How Does CBD Work in Your Body?
The body can be compared to a complex machine that has a fascinating way of interacting with different compounds like cannabidiol (CBD).
While most people use CBD to treat their pain, plenty of research is necessary to make sure that it is safe. Understanding the concept of CBD can help overcome the stigma that is commonly associated with it.
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How does CBD work in your body? CDB is known to block GPR55, a cannabinoid-type receptor that, through a series of events, decreases the breakdown of your bones and acts as an antiseptic. It prevents cancer cells from growing and many other things.
In this article, you will find more information about how cannabidiol or CBD works and what it does to your body.
The Science Behind CBD
CBD is simply the 120 compounds called cannabinoids. While most plants contain cannabinoids, a lot of people associate CBD with cannabis.
Unlike other cannabinoids, for instance, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a euphoric high or psychoactive effect.
This is because cannabinoids do not have the same receptors as THC.
The human body consists of the endocannabinoid system, most commonly known as ECS. It receives and translates all signals from cannabinoids.
For the most part, it produces its cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids.
The ECS is actually the system that helps regulate functions like sleep, immune system responses, and pain level.
Does CBD Make You High?
CBD is a different compound than THC. Also, the effects vary and are complicated. CBD is, in fact, not psychoactive.
This means that it does not make you high or produce a high feeling in a person’s state of mind.
However, it can influence the body to use its endocannabinoids more effectively.
According to experts, CBD can do little to your ECS. It can only activate or inhibit other compounds found in your endocannabinoid system.
For example, CBD stops your body from absorbing anandamide, a compound associated with the regulation of pain.
The increased levels of anandamide in your bloodstream can reduce the amount of pain you are feeling.
CBD can also limit inflammation in your brain and your nervous system, preventing people from experiencing pain, insomnia, and other immune-system-related responses.
Your Body on CBD
Over the last decade, an increasing number of people are opening businesses that sell CBD.
The bad news is that most of these sources are unregulated, which means that if you are not careful, you might get a product with little or no CBD.
Many over-the-counter CBD products contain no CBD—and, worse, might have dangerous ingredients like heavy metals and opiates.
Here is an explanation of what it means to have CBD in your body and how much you need to feel all the effects, as well as what you should know before you buy CBD.
Less Inflammation
CBD is attached indirectly to cannabinoid receptors found in the body. These are responsible for various functions, such as appetite, pain sensation, memory, and mood.
This process can also help decrease inflammation, and it is known to reduce chronic pain for some people.
CBD might not take away all the pain, like morphine, but it can decrease the pain to a point where it is more tolerable.
Research indicates that some medications containing CBD from a cannabis plant show an immensely positive result when it comes to the patient’s condition.
However, they may work as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the treatment for these conditions.
Less Anxiety
People might not know it, but CBD is non-psychoactive. However, this isn’t true in the sense that it can help you with anxiety.
Then it would be psychoactive in a way, as it is acting on your emotional well-being. In this example, psychoactive does not mean intoxicating, as it is often associated with THC.
It has been found that CBD may help short-term in cases of general anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and OCD.
It is worth mentioning that cannabis with a higher CBD-to-THC ratio produced lower anxiety levels in some THC-induced anxiety. This is opposed to using CBD alone.
Fewer Gastrointestinal Issues
This claim might need a lot more research. However, it is known that CBD may help people suffering from gastrointestinal problems caused by gastroesophageal reflux diseases.
Some claims even show that cannabinoid receptor antagonist decreased relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter.
When your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes too much, it can lead to serious acid reflux. This is why CBD may be able to limit the occurrence of acid reflux and other related GERD issues.
Negatively Interacts With Other Medications
When used at high doses, CBD can interact with conventional medications, and it can be potentially dangerous to your health.
This is particularly true for older people who have multiple medical conditions and take various medications.
One instance in which CBD and prescriptions don’t work together is the case of warfarin, which is used to treat and prevent blood clots.
One study found that CBD is a strong inhibitor of CYP450 enzymes, and essentially increases how much warfarin your body will absorb.
It could be dangerous, which might lead to a lot of complications, like too much bleeding or hemorrhage.
Affects Your Sleep
CBD might affect the way you sleep, and not in the way you think. If you are taking CBD to help with your anxiety issues or chronic pain and it works, then eventually it will help you get more rest.
Some people will claim that it lets them sleep better at night because it decreases anxiety, and anxiety is one of the most common causes of insomnia.
Using CBD to fall asleep won’t actually do much. At extreme doses, CBD is sleep-inducing, but it is a misconception that it causes sleep at low or moderate doses.
Some preparations and dosages of CBD are commonly associated with high levels and another compound called myrcene.
It is sedating, and for those who are taking really high amounts of pure CBD and no THC, it can get you high. As a result, you will have trouble falling asleep.
Other Information About Using CBD
Aside from CBD’s effect on your body, there are some bits of information you should be familiar with.
The first is all about the legality of this compound. Although there are very confusing laws surrounding it, CBD is still considered an illegal substance in many parts of the country.
Here are some other pointers you should be aware of:
CBD Works Best With THC
This combination is called the entourage effect, which means that, for the most part, CBD works best with THC.
It is ideal for people who live where marijuana is legal, creating the difference between a single chemical entity like cannabidiol and the whole cannabis plant as a form of integrated preparation.
Multiple components can produce synergy and a much better result compared to a single compound alone.
However, this doesn’t indicate that you are going to get a high feeling associated with the THC compound. CBD is a negative allosteric modulator, which means it can reduce the responsiveness of the cannabinoid receptors into which THC lodges itself.
Not All CBD Is Created Equal
Probably the biggest red flag regarding CBD use is that you must make sure you are getting the CBD from a good and safe source.
It is also essential to consume the appropriate dosage for your intake, no matter what you are using it for.
If you are not taking it under the close supervision of a doctor, things can get confusing.
There are different regulations depending on the state you are in, making the requirements for testing CBD products different. This applies to both medical and recreational purposes.
Because of the lack of FDA approval, anyone can open a CBD store and try to sell CBD for a profit. The safe way to get CBD is from a state-regulated medical or recreational cannabis program.
Side Effects of CBD
Although CBD is usually well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as dry mouth, reduced appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, and diarrhea.
Also, it can interact with other medications that you are consuming, like blood thinners.
Conclusion
To conclude, while there are many claims that CBD can help to ease or cure different health conditions, more research—especially long-term studies with human subjects—is necessary to prove its effectiveness.
There might be some anecdotal claims for this. However, it is essential to be smart and find the state-certified dispensaries to get your correct dose.
CBS is promising because of its lack of intoxicating effects and its limited side effects. People should discuss CBD as another option when they see their doctors.