CBD has been the talk of the town in many countries as it has shown its effectiveness for many potential health benefits. Due to its demand, manufacturers have been producing a variety of CBD products such as oils, tinctures, creams, lotions, balms, vaping, edibles like gummies, and even CBD-infused drinks. While it has been gaining popularity in the market, most people confuse it with marijuana and often neglect it. In this article you will learn how CBD once consumed reacts with the human body.
What is CBD?
There are more than 100 compounds that can be extracted from marijuana or the Cannabis Sativa plant. The two most widely used components are CBD or cannabidiol and THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol which are present in the plant.
THC is the psychoactive compound that gives you the feeling of getting high whereas CBD does not get you high. That’s why CBD has had a bigger impact amongst people compared to THC. CBD creates a mellow relaxed feeling without the psychoactive properties when consumed.
CBD products are used for their wide range of medical benefits physically and mentally. You can use CBD to deal with pain, inflammation, epilepsy and so much more. Even though it offers many benefits, researchers are still exploring the full capacity of the compound and its side effects.
The quality of CBD you use will determine the influence it has on your body. Without a doubt, pure CBD can have the most benefits on your body and even considered safe and legal in some states. Experts on Leaf Nation will educate you on the different benefits you can receive in using CBD.
What is Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological cell signaling system that was discovered in the 1990s. Researchers came across this system while exploring the cannabinoids known as THC which is found in the cannabis plant. Endocannabinoids play an important role in the maintaining balance of the human body by regulating internal functions to the brain, immune system, and digestive system smoothly.
Endocannabinoids and their receptors help in regulating a range of functions such as mood, emotions, appetite, sleep digestion, fertility and so much more. They are found all over the body and function even if you don’t consume CBD. Read on to understand how does the ECS system reacts with CBD in your body.
CBD and ECS
As you know that CBD is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant that does not contain any psychoactive properties which makes you high.
The human body produces two cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 which are found in your body and each of them works in modulating and regulating the homeostasis of your body. To receive the adverse effects of CBD, it first attaches itself to these receptors that alter the signals sent to the brain.
Once these receptors interact with CBD it can alter and improve mood, appetite, movement, coordination, emotions, boost the immune system, reduce pain, and so on. It moderates the flow of information sent to the brain and activates the receptors, enabling the health benefits associated with this natural compound, cannabidiol.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is an excellent alternative to other medications since it is naturally found in the cannabis plant. While it is not the only option but with the variety of benefits offered in treating medical ailments is something you can ignore.
However, the other available option is medical marijuana, which has a higher level of THC. That doesn’t mean it is a wrong choice because this treatment method helped many patients with their conditions in states where medical marijuana is legal, like in New York. Having that in mind, any patient who has a condition that qualifies him for marijuana use and thinks this method would allow him better life quality should consult licensed doctors and obtain a New York medical marijuana card.
Here are some of the benefits that can receive in using CBD products.
- Pain Relief – CBD has shown great effectiveness in reducing pain and enhancing anti-inflammatory properties which also help in reducing chronic pains like arthritis and so on.
- Stress – The relaxed calming effect of consuming CBD helps in reducing stress and anxiety which improves the functions of your body.
- Sleep – We all know the importance of sleep and CBD is an excellent solution that can not only combat insomnia but also improve the quality of your sleep.
- Cardiovascular Health – Heart attacks and strokes are deadly heart-related problems that are often difficult to tackle. CBD produces antioxidants and antidepressants which can help in preventing heart conditions
- Blood Pressure – By modulating the flow of blood in the body through the ECS system, helps you lower your blood pressure. It is important to know if you already have a lower blood pressure CBD can reduce it even more. In that case, avoiding CBD would be better for your health.
- Epilepsy – CBD helps in reducing the number of seizures by a huge margin and works great in treating this childhood syndrome.
- Cancer patients – CBD helps reduce the symptoms that occur after chemo in cancer patients such as pain, skin irritation, tiredness, and so on.
Risks of CBD
We know that CBD plays an important role in dealing with pain, inflammation, and various health ailments. While it has shown great effectiveness amongst consumers, it has some mild side effects, leading to adverse effects if not maintained well. For instance, if you are already under another medication CBD can do more harm to you than any good. So make sure you do your research before you start using CBD directly.
Some consumers have noticed some side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, and even fatigue due to consumption of CBD. It could also lead to adverse effects such as liver damage, loss of appetite, reduction in fertility for males, or even irritability mood changes. Due to the insufficient information on the benefits and side effects, pregnant women must avoid CBD to be safe from any harmful effects.
Conclusion
Most CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), make sure that the CBD products are of high quality and safe to use. Taking the appropriate dosage will help you achieve the maximum benefits of CBD.
If you are new to CBD and are not sure about the products and the dosage required. You can consider consulting a medical professional who can guide you towards the right product and the right dosage of CBD.
