scientists extending the studies involving CBD for treating cocaine misuse.
“Rat subjects with a history of cocaine use that were treated with the cannabis compound also exhibited less anxiety, according to another study.”
A more complex study in 2019 found teenagers with social anxiety disorder found relief with a 300mg cumulative dose of CBD daily.
In the COVID-19 age, the number of people experiencing an increase in stress and anxiety is steadily rising. Many are turning to CBD as a natural way to reduce anxiety and support wellness.
A tincture is an easy and discreet way to take CBD in social situations for reducing anxiety. If you don’t need to keep it on the down-low, consider using a portable vaping device for e-juice or vape oil. Vaporization works in a minute or two, providing fast relief.
Pain and CBD
There are dozens of studies about CBD and its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Another reason people buy CBD for pain support is to improve muscle recovery following a vigorous weightlifting session.
People from all walks of life are using CBD to relieve pain instead of opioids and other prescription medications. Retired Green Bay Packers quarterback, Brett Favre, recently gave an interview about choosing to use CBD.
“. . . People ask me, does that really work? Everything has its limitations and the Green Eagle pain-relieving gel — if you got chronic tendonitis in your right elbow that flares up from time to time — it works perfectly on that. Charley horse or spasms, it works fine. So, I was pleasantly surprised.”
Don’t take the consumer’s word for it; look at the studies. In 2015, researchers in Europe found CBD topical gels relieved arthritis pain in rats with minimal side effects.
Another study showed promise that the cannabinoid could reduce painful spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
There are a few ways you can take CBD for pain support. The most common is with a topical application, such as a balm or rub. You can apply these as needed throughout the day for relief in less than 30 minutes. You can also take a tincture under your tongue for fast results that last four to six hours.
CBD for Sleep
Along with pain support, consumers often use CBD for sleep. Although scientists know the ECS regulates sleep, they don’t know the details of how it works. Many believe that by reducing anxiety, lowering stress levels, and relieving pain and inflammation, you sleep better. Taking a daily CBD supplement also supports a healthy sleep schedule, which is essential for wellness.
Dr. Dierdre Conroy, a clinical director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic at Michigan Medicine explains,
“For example, there’s evidence that CBD can be helpful in managing anxiety. If someone’s anxiety is creating their sleeping problem, a CBD product may benefit them.”
The research supports CBD for sleep. A 2012 study of cannabidiol in humans found the plant extract helped people sleep longer. Further examination determined CBD helped decrease cortisol levels at night in high doses. Patients with higher levels of cortisol often experience insomnia.
Consumers often take CBD oil or edibles to improve sleep. The tincture has an onset of about 20 minutes. Edibles, such as infused gummies, go through the digestion process and can take between 30 minutes and 90 minutes to work—both last about four to six hours.
CBD for Skin Care
When you think of topical CBD, it’s common to go to the muscle creams and salves for pain support. However, there’s a growing market for cannabinoid-rich body and skincare products. The ECS includes all major organs, including the skin. CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation makes it an excellent skincare product. Many issues involving this area of the body result from swelling that CBD may relieve.
Dr. Nima Gharavi, a dermatologist at Cedars-Sinai Cosmetic Dermatology Program, explained that the popular cannabinoid “may play a role in hydrating the skin and have anti-inflammatory effects.” Gharavi agrees that CBD may help with treating certain skin disorders resulting from inflammation.
CBD skincare products are topical, and you can apply most applications daily.
Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
CBD has mild side effects that are often well-tolerated by most consumers. The most common include,
- Irritability
- Drowsiness (unless using CBD for sleep support)
- Stomach upset
Adverse responses increase with higher doses. You can reduce these effects by using a more potent oil that requires less CBD per serving.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
CBD isn’t a one-size-fits-all supplement. Each serving size varies by weight, experience, method, and the reason for taking phytocannabinoid-rich products. Always read the directions on your items. Many brands offer serving size suggestions based on potency. Start with a low dose and slowly increase every few days until you find an amount that provides the most benefits with the least amount of side effects.
CBD is a popular all-natural and potent plant extract with many health benefits. People use the CBD for sleep, anxiety, pain support, muscle recovery, and skincare. Buy CBD oils, edibles, topicals, and vape products to boost your wellness routine today.
