You may have heard many things about CBD Oil, and you may have wondered if what you’ve heard is true. CBD oil has been cited with possibly helping to alleviate a variety of physical dysfunctions, including seizures, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.
CBD Oil or cannabidiol oil is derived from the marijuana plant. It is a major component of marijuana, along with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. However, unlike THC, CBD lacks psychoactive effects, meaning it does not impact cognition and perception.
CBD has also been legalized federally and can be sold in many products across the United States. In addition to its non-psychoactive profile, it has been indicated to have some essential anti-inflammatory factors, as well as some neuroprotective properties.
CBD oil has also been cited in the amelioration of several skin disorders and conditions, including acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Users of CBD oil have also stated that it has certain analgesic qualities. This includes the reduction and frequency of painful, often debilitating migraines, muscle fatigue, and chronic pain.
How CBD Works: The Science, Explained
Once CBD is in the body it often cycles through the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS regulates crucial functions within the central nervous system, including pain, memory, movement and other signals that are transported, delivered and interpreted by the brain.
These signals are delivered by a series of cannabinoids, called “endocannabinoids” that act as chemical messengers. These chemical messengers are responsible for ensuring that each signal is properly delivered to portions of the brain. Many of these neurotransmitters include serotonin and dopamine, which are often involved in stabilizing mood.
CBD reinforces the ways that important receptors, which act as gateways, bond to molecules. In this way, CBD exerts an indirect effect. By influencing how receptors bond to molecules, CBD ensures that neurotransmitters like serotonin can directly impact mood.
Although CBD doesn’t directly affect the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it does however, activate the TRPV1 receptor. This receptor is associated with responses like pain, temperature, and inflammation in the body. CBD does directly trigger the 5-HT1A receptor for serotonin.
By occupying the receptors that control these physiological responses, CBD encourages a rise in serotonin and anandamide, chemicals that bring about feelings of contentment, happiness, joy, and motivation.
In one study, rats treated with CBD reacted in ways that suggested that their pain responses were minimized. The study concluded that CBD influences profound changes in the rats, such that they appeared to have reduced reception to surgical incisions. Researchers state that CBD is a factor in the ways in which pain is interpreted in areas of the rats’ brains.
Another study describes the protective properties of CBD in regard to certain areas of the brain, specifically the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for creating and storing memories and spatial navigation. The study also indicated that during times of extreme psychological stress, CBD may help to prevent the apoptosis of brain cells that are often the result of conditions such as schizophrenia.
Final Thoughts
Although further studies are needed to conclusively state CBD’s effect on the body, emerging studies are promising. Many of these studies indicate that CBD may have potential medicinal benefits.
CBD may influence processes within the body that heavily impact mood, memory, pain, and movement. CBD oil may also vastly improve and protect the brain.
Furthermore, many users of CBD oil have cited its potential benefits as significantly improving their overall health. CBD oils are also federally legal, making access easy for any number of individuals.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD has a low potential for abuse or dependence. WHO also states that there is little to no evidence that suggests CBD is a threat to public safety or health.
In addition, CBD lacks the psychoactive effects of THC. Cognition is not affected, and many users do not experience the “high” they may feel with THC. CBD works indirectly with the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS.
CBD modifies receptors in the ECS so that they may bond to important neurotransmitters. Crucial neurotransmitters include serotonin and dopamine, two compounds that greatly enhance mood. CBD may also function as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This is especially useful for sufferers of chronic pain and illness.
CBD is available for consumption in a variety of ways. CBD oil can be taken as a tincture (sublingually) or mixed in foods and recipes. It has been cited as an effective alternative medicinal treatment.