How Does CBD Work?

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is only one of over 80 chemical compounds in the Hemp plant. These compounds are called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can provide a variety of health and wellness benefits. But how does CBD work exactly? Let’s begin by learning about the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

Understanding The Endocannabinoid System

Cannabinoids are agonists that bind to specific receptors on your cells, called cannabinoid receptors. Agonists is the term for a substance that triggers a physiological response when combined with a receptor.

Some cannabinoid receptors are highly concentrated in the Central Nervous System while others are found in the body’s other organs. Some cannabinoid receptors can even be traced in the skin, digestive tract, and reproductive organs.

A simple way to think about your body’s biochemistry is to think of agonists (cannabinoids) as keys and the receptors they pair with as locks. Cannabinoids coordinate with the receptors like a key would fit a lock. This set of actions triggers changes along the ECS.

This system comprises a vast network of cell receptor proteins with many functions. The ECS has a hand in:

  • Immune function
  • Reproduction
  • Pain perception
  • Memory
  • Sleep
  • Appetite
  • Bone development

The main purposes of the ECS are immune balance, stress recovery, neuroprotection and homeostatic regulation.

How Does CBD Work In The Body?

It is within the ECS that CBD’s therapeutic effects begin to work in the body. CBD mimics natural chemicals the human body produces called endocannabinoids. This is how CBD can interact with the different cells in our body. CBD doesn’t directly bind to ECS receptors like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does. This is why CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Instead, it works indirectly by modulating the ECS. CBD helps the ECS prevent the breakdown of endocannabinoids which helps your body work better. CBD is also known to work with serotonin, TRPV1 and GABA receptors.

*CBD can affect Cytochrome P450 enzymes as well. This is important to note because it can cause drug interactions with certain medications.

How Does CBD Work In The Brain?

  1. As already discussed CBD works along the ECS by changing certain receptors. One of these receptors, CB1 is abundant in the brain. CB1 plays an active role in the following body processes:
  • Metabolism
  • Cravings
  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Bone Growth
  • Immune Function
  1. CBD also helps the ECS preserve and even increase anandamide levels. Anandamide is a fatty acid neurotransmitter also known as the “bliss molecule.” It is believed to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
  2. One of the neurological receptors that is influenced by CBD is the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. This receptor takes part in mood regulation, anxiety and stress response. When CBD activates this receptor it may reduce anxiety and depression.
  3. Another brain receptor is the TRPV1 receptor. TRPV1 is involved in the regulation of body temperature, pain and inflammation. When CBD influences these receptors pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory responses may occur in the body.
  4. GABA receptors are also affected by CBD. These receptors can promote relaxation and reduce excitatory signals in the brain.
  5. CBD may also help regulate glutamate levels which leads to its potential role in neuroprotection.
  6. CBD has antioxidant properties. This means that CBD can reduce free radicals and oxidative damage in brain cells.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD Oil can be taken with food or drink. However it works best when taken sublingually (under the tongue). With this method, CBD can be absorbed quickly because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth. It doesn’t have to travel through the digestive system. Once in the bloodstream, CBD can interact with the ECS and other receptors within the body.

How Long Does It Take CBD Oil To Work?

When taken under the tongue CBD typically begins to work within 15 to 30 minutes. When ingested with food or drink it can take an hour or longer to be absorbed.

How Does CBD Lotion Work?

CBD topicals work by interacting with skin cells and local receptors. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream, CBD lotion is only absorbed into the skin. It targets specific areas rather than the entire body.

By interacting with CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 receptors in the skin, CBD cream may offer:

  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Pain relief

CBD’s antioxidant properties may also:

  • Promote overall skin health
  • Protect the skin from environmental damage
  • Reduce signs of aging

Enjoy relief from muscle and joint pain with CBD Pain Freeze.

How Do CBD Gummies Work?

CBD Gummies offer a convenient and enjoyable way to consume CBD. They work by delivering CBD into the body through digestion. Once absorbed into the bloodstream CBD interacts with the ECS to promote homeostasis and support overall wellness. The effects of CBD Gummies come on slower when compared to methods like vaping or sublingual use. But as a dietary supplement, they offer sustained benefits and are tasty and easy to add into daily routines.

How Long Does It Take CBD Gummies To Work

Hemp Bombs CBD Gummies take about 30 minutes to one hour to start to work in the body. This is because they must travel through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream.

What Are The Health Benefits of CBD?

There are many health benefits of CBD. While research is lacking when it comes to all the possible health benefits of CBD, we know that CBD helps users relax, sleep better and feel better and more balanced overall.

Here are some other possible health benefits of CBD:

  1. Pain Relief

Chronic Pain: CBD is believed to have pain-relieving properties. It interacts with the ECS and other receptors in the body to potentially reduce pain and inflammation. CBD is used to manage chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

Neuropathic Pain: CBD may help alleviate neuropathic pain. This type of pain is caused by nerve damage and can be challenging to treat with conventional painkillers.

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Reducing Inflammation: CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. This may be beneficial for those who have chronic inflammatory conditions like:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczem.
  1. Anxiety and Stress Reduction:

Anxiety Disorders: CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety in both human and animal studies. CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, which play a key role in regulating mood and anxiety. It may help with:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Stress Relief: By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, CBD can help manage stress.

  1. Improved Sleep:

Insomnia: CBD may help improve sleep quality and duration, particularly in individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, which can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

  1. Neuroprotective Properties:

Epilepsy: CBD has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for certain types of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, under the brand name Epidiolex. It is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in these conditions.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: CBD's neuroprotective properties are being studied for potential benefits in neurodegenerative diseases such as:

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  1. Support for Mental Health:

Depression: While research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that CBD may have antidepressant effects.

  1. Support for Addiction Treatment:

Substance Abuse: Some studies suggest that CBD may help with addiction. It has been explored as a potential treatment for:

  • Opioid addiction
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Smoking cessation.
  1. Gastrointestinal Relief:

IBD: CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help manage symptoms of IBD. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may be reduced because of reduced inflammation in the digestive system.

Nausea and Vomiting: CBD may help reduce nausea and vomiting. This may be helpful for people going through chemotherapy and others that experience these issues.

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD?

CBD is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. However, some people may experience certain side effects, especially at higher doses.

Here are some potential side effects of CBD:

  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Appetite changes
  • Medication interactions

Conclusion

While further research needs to be conducted, current clinical trials and animal studies show promising results about the therapeutic value of CBD.

Currently, users of CBD Gummies, CBD Oil and other Hemp-derived CBD products are finding this natural compound to be effective as a way to:

  • Relieve stress
  • Promote calm and relaxation
  • Get a better night's rest
  • Provide other health and wellness benefits

The next step for CBD is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and regulation to provide a standard serving size and safety requirements within the industry.