The cannabis plant contains over 500 different phytochemicals (plant compounds) in its leaves and flower buds. The most abundant of them are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD belong to the chemical group of cannabinoids. While THC is known for its psychoactive effects – the ‘high’ feeling people get from consuming cannabis – CBD is more subtle and has different properties.
In the past years, there has been a lot of scientific research about the effects of CBD. We know today that CBD has potential medicinal benefits, ranging from calming and anxiety-reducing to anti-inflammatory effects.
How does CBD work in the body?
To understand how CBD works, you should know about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of neuronal transmitters, receptors, and signals connected with the central nervous system. Among its purposes are the maintenance of physiological homeostasis and the controlling of functions like pain control, immune responses, sleep, and even learning and memory processing.
The main receptors of the ECS are called CB1 and CB2. They are influenced by endocannabinoids produced by the body. However, plant cannabinoids also affect these receptors. THC, for example, binds strongly with the CB1 receptors, which is thought to lead to its psychoactive effects.
CBD does not bind that much to these receptors, it has more indirect influences on the ECS. For example, it restrains particular enzymes responsible for the degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide, a compound that is important for vital functions and overall well-being. This means that CBD leads to an increased amount of anandamide in the blood serum.
THC and CBD
While the cannabinoids THC and CBD both have potential medical benefits, what’s great about CBD is that it doesn’t have any inebriation properties – it won’t make you high.
In many parts of the world, cannabis is illegal if it contains a high amount of THC. However, many countries allow the sale and use of non-psychoactive cannabis products with cannabidiol (CBD) as long as the THC amount is below a certain threshold (in Europe 0,2%, from 2023: 0,3%). If you are unsure of the legality of cannabis in your country, please check your local laws and regulations before purchasing CBD products.
Many potential medical uses of CBD
There are thousands of scientific studies about cannabidiol and other cannabinoids. Researchers have found many potential medical benefits of CBD. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antiemetic properties. Some of the ailments it may help with are:
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleeping disorders
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Schizophrenia and psychosis
Many people use CBD for its broad calming effects on overall well-being and balance. If you want to treat a specific symptom with CBD, please consult a medical professional beforehand.
CBD products: oils, topicals, cosmetics
There are several ways in which CBD can be used and applied:
- CBD oil made from plant extracts
- CBD capsules containing CBD oil
- CBD powder made from plant material
- CBD cosmetics and topicals with CBD oil and natural additives like coconut oil
