How CBD Works
All cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), act on receptors found in all mammals. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system.
Clinical trials are currently looking into the effect of CBD on the body. So far, the findings that The CBD Flower Shop can share with you are the discovery of 2 main receptors in our bodies:
CB1 receptors
Mostly found in the brain, lungs, blood vessels, muscles, digestive tract, reproductive organs and central nervous system.
CB2 receptors
Mostly found around organs, the liver, pancreas, brainstem and also the immune system.
How CBD Works in the Body
The way CBD interacts with the body is complex. There’s an entire network of receptors throughout the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is involved in regulating all kinds of bodily processes like pain, mood, appetite, memory, and more. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD doesn’t directly bind to the ECS receptors. Instead, CBD influences the ECS to use more of its own internal cannabinoids.
Specifically, CBD interacts with two main receptor proteins in the ECS – CB1 and CB2. Studies show CBD can alter the shape of these receptors and change how they signal to neighbouring cells. This is likely why CBD appears to have so many health benefits and therapeutic effects on things like chronic pain and anxiety. Essentially, CBD stimulates the ECS to take action and get to work regulating essential functions. More research is still needed, but scientists believe CBD’s ability to influence receptor activity and use more cannabinoids is the key to its effectiveness.
While we don’t fully understand all the complex ways CBD interacts with the ECS, we do know it has profound effects throughout the body. Unlike THC, CBD won’t make you high, but it can make the ECS work more efficiently to keep critical processes functioning optimally. The wide distribution of ECS receptors explains why CBD may potentially help with so many different conditions.
Potential Benefits of CBD
With CBD’s ability to interact with receptors throughout the body, it has been associated with a range of potential therapeutic uses for inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here are some of the main benefits current research has shown:
Relieving chronic pain
One of the most studied uses of CBD is for pain relief. Studies have found applying CBD topically can reduce inflammation and pain from arthritis and multiple sclerosis. CBD’s pain-relieving effects may work by influencing the ECS receptors that regulate pain perception. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help with acute pain from injuries or menstrual cramps when applied directly.
Improving neurological conditions
CBD also shows promise for neurological conditions like epilepsy. Clinical trials have shown it can reduce the frequency of seizures in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. This likely works by easing excitability and rebalancing abnormal signalling in the brain. The neuroprotective antioxidant effects of CBD may also prevent damage and degeneration.
Helping anxiety disorders
Mental health conditions like anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and sleep disorders may also be alleviated with CBD. Research indicates CBD can reduce anxiety behaviours in disorders like OCD and social phobia. CBD’s relaxing qualities appear to calm overactivity in the brain and promote more restful sleep as well.
Potential to help improve a range of other conditions
CBD is also being studied for its potential in treating acne, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and substance abuse disorders. Topical CBD may reduce acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Memory and cognition may be improved in neurological disorders with CBD’s neuroprotective effects. It may also help reduce cravings and withdrawal in drug addiction.
While these potential applications are exciting, more robust clinical studies in humans are still needed. Most research so far has been limited, but the early results are promising and back up the numerous anecdotal reports of CBD’s benefits. With more research, CBD could provide safe, natural symptom relief for many conditions in the future.
Potential Side Effects
While generally well-tolerated, CBD does come with some potential side effects to be aware of. CBD side effects tend to be mild, but it’s still important to consider risks and use caution.
One of the most common side effects of CBD is diarrhoea or other digestive issues like abdominal cramping. This may be from the CBD interacting with digestive enzymes and fluids. Fatigue and changes in appetite/weight have also been reported in studies. Feelings of tiredness when taking CBD could be due to its relaxing qualities. Alterations in hunger hormones may lead to increased or decreased appetite.
More serious side effects are possible when CBD interacts with other medications. CBD can inhibit certain liver enzymes that metabolise drugs and cause them to build up to unsafe levels. Checking for interactions and monitoring with a doctor is important if combining CBD with any prescription medications.
There is also a risk of contaminants in CBD products. Hemp absorbs toxins from the soil, and CBD extracts can contain heavy metals, pesticides, or solvent residues if not properly tested. Only purchasing reputable CBD brands that provide third-party lab reports can reduce this risk.
For the most part, CBD appears to be very safe according to studies. Mild side effects like diarrhoea, fatigue, and changes in appetite seem to be the most commonly reported. Still, more research is needed on CBD safety, especially long-term usage and potential liver damage risks. It’s always best to start with low doses of CBD and increase slowly while monitoring any side effects. Consulting a doctor before using CBD is also recommended, particularly for those on other medications or with underlying health conditions. While CBD shows much promise, being an informed consumer is key to using it safely and effectively.
How to Take CBD
One of the great things about CBD is the versatility of how it can be taken. From traditional tinctures to novel edibles, there are now many options for administering CBD.
Orally
The most common way to take CBD is orally via oil tinctures or drops. CBD oils are made by extracting pure CBD from hemp using a solvent like ethanol or CO2. The CBD is then suspended in a carrier oil like MCT or hemp seed oil to create a versatile liquid extract. Tinctures can be taken sublingually by placing drops under the tongue or mixing them into food and drinks.
Herbal hemp tea
One unique way to take CBD is through herbal tea infusions. CBD hemp tea combines the soothing, familiar act of drinking tea with the therapeutic benefits of CBD. To make CBD tea, dried hemp flowers or leaves are heated with water to extract the CBD, terpenes, and other phytochemicals. The hemp is then filtered out and the residual water is used to steep a tea bag of complementary herbs and botanicals. CBD hemp tea options may include ingredients like chamomile, passionflower, peppermint, ginger, valerian root, turmeric, and more. The additional herbs promote relaxation and enhance the effects of CBD. Sipping CBD tea allows for absorption through the mouth and digestive tract for a calming drinking experience. Hemp tea is an accessible CBD option for tea lovers looking for the potential benefits of cannabis without the high.
Edibles
Another popular method is CBD edibles like gummies. CBD can be infused into food products for an easy and tasty way to ingest it. However, CBD edibles have lower bioavailability since the CBD is processed through the digestive system. It also takes longer to feel the effects compared to sublingual tinctures.
Topical creams and balms
Topical CBD products like creams, balms and lotions are intended for direct application to the skin. Topicals only affect the local area instead of entering the bloodstream. They are used for treating muscle soreness, arthritis pain, joint pain, acne and more. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties provide targeted relief when applied to the skin.
Vaping
Vaping CBD oil is also an option. One potential advantage of vaping CBD is that it provides effects much faster than other methods. This is because inhaling CBD allows it to enter the bloodstream quickly through the lungs rather than passing through the digestive system.
With all the choices available, some experimentation may be needed to find the best CBD formula, dosage and delivery method for each individual. Factors like metabolism, reason for using CBD, and personal preference should be considered when deciding how to take it. Consulting a doctor can help guide anyone new to CBD on finding a safe, effective routine.
Shop high quality CBD products
At The CBD Flower Shop, we’re proud to stock a wide range of high quality, lab tested CBD products. Our range includes herbal hemp tea, CBD gummies, CBD vapes and CBD oils.