How does it interact with your body?
Everyone is talking about Cannabidiol (CBD) and how it can treat so many different things. But, do you really know what CBD is?
CBD is one of over 120 different phytocannabinoids (plant-derived cannabinoids) and just one of over 700 different active molecules produced by the Hemp and Cannabis plant. CBD and THC are produced in the largest percentage compared to all the other molecules.
CBD and THC are made from the same plant and act on the same receptors in the brain and body, but they are different molecules, which is why they produce different effects in the body.
We have an entire system in our body called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it was only discovered in the 1990s! Compare that to our other body systems which we have known about for 100s of years. The ECS has one of the most important jobs, it is to keep us balanced and in homeostasis.
Homeostasis is just a big word to describe the action of keeping us in a stable environment in order to keep our biological processes running properly. The ECS is a loose connection of receptors and neurotransmitters, kind of similar to the endocrine system.
CBD interacts with both the receptors located in the ECS and receptors outside of the ECS, such as serotonin and opioid receptors. The effects that you experience when taking CBD are due to the locations of the receptors in your body. When you ingest CBD it will bind to many different receptors, some for relief, some for sleep, or some to help ease your mind.
That’s why someone people claim it can help with so many different ailments. CBD can also bind to receptors located in the nucleus of our cells and change gene expression. This is a new field of study called Epigenetics, where an outside food or molecule can change our DNA- for better or worse. The research into how the Hemp and Cannabis plant changes our DNA is ongoing and very exciting.
Don’t get confused or overwhelmed, CBD is just one of the many active molecules of the Hemp plant. It is produced in higher percentages in the Hemp plant as compared to the Marijuana plant. According to the Farm Bill of 2018, industrial Hemp is any Cannabis with THC under 0.3%.
CBD can be a great additive to any treatment plan, but it is not a cure-all. You should still follow your medical provider’s instructions and not stop or start any medications or supplements before asking them about protentional drug interactions. You will still need to do the hard work of helping your body heal itself through proper sleep, movement, and a well-balanced diet.
Did You Know?
The “runner’s high” we experience is thought to be due to the endocannabinoid system!
What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
With receptors throughout your entire body, this important body system helps to keep your body stable and balanced, known as homeostasis. The ECS plays an important role in sleep-wake cycles, relief, soreness, understanding, memory, digestion, and much more.
With receptors in many different organ systems, the effects of the ECS are widespread and still being discovered. You make your own natural cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), known as 2-AG and anandamide which are byproducts of the breakdown of Omega-6.
If your natural production or action of these natural compounds becomes deficient, your body will no longer be in homeostasis and you can experience a wide range of effects.
Keeping this amazing and wide-reaching system balanced is important. Supplementing with CBD products can help achieve this but it is best to be combined with a well-balanced diet and moderate exercise.
CBD Book
Looking To Learn More About CBD and the ECS?
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