The ultimate guide to the world of CBD: What is cannabidiol and where does it help?

25. 04. 2024

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active constituents of the cannabis plant. It is believed that it can help with ailments such as epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, skin diseases, pain, etc.

How can a single compound have such a profound impact on so many aspects of our health? Can it really do it all? In this detailed guide to CBD, we'll touch on everything you need to know about CBD so you can start using it safely and effectively. We'll explore how it works, what the research says, and what expectations are inflated and exaggerated.

What is cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is one of more than 400 chemicals in the cannabis plant. It is the primary medicinal ingredient contained in the leaves and flowers.

CBD owes most of its health benefits to its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, a system composed of receptors and hormones whose job is to maintain balance (homeostasis) throughout the body. This system will be discussed in more detail later. There are more than 117 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, each with its own pharmacological profile.

The most abundant cannabinoid in the plant is usually CBD, followed by the main psychoactive component, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Other cannabinoids such as CBC (cannabichromene), CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) make up the remainder of the cannabinoid profile.

What are the benefits of CBD?

CBD has many proven benefits - from relieving pain and inflammation to protecting neurons from degenerative disorders. Many of the benefits of CBD oil and other CBD products are a result of the compound's effects on maintaining homeostasis (balance).

For example, a large part of homeostasis is inflammation. Inflammation is healthy for us because it speeds up the recovery process and protects us from infection. But if inflammation gets out of control, it can have long-term consequences for our health. CBD pushes the inflammatory response back to baseline - increasing it when it's not doing its job, and suppressing it when it's already working too hard.

The effect on inflammation alone provides CBD with a very wide degree of therapeutic use. Inflammation has been linked to autoimmunity, chronic pain, arthritis, IBD, anxiety, neurodegeneration, and even depression.

The main health benefits of CBD include:

• Relieves chronic pain and inflammation
• Improves sleep quality
• Supports immune function
• Protects the brain from neurodegenerative disorders
• Promotes skin health
• Relieves chronic joint pain associated with arthritis
• Accelerates muscle recovery between workouts
• Relieves chronic stress and anxiety
• Regulates mood and depression

What are the side effects of CBD?

Like any dietary supplement, there are side effects with CBD. It's important to always talk to a doctor before taking CBD if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Although these side effects are generally very mild, it is possible for more serious side effects to occur, especially when used in combination with other supplements, medications, or for certain underlying medical conditions.

 

 

Side effects of CBD may include:

• Low blood pressure (defined as blood pressure below 110/80 mm Hg)
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

What to expect when taking CBD for the first time

Depending on your ailment, you may feel relief immediately after taking CBD, other times you may have to be patient and take CBD supplements for days, weeks or even months before you see signs of improvement.

It is important to have realistic expectations when taking any medicine or supplement for a particular symptom or medical condition. Think of it this way - if your symptoms have been developing for a long time, it will probably also take a long time for them to go away. Conversely, if your symptoms have developed quickly, they will probably also go away quickly.

Estimated time to experience relief from difficulties when taking CBD:

 

Immediately (first day)	Short time (within 2 weeks)	Long time (more than 2 weeks)
- Pain	- ADD/ ADHD	- ALS
- Arthritis	- Acne	- Addictions
- Anxiety	- Arthritis	- Alzheimer's disease
- Epilepsy	- Anxiety	- Asthma
- Glaucoma	- Depression	- Atherosclerosis
- Inflammation	- Endocrine disorders	- Autism
- Kinetosis	- Epilepsy	- Bipolar disorder
- Mood disorders	- Inflammation	- Cancer
- Migraine	- Mood disorders	- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis	- Multiple sclerosis	- Depression
- Nausea	- Neuropathic pain	- Diabetes mellitus
- Neuropathic pain	- Obesity	- Endocrine disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder	- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder	- Fatty liver disease
- Rheumatism	- Post-traumatic stress disorder	- Fibromyalgia
- Stress	- Rheumatism	- Heart disease
- Insomnia	- Stress	- Huntington's disease
- Spinal cord injury	- Insomnia	- Kidney disease
	- Spinal cord injury	- Metabolic syndrome
		- Mood disorders
		- Neurodegeneration
		- Obesity
		- Post-traumatic stress disorder
		- Parkinson's disease
		- Prion diseases
		- Schizophrenia
		- Traumatic brain injury

Look for other ways to improve your health: don't rely solely on CBD

It is important to look at the road to recovery as a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix, especially for chronic diseases. If you got sick, something caused it. Often we are unable to get to the root cause, but achieve symptomatic relief to avoid letting the disease rule our lives.

While CBD can help with many difficulties, if you want to achieve the best result, it is important to take steps to eliminate the potential source of the problem. If you are experiencing anxiety, see a therapist to find out what may be causing your difficulties and to get tools and information on how you might eliminate the cause.

If you suffer from chronic pain, try seeing a nutritionist to work on your diet, embark on physiotherapy to restore joint or muscle function, or take time to relax and unwind - stress is a more common source of physical pain than you might expect.

CBD is a tool to help you achieve a higher quality of life, but it is not a cure. Focus on improving your lifestyle and use CBD as a way to make your life easier when you get into trouble. The goal is to reach a point where you don't need CBD - to not have to use it for the rest of your life.

 

What is the right dose of CBD?

Finding a dose for CBD products can be complicated because it varies from person to person. The average dose can be said to be between 20 and 40 mg and is taken every 6-8 hours.

Factors that can affect the dose for each individual:

• Genetic variability in the liver can affect CBD metabolism
• Some symptoms require different doses to achieve results
• Decreased gut health may mean less CBD is absorbed into the blood
• Other ingredients in a CBD product may increase or decrease absorption of the active ingredient
• Some people are more sensitive to CBD than others

All these factors can combine to make it very challenging to determine the optimal dose for new users. But it doesn't have to be that way. Depending on how you feel after your first dose, you can either increase or decrease the dose slightly each day until you achieve the effects you are looking for.

Once you know the dose you should take per day, you can divide it into two or three separate doses. You need to determine how much of the CBD product you will need to reach this dose. Capsules and gummies are easy to dose because you usually know exactly how much CBD each piece contains.

With oils, it's a bit more complicated because you first need to determine how much CBD per ml the oil contains, and then calculate the amount you need to achieve the desired dose.

What type of CBD product should I use?

There are so many different forms of CBD on the market, so it can be difficult to decide which one to spend your money on. Here are a few products to consider, and the pros and cons of each:

A) CBD oils and tinctures

Oils are the most common form of CBD. They have several advantages over other CBD products:

• They are cost-effective
• Have a long shelf life
• Doses can be dripped accurately
• Can be mixed with other ingredients to further optimize for intended use
• CBD oil can be used for virtually any condition for which CBD is intended including skin conditions

If you're not sure where to start, CBD oils are a safe place to start. Depending on what you're using CBD for, it's best to find a product with medium to high potency. These oils will have the most versatility. You can take high doses if needed or dilute them for weaker doses.

Most people can achieve the correct dose with a high potency oil even if they take a relatively small dose. Higher potency oils are also almost always the most cost-effective option.

 

B) CBD products with external uses

CBD products with external uses are great for any use involving skin, muscle or joint problems. It delivers CBD and other ingredients directly to the problem area.

Most of these CBD products on the market don't have a high enough concentration of CBD to be of real value for treating more serious ailments, yet they can be useful for mild symptoms or general skin care.

The best CBD products for external use have a CBD content of at least 10 mg/ml and contain other beneficial ingredients such as other herbal extracts as well. Most CBD external use products contain approximately 4 mg/ml, which is still sufficient for all but the most severe ailments.

 

C) CBD capsules

CBD capsules can be used for the same ailments as CBD oils and tinctures. The difference is that the capsules come with pre-measured doses of CBD, so there is no need to measure out each daily dose.

The downside is that you have less control over the dose you get with capsules and they tend to be a bit more expensive than equivalent oils. CBD capsules are great for anyone who wants to make taking CBD as easy as possible. You can get CBD capsules in several different potencies depending on your size and intended use.

D) CBD suppositories

CBD will be absorbed into the bloodstream through capillaries in the rectum. Most people will understandably prefer other options for taking CBD because they are less invasive.

Where suppositories are really most appropriate are diseases of the lower digestive tract. Conditions involving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and various other digestive disorders can be combated by introducing CBD directly to the source of the problem. CBD suppositories are specialized products and are more expensive compared to other CBD products.

 

E) CBD vaporizing oils and vaporizing pens

Vaporizer pens and oils (liquids) are one of the most popular categories of CBD products. They are convenient to use, highly portable and provide fast-acting results. You can find all shapes and sizes of vaporizer pens and oils on the market in almost every flavor imaginable. You can also use products that create clouds of vapor, or ones that don't if you want to be more discreet.

Vaporizing oils and pens are great for people who need all-day relief or simply use vaping as a way to enjoy their daily dose of CBD. The downside to vaporization is that it is still a relative novelty, so we don't know the extent of the long-term negative health effects of the practice.

 

F) Rubber CBD candies

CBD can be added to food to make it more enjoyable to consume. It is often added to cooking oils or butters and can also be added to gummy candies. They taste great and work similarly to CBD capsules.

CBD gummies and other forms of CBD edibles are excellent products for those taking CBD for mild to moderate symptoms, but should not be relied upon for the need to take larger doses. Large doses of CBD in candies also mean large doses of sugar (which is not at all beneficial to health). It is also the preferred method that many parents use when giving CBD to children with chronic illness.

G) CBD concentrates

CBD concentrate is a purified extract of either CBD isolate or full spectrum extracts. CBD isolates are pure (isolated) CBD and usually come in the form of a white crystalline powder. This form of CBD concentrate is referred to as CBD crystals.

Full-spectrum CBD extracts contain other cannabinoids, terpenes and other phytochemicals and have a more waxy, resinous appearance. These forms of CBD concentrate are referred to as waxes or CBD dabs.

 

Most CBD oils, capsules and candies are made from CBD concentrate that has been mixed with a carrier medium for easy dosing. Concentrates can therefore be used in the same way as other products, but more care should be taken to avoid administering too strong a dose.

CBD concentrates are a great option for people who need a larger dose of CBD to get relief from their ailments. They are also a good choice for people who want to make their own CBD products, capsules, candies or oils.

H) Hemp flower rich in CBD content

The oldest method of using cannabis is smoking the dried flowers. This is still the method used to get CBD (and other phytocannabinoids) into the body. Cannabis companies sell hemp flowers and you can crush them for use in a bong or roll them into a joint.

Often the preferred method is to use a dry herb vaporizer instead. These devices heat the flower enough to vaporize the cannabinoids without causing combustion. In fact, combustion is the process that produces all the harmful by-products that make our health worse.

Comparison of CBD with other cannabinoids

There are at least 66 separate cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Each has a similar chemical structure and ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system. With so many cannabinoids in the plant, it is useful to use an acronym naming system.

Common cannabinoids and their abbreviations:

• Cannabidiol - CBD
• Cannabichromene - CBC
• Cannabigerol - CBG
• Cannabinol - CBN
• Tetrahydrocannabinol - THC
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV

Differences between CBD and some other major cannabinoids.

1. CBD vs. THC

Although these two cannabinoids are structurally very similar, they have very different effects on the body. As we have already mentioned, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main reason why cannabis produces psychoactive effects when smoked.

While CBD works by preventing the breakdown of naturally occurring endocannabinoids such as anandamide, THC directly activates endocannabinoid receptors.

One of the side effects is the release of serotonin in the brain, which has euphoric and state-of-mind altering effects. Interestingly, the active ingredients in magic mushrooms and LSD (acid) also owe their hallucinogenic effects to interaction with serotonin in the brain.

THC is mildly stimulating, which can be useful for difficulties involving fatigue or low motivation. However, the same effects can make THC a problem for people with difficulties such as anxiety, insomnia or schizophrenia.

There is more than one type of THC. The main form is delta 9 THC - which is produced in large quantities in the cannabis plant. There is also delta 8 THC, which is actually derived from CBD.

 

 

Delta 8 THC shares the most similarities with CBD, it is often considered the middle ground between delta 9 THC and CBD. It is highly relaxing, offers strong anti-inflammatory effects and can be used as a sedative, but also provides psychoactive effects.

2. CBD vs. CBC

CBC stands for cannabichromene. It is the third most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Like CBD, CBC is non-psychoactive and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system.

Some preliminary research even suggests that CBC is as useful, if not more useful, than CBD for treating anxiety. Nowadays, many other products centered around CBC are emerging. It is often used in skin care products because of its ability to promote skin health and fight acne.

3. CBD vs. CBG

CBG stands for cannabigerol, a precursor molecule to THC, CBD and CBC among other smaller cannabinoids. The cannabis plant produces CBG before it goes through other stages to become other cannabinoids, depending on the genetics of the plant and the growing environment.

Plants harvested early have a higher CBG content. CBG has been shown to block the effects of THC on serotonin and therefore can reduce many of the common side effects of THC, including euphoria, anxiety and paranoia. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic value of CBG, and there is currently little study of this cannabinoid.

4. CBD vs. CBN

CBN (cannabinol) is the opposite of CBG. It is formed as CBD and THC break down into smaller compounds. Cannabis plants that are harvested late have a higher CBN content. Cannabis that has been stored incorrectly (in too dry an environment or for too long) will also contain more CBN.

This cannabinoid is mildly psychoactive in sensitive individuals. Its primary effect is a heavy, calming sensation, which is particularly useful in treating insomnia, stress, OCD or anxiety. Several CBD products are coming to market that contain CBN to enhance the overall sedative effects of the cannabinoid.

Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum vs. isolates

When deciding what cannabinoid profiles a company will use in its products, there are three main approaches - full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils and CBD isolates.

The only way to prove that a product is full spectrum, broad spectrum or an isolate is to look at lab tests by independent parties.

A) Full-spectrum extracts

As the name suggests, full-spectrum extracts contain all the cannabinoids naturally occurring in the Cannabis sativa plant (hemp). It contains large amounts of CBD with smaller concentrations of CBC, CBG, CBN and other cannabinoids.

Whole-spectrum extracts are a more accurate representation of the cannabis plant as a whole. Along with all the different cannabinoids from the plant, full-spectrum extracts also contain terpenes, lignins, polyphenols and various other phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant that have their own medicinal effects.

In general, full-spectrum extract is considered more effective than isolates. This is due to a concept commonly known as the "entourage effect" (the synergistic action of different ingredients).

B) CBD isolates

CBD isolate is produced by adding an additional purification step to the process. Once the phytochemicals are extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant, another process called chromatography is used to separate the CBD from the rest of the substances. The result is a pure CBD extract free of all other phytochemicals.

CBD isolates form a white crystalline substance. Products made from CBD isolates tend to be cheaper than full-spectrum products. This is because, despite the extra steps involved in production, it allows companies to use low-quality hemp to produce the extract, as most of the other ingredients and potential contaminants are removed during the isolation process.

 

 

To achieve the same results, isolates require higher doses than full-spectrum extracts. They lack the additional therapeutic benefits of the other cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant.

C) Broad spectrum extracts

There is also a third type of CBD extract that is not as common - the so-called broad-spectrum extracts. Some companies call these "controlled spectrum" extracts.

They are made by first separating the cannabinoids and terpenes into their individual components and then recombining them in specific ratios. They mimic a full-spectrum extract but are not as diverse.

These extracts look like full-spectrum extracts in a lab test, but are synthetically created from different isolates (CBD isolate, CBC isolate, CBG isolate, etc.). The effects of broad-spectrum extracts can vary greatly depending on the ratio of cannabinoids. Many manufacturers also add terpenes to the final product.

How does CBD actually work?

CBD is a potent medicinal compound that provides symptomatic support for a long list of medical conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain, nausea, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and endocrine disorders.

How can one simple compound have such a diverse list of therapeutic benefits? As mentioned earlier, the answer lies in CBD's ability to interact with a system in the body that is involved in homeostasis - the ECS.

This means that CBD regulates the system that keeps us in balance, suppressing processes that become overactive and strengthening them when they are deficient. This is very different from other drugs or dietary supplements, which usually have a specific direction of effects, either increasing or decreasing a given process in the body.

Let's take a closer look at how CBD works:

1. CBD increases endocannabinoid levels (FAAH inhibitor)

CBD inhibits an enzyme known as FAAH (fatty acid amidhydrolase). This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of endocannabinoids inside cells. By inhibiting it, CBD provides support for our naturally occurring endocannabinoids 2-AG and anandamide.

This is the main mechanism that CBD uses to promote homeostasis. It is also why CBD is thought to provide a "balancing effect" rather than forcing a response in the body one way or the other.

2. CBD activates vanilloid pain receptors

When you activate the vanilloid pain receptors, the result is to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Vanilloid receptors have many roles in the human body, including the regulation of pain signal transmission, inflammation and body temperature. There are several other herbs that interact with these receptors and have medicinal effects, including ginger, black pepper and chili peppers - all well known for their analgesic effects.

CBD directly activates the vanilloid receptor TRPV1, which reduces the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain and generally reduces inflammation throughout the body.

 

 

3. CBD increases GABA activity

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is our primary relaxant neurotransmitter. It acts as a brake pedal for the nervous system. When we start moving too fast (mental overstimulation), GABA kicks in to slow us down.

GABA is important for sleep hygiene because it prepares the mind to fall asleep at night. This neurotransmitter is also essential immediately after stress. It is the element that reverses the process, slows our heart rate, lowers blood pressure and allows us to relax and recover.

When GABA doesn't work properly, we can become anxious and find it difficult to turn off the stress response or fall asleep, resulting in anxiety and insomnia. GABA dysfunction can indirectly lead to lowered immunity and also digestive problems if the problem persists for a long time.

CBD is an allosteric modulator of GABA. This means that CBD does not directly activate the GABA receptor, but facilitates naturally occurring GABA to bind to the receptors themselves. The result is an increased sense of relaxation and reduced symptoms of hyperstimulation in the brain (anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, etc.).

It's also the way many prescription anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (i.e., Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin) work. However, unlike benzodiazepines, CBD is not addictive. When you stop taking CBD, there are no withdrawal symptoms, even after many years of regular use.

CBD in medical research - the evidence-based benefits of CBD

Distinguishing between exaggerated claims and reasonable recommendations for CBD use can be difficult, especially with the limited amount of research available.

Keep in mind that CBD was virtually unknown to mainstream science 20 years ago, and research is a slow process. It can take up to 10 years for research to catch up with public health trends. Below are some of the medical uses of cannabis that have the most evidence behind them.

1. CBD and inflammation

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, in fact, its anti-inflammatory effects can be seen as the reason why CBD is so effective for other health ailments as well.

Chronic (long-term) inflammation is associated with many different health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis and many others.

 

 

CBD targets the inflammatory process on several levels. It has been shown to inhibit a number of inflammatory markers, which together help control inflammation in the body. This broad anti-inflammatory effect makes CBD useful for a number of inflammation-related symptoms, as well as its protective effects on long-term health conditions including fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

2. CBD and anxiety

Anxiety has many potential causes - for example, nutritional deficiencies, traumatic events, chronic stress, medication side effects, drug addiction, sleep deprivation or metabolic disorders. This variety of possible causes can make it difficult to treat.

CBD provides some unique benefits in the treatment of anxiety due to its ability to increase GABA activity, promote sleep quality, reduce muscle tension and improve symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease that can indirectly lead to anxiety symptoms.

A clinical study published in 2011 examined the effects of CBD compared to placebo on social anxiety disorder in a model involving public speaking as a source of anxiety. Twenty-four participants with social anxiety disorder were asked to speak on camera. Baseline anxiety scores were recorded before and after the event.

 

 

The study found that patients in the treatment group (taking CBD) experienced a rapid reduction in both pre- and post-anxiety scores before and after public speaking compared to placebo.

A randomised phase 3 clinical trial is also currently underway to investigate the effects of CBD oil capsules on patients with various forms of anxiety and panic disorders. This study is significantly larger and, when completed, will likely become a key piece of evidence for the use of CBD in anxiety.

This effect has also been shown in children with neurodiversity (including autism spectrum disorders and ADHD) who suffer from social anxiety.

3. CBD and epilepsy

There is a lot of research on the use of CBD in epilepsy. Several large clinical trials have already been published on this topic. Other epilepsy studies are also focusing on a pharmaceutical antiepileptic drug based on CBD and THC known as Sativex and on similar drugs such as Epidiolex.

In a 2016 study involving 74 patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy (including Dravet Syndrome), participants took CBD-enriched hemp oil (CBD:THC ratio 20:1) for an average of 6 months.

The researchers also noted improvements in patients' behaviour, including increased alertness, communication, motor skills and sleep quality.

4. CBD and pain

Pain is another area with a great deal of research supporting the use of CBD. There are several properties of the compound that make it an attractive choice for pain relief over other alternatives:

• CBD is not physically addictive
• CBD is effective for various types of pain
• CBD offers pain reduction through several unique mechanisms

A recent article by Ethan Russo - a researcher in the field of medical cannabis - presented a series of randomized clinical trials involving pharmaceutical preparations of CBD and THC extracts (Nabilone, Sativex and Marinol) and their effect on different types of pain.

The studies listed in the review show that CBD and THC can be used to relieve various forms of pain, including the following:

• Neuropathic pain
• Pain in multiple sclerosis
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Postoperative pain
• Persistent pain
• Pain in rheumatoid arthritis
• Spinal cord injury pain
• Cancer pain
• Urinary tract pain associated with MS

5. CBD and multiple sclerosis

One of the leading pharmaceutical cannabinoid products (Sativex) has been approved for use in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It has been shown to improve common side effects of MS including muscle spasms, bladder dysfunction and neuropathic pain.

CBD has been shown to provide some preventive effects in MS, characterized as an autoimmune disease involving the destruction of myelin protecting nerve endings by T-cells. CBD inhibits the migration of problematic T-cells towards the microglia of the brain where inflammation and degeneration of myelin would normally be triggered.

When to avoid CBD

CBD is not for everyone. Below are some of the most important conditions under which to avoid CBD.

A) In severe depression

CBD is often recommended for the treatment of depression. While it has strong benefits for mild to moderate depression, it may not be suitable for those suffering from severe chronic depression.

A large meta-review analysed 57 separate studies involving the effect of cannabis on depression to determine whether or not regular cannabis use is associated with depression. The study concluded that long-term cannabis use increases the risk of developing depression.

Anyone suffering from severe depression should refrain from using CBD or other cannabis products without the supervision of a medical professional. CBD can also interact negatively with prescription antipsychotic medications. Caution is therefore advised.

B) Together with benzodiazepine drugs

Benzodiazepine drugs are used to treat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. They work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is one of the ways CBD provides its anti-anxiety and sedative effects.

Drugs such as Xanax and Valium are much more effective than CBD at doing this. However, their use can lead to serious side effects or the potential for addiction when combined with other drugs or supplements that work through GABA. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you avoid using cannabis or CBD products in addition to prescription benzodiazepines.

C) In places where CBD use is illegal

Unfortunately, CBD is still considered illegal in some countries. However, laws are constantly changing, so you should research your country individually to keep up to date with the laws where you live. We do not recommend using CBD in places where its use is illegal.

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

All animals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). We even have specialised messenger molecules designed to work with the ECS, known as endocannabinoids. The compounds in cannabis - the phytocannabinoids - are the right shape to interact with the ECS.

The ECS consists of a series of specialized receptors that control intracellular activities (activities that take place inside the cell). This system is primarily concerned with maintaining homeostasis (balance throughout the body) and protecting organs from chronic damage caused by exposure to toxic substances or inflammation.

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a consistent and balanced internal environment. Everything from body temperature to blood pH needs to be kept within a tight range to stay healthy.

 

You may wonder how the ECS helps us maintain homeostasis. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. This system uses a series of highly complex cellular feedback mechanisms to maintain balance - increasing the activity of processes when they are too weak, and dampening them when they are too strong. The best way to visualize how this system works is to look at the ECS as a "read receipt" in a text message.

You send a text message, telling her something important, like where to meet you after work. When someone opens your message to read it, you receive a notification that the message has been received and read. This lets you know that you don't have to send the same message again.

The endocannabinoid system acts as a read confirmation for the body. It is designed to improve the body's ability to communicate with itself and maintain tighter control over homeostasis.

Whenever a message is sent from one cell to another, the endocannabinoid system sends a message back to the sender to tell him that the message has been received and the request will be processed.

Where is ECS?

The endocannabinoid system is found throughout the body. Endocannabinoid receptors are found in virtually all organs (to some extent), but are most abundant in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the immune system.

In these systems, endocannabinoid receptors play a key role in regulating our nervous system, which is why CBD is so useful for conditions like anxiety and epilepsy. It is also an exceptionally important part of the immune system. CBD is useful for reducing inflammation and aiding in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis or ALS.

The body uses two main hormone-like compounds known as endocannabinoids to regulate this system. The first is an eicosanoid compound known as anandamide, which is most similar to CBD and acts as a general regulator of this system.

The second primary endocannabinoid is 2-AG, which is more similar in its effects to THC. It acts as a direct activator of endocannabinoid receptors (CB1).

There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors:

1. CB1 receptors

CB1 cannabinoid receptors are most abundant in the central nervous system in the spinal cord and brain. These receptors are used to control the levels of neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Through these effects, CB1 receptors play a role in regulating mood, sexual function, memory formation and retrieval, and overall cognitive health.

Most of the psychoactive effects of THC are due to the activation of CB1 receptors in the spinal cord and brain, which trigger the release of serotonin.

2. CB2 receptors

CB2 cannabinoid receptors are found in peripheral tissues including skin, muscle and immune cells. They are used to regulate the release of cytokines, small molecules used to send messages throughout the body to other immune cells.

Due to their effect on immune cells, CB2 receptors are used to boost immune function during infection and cancer and are involved in the process of inflammation and autophagy (the disposal of waste from damaged or infected cells in the body).

Summary: What is CBD?

CBD is a relatively new dietary supplement that offers many benefits in combating certain health ailments.

Because of the complexity of the endocannabinoid system it works with, it is much more complicated than many other supplements. This system is involved in keeping organs throughout the body in balance (homeostasis). This gives CBD a two-way effect and is very difficult for researchers to quantify. However, there are many uses for this supplement. The hardest part is choosing which product to buy and how much to use.

Using our guidelines above, you can dramatically reduce the time it takes to find the right dose. When taking CBD, it's also important to manage expectations - some benefits may show up immediately once the CBD enters the body, others may take several weeks or even months of regular use before they start to appear.

Be patient and persistent when taking CBD, and always consult your doctor when taking CBD or any other supplement for a specific ailment, especially if you are taking other medications at the same time.