It seems CBD oil is everywhere these days, but it’s still rare for even avid CBD users to know exactly how this cannabinoid works. Why, exactly, does CBD exert its characteristic relaxing effects, and is it possible these benefits come at a cost? Learn all the details regarding how CBD works in the brain and body in this concise guide.
What Is CBD Oil?
Whether it’s 750mg CBD oil, 1500mg CBD oil, or a tincture of any other potency, the term “CBD oil” refers to CBD extract suspended in a suitable carrier oil, usually MCT or hemp oil. CBD oil has been the most popular type of CBD product since the earliest days of the industry, and there’s no sign that shopper enthusiasm for CBD is going anywhere anytime soon.
How Does CBD Work In The Body?
It’s true that out of the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, the CB2 receptors are spread throughout the body while the CB1 receptors are clustered in the brain. CBD has hardly anything to do with either receptor, though, and when they do interact, CBD appears to reduce the activity of conventional cannabinoid receptors — not increase it.
In layman terms, that means CBD doesn’t affect the anti-inflammatory CB2 receptors spread throughout the peripheral nervous system. Instead, it appears to interact mainly with neuroreceptors in the TRP and 5-HT families, both of which are present in both the body and brain, where they can have very different effects based on their locations.
When dispersed throughout the body, for instance, 5-HT receptors mainly have to do with metabolism and neuropathic pain. In the brain, however, these simple receptors regulate serotonin, the chemical responsible for feelings of peace, satisfaction, and even spiritual oneness.
How Does CBD Work In The Brain?
While they are present, TRP receptors are much more concentrated in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) than they are in the central nervous system (CNS). 5-HT receptors, on the other hand, are highly concentrated in the brain, which scientists believe is the main mechanism of action CBD uses in the CNS.
In the brain, CBD appears to naturally stimulate the production of more serotonin, leading to overall increased levels of serum serotonin concentrations in the CNS. This theory has not been confirmed with clinical studies, but it stands to reason given what we know about how both CBD and serotonin behave.
The practical results that have been confirmed in thousands of unique cases show that CBD helps people with their mood, motivation, and levels of relaxation. It would only make sense if serotonin were somehow involved.
Is CBD Safe?
Nearly 100% of the research conducted into the safety of CBD has concluded that this compound is remarkably safe for human consumption at practically any reasonable dose. Unlike synthetic pharmaceutical compounds that rearrange the structure of the nervous system, CBD naturally engages your brain’s ability to regulate and heal itself, providing better results at reduced cost to your long-term health. Even if the CBD does not work for you there appears to be very little danger in at least trying it to experience it effects.
What Are the Benefits Of CBD?
Some of the most compelling benefits of using CBD to improve the health of your brain, and body include:
- CBD is all natural
- CBD is easy to buy online
- CBD is a legal under the 2018 Farm Bill
- There are lots of different types of CBD products to choose from
- CBD has become much less expensive in the last few years
The benefits of CBD are only as impressive, though, as the product in which this cannabinoid is included. Choose your CBD supplier carefully to make sure you experience the full benefits of this natural cannabinoid.
What Are The Best CBD Products For Your Body And Brain?
If you want to try CBD specifically to improve your bodily and neurological health, you most likely want to start off with a simple product like capsules or a CBD oil tincture. For those interested in a more pure form, CBD isolates are a great option as they contain only the CBD molecule, devoid of any additional compounds. Gummies may taste better, but serious users often want their CBD without all the frivolity.
Overall, the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing CBD products is their quality and potency. Both can be determined by consulting third-party lab reports: These reports should provide information on cannabinoid and terpene potency alongside contaminant data.
The science is clear that CBD has the potential to provide transformative effects under the right circumstances. Choose your CBD products carefully to maximize the possibility you will experience the unique benefits of this cannabinoid.
