How does CBD work in the body?
CBD has been gaining widespread attention in Europe for its natural therapeutic properties. In just a few years, CBD products have established themselves as a natural solution for people looking to find peace of mind or improve their mental and physical health. This trend continues to grow, with the sector expected to reach a value of £6.9 billion by 2025.
Contents
- What is CBD?
- How does human physiology function?
- Can pharmaceutical drugs improve physiology?
- Where does CBD work?
- How does CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system?
- CBD applications
- Key considerations
- Final thoughts
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Each cannabinoid has its own unique therapeutic properties. CBD has been found to regulate systems in our body to help support homeostasis, promoting a sense of calm and overall well-being. CBD can be taken in a variety of ways, including through tinctures, capsules, edibles, and vaping devices.
It is important not to confuse CBD with THC – the main psychoactive component of cannabis. CBD does not cause a “high” and is legal for use in the EU and Bulgaria when the THC content is below 0.2%.
How does human physiology function?
Our bodies operate as a finely balanced mechanism, in which different systems rely on opposing forces to maintain stability, known as homeostasis. For example, the immune system functions best when there is a balance between inflammation and anti-inflammation. Not all inflammation is bad; some types are necessary to protect against injury and infection.
Another example is our oxidative system, which requires a harmonious balance between antioxidants and oxidants. Although oxidation is often perceived as harmful, a certain level is vital for survival. It's all about finding that "golden balance" - homeostasis.
The better our bodies maintain this balance, the healthier we are. If one aspect is disrupted, it can destabilize the entire system. However, our bodies are smart enough to adapt and find a new balance. For example, when the outside temperature drops, the body doesn’t simply “equalize” with the environment. Instead, the systems work together to maintain body temperature by shivering, “goosebumps,” and redirecting blood flow to reduce heat loss.
Can pharmaceutical drugs improve physiology?
When you start to show symptoms of imbalance in your body, you may seek the help of pharmaceutical drugs to restore natural balance. However, it is important to remember that these drugs only work on symptoms, not systems. In short, pharmaceutical drugs are effective at “putting out fires,” but in the process they can throw other areas of your body out of balance.
This is where an alternative like CBD comes into play.
Where does CBD work?
Rather than acting on symptoms, CBD works at the core of balance: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating numerous physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis. These processes include mood, appetite, sleep, immune function, and pain perception. The ECS is made up of three main components:
- Endocannabinoids – natural compounds in the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors.
- Receptors – two main types: CB1 and CB2, which are located in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
- Enzymes – such as FAAH and MAGL, which break down endocannabinoids after they have performed their function.
When there is an imbalance or dysfunction, the ECS is activated to restore balance.
How does CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system?
In our central nervous system, cells are covered with cannabinoid receptors. When CBD binds to these receptors, it communicates with the cell and sends a message that reaches the cell's nucleus and ultimately our chromosomes.
Chromosomes carry the genetic information for everything our bodies do. Genes are the codes for every protein we make, including the signaling molecules that govern our physiology—from cytokines that direct the immune system to neurotransmitters that control the nervous system.
CBD has the ability to modulate the transcription of over 1,100 genes that produce signaling molecules to naturally reduce inflammation in the central nervous and immune systems. This allows it to promote homeostasis in various body systems. For example, studies have shown that CBD can stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory biochemicals and regulate inflammatory biochemicals, creating a carefully controlled balance.
CBD applications:
CBD's multifaceted interactions with various systems in the body give it significant therapeutic potential. This includes:
- Treatment of epilepsy and seizures – CBD is FDA-approved for certain forms of epilepsy, and research into its effectiveness for other types of seizures is ongoing.
- Neuroprotective properties – Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may have neuroprotective effects, beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Antipsychotic effects – CBD is being studied for its effectiveness in psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. In 2023, Wellcome funded a £16.5 million programme at Oxford University to study CBD in the treatment of psychosis.
- Addiction and Substance Abuse – Some studies suggest that CBD may be a therapeutic agent for smoking or alcohol addiction.
- Pain relief – CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid, inflammatory, and pain systems to reduce the sensation of pain.
- Mood improvement – CBD can affect the brain’s receptors’ response to serotonin and other “happy” chemicals, reducing feelings of depression.
- Insomnia – CBD can improve the quality and quantity of sleep depending on the dose. Low doses can be stimulating, while high doses can be calming.
- Bone Health and Osteoporosis – Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may support bone health.
Main considerations:
If you are considering using CBD, keep the following factors in mind:
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Medications – CBD may interact with certain medications. Consult a healthcare professional.
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Type of CBD – Full-spectrum CBD is a good choice for those who want to benefit from the effects of CBD without consuming THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Clinical reports suggest that broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD may have a better effect due to the presence of different cannabinoids and other plant compounds working together – this is called the entourage effect.
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Product Type – CBD products come in a variety of forms, such as oils, creams, capsules, edibles, and vaping devices. Choose a method of administration and dosage that suits your needs.
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Dosage – Finding the right dosage and method of administration may require trial and error, as results can vary greatly from person to person. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it, observing the effects.
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Origin and Quality – Choose CBD extracted from organically grown hemp, which ensures minimal exposure to harmful chemicals. Look for third-party lab testing to verify the product’s purity and potency, as well as the absence of contaminants.
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Individual differences – The effectiveness of CBD can vary from person to person; what works for one person may not be effective for another.
Final thoughts
CBD can trigger a cascade of homeostatic and regulatory behaviors in the central nervous system and immune system, thanks to the presence of cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies. This network is called the endocannabinoid system. There is still much to learn about how CBD works in the body, but we already have a wealth of scientific evidence to support its positive effects. Consuming this cannabinoid component, derived from cannabis, can be a safe and effective way to improve health and well-being.
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