What is CBD?
One question we are asked, perhaps more than any other, is what is CBD? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in cannabis. CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp – others include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN). Unlike other compounds found in cannabis, CBD does not have psychoactive effects. This means that CBD does not induce the “high” that can be associated with cannabis. Research on CBD is in its infancy. Still, short-term research has shown extremely promising results in terms of the positive effects of CBD. But the question remains: how does CBD work in my body?
How Does CBD Affect The Brain?
There are many potential ways that CBD affects the brain. Studies have suggested that CBD can support modulated brain activity and connectivity in neural systems. CBD has also been shown to help elevate your mood. There is potential for it to aid memory function, too. There are so many possibilities. And researchers are hard at work looking to find more concrete data on how CBD affects the brain. Part of this research is investigating the endocannabinoid system and CBD.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS, is a complex network within the human body that impacts a myriad of biological functions. Scientists are still investigating the full scope of this system’s functionality. Even so, there is evidence to support that the ECS has a hand in regulating sleep, coordination, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, pain, immune responses, and more.
Is the ECS in effect regardless of cannabis usage? Absolutely. The endocannabinoid system and CBD, or any other cannabis by-product, are not naturally reliant upon each other. You have an endocannabinoid system even if you have never touched hemp or any of its compounds. The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids. These are neurotransmitters that are remarkably similar to the molecular structure of cannabinoids.
Endocannabinoid receptors, found throughout the body, have two main types: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located mainly within the central nervous system of the body. These receptors aid in the functionality of our movement, mood, pain, appetite, memory, and other key operations. Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system, helping to regulate pain and inflammation.
Though this system within the human body is not reliant on cannabis, it can be aided by its by-products. Specifically looking at cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system and CBD have shown promising connections in recent studies. And because the ECS controls such crucial bodily functions, products like CBD gummies, topicals, capsules, and tinctures are becoming quite popular.
How Does CBD Impact the Endocannabinoid System?
Experts are still investigating how the endocannabinoid system and CBD connect. Yet, scientists are researching the variety of pharmacological interactions between the endocannabinoid system and CBD. These studies have shown incredibly hopeful results. Thus, the use of CBD to support overall wellness is on the rise.
CBD influences the endocannabinoid receptors. Many researchers believe that CBD prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids, while others are investigating the theory that it attaches to receptors that have yet to be discovered. Either way, there is a clear impact of CBD on the body.
How Does CBD Affect the Body?
Scientists are continuing their research into CBD to better our understanding. However, in terms of the relation of CBD to the individual functions of the ECS, there is a lot to be said. Numerous studies have reported that CBD usage aids in pain relief. The bulk of the results illustrate how CBD can support joint comfort. However, users have also reported relief from nerve and muscle pain.
Research also suggests that CBD can help better manage stress and sleep. Because CBD has been shown to help your body find balance, or homeostasis, research and anecdotal evidence have been collected to support these theories. It seems that CBD provides relief for the root problems of occasional sleeplessness or stress. By working with the body to help find homeostasis, CBD works alongside the body’s natural responses to help minimize the negative impacts of stress.
What to Buy to Try CBD
Even once you’ve decided to give CBD a try, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. This is entirely reasonable considering how many products are on the market. Here is a quick and easy guide of what to buy to try CBD.
CBD Gummies and Soft Gels
Edible gummies tend to be a popular choice for CBD consumption. This is because dosages are consistent – you know exactly how much you are taking every time. The same can be said for CBD Soft Gels, a pill-form of the cannabinoid. Our Soft Gels nano technology makes them more bioavailable, easier to swallow, and easier to absorb into the body. Both take some time to start working, as they rely on digestion to enter the body.
CBD Topicals
Topicals can come in many forms, such as creams, balms, ointments, and lotions. We love our organic CBD sports cream. They are applied to a localized area, which is why they can work faster. Topicals typically take approximately 15 minutes to go into effect, though it may be longer dependent on the make-up of the product.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures can start working anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes after usage. These are liquid CBD products that are typically taken by placing a drop of oil under the tongue. However, many have started adding it to drinks, such as their morning coffee!
So, Does CBD Do Anything?
Yes! As previously noted, research on CBD is still fairly new. But, researchers are working to expand the amount of peer-reviewed studies to support anecdotal claims about CBD’s positive effects. All in all, while researchers are still unclear on the exact rationale behind it, CBD does impact the body.
Results vary dependent on the product, however, we tend to promote products that:
- support a sense of calm;
- help manage signs of daily stress;
- enhance exercise recovery;
- compliment a healthy wellness routine.
At Naked Roots CBD, we will always deliver Premium Grade CBD products that are ROOTED in Quality, Trust, and Transparency. For questions about CBD and our products, please contact the Naked Roots CBD team.
