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CBD 101

So, What is CBD Anyway?


Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the 113 distinct cannabinoids found in hemp.

At this point, you may be wondering what a cannabinoid is in the first place. Cannabinoids are naturally-occurring compounds in all species of cannabis plants. The two most common cannabinoids are none other than THC and CBD.

Unlike THC, however, cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. In other words, the chemical composition of CBD does not promote mind-altering effects. Instead, CBD’s primary function is to encourage a sense of wellness.

How is CBD Produced?

Before we delve into CBD’s extraction process, let’s look at why CBD is produced from hemp.

Although hemp is cannabis, it’s a subspecies of Cannabis sativa. There are two primary reasons why hemp is the gold standard for producing CBD.

First, hemp is legal throughout North America. The second reason why CBD is primarily extracted from hemp is that hemp contains sky-high amounts of CBD and trace levels of THC.

CBD and Serotonin

One of the flagship effects of CBD is that it promotes a sense of wellbeing.

From decreasing stress to the severity of a panic attack, CBD is genuinely a chill pill. You may, however, wonder why.

Studies show that CBD consumption stimulates serotonin and serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring compound that regulates a multitude of biological functions. From stress relief to boosting the circadian rhythm, serotonin is a useful compound that collaborates with CBD.

Serotonin has long been touted by research for its therapeutic effects, such as:

  • Decreases stress

  • Regulates anxiety

  • Increases happiness

  • Promote a healthy night’s rest

As you consume CBD products, the CBD can interact with the 5-HT1A receptor group. Once stimulated, the 5-HT1A receptor is believed to promote a cascade of effects associated with an increase in serotonin.

Immune Response

The immune system is a biological system that’s responsible for our body’s defense. From fighting off infections to detecting intruders, the immune system is a critical component of your overall health.

Interestingly enough, CBD is known to interact with the immune system. For example, inflammation that causes chronic pain is the result of a hyper-stimulated immune response.

In this case, CBD acts as an immunosuppressant and reduces inflammation. In another example, reducing stress, anxiety, and insomnia are all methods that benefit the overall immune response.

Can CBD help with health conditions?

More research is underway to approve CBD as a treatment for any specific health conditions. Though recent studies have shown possibilities of therapeutic benefits of CBD. Let’s take a look at the primary health-related issues that CBD is being researched for.

Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common issues that individuals contend with daily.

Luckily, research points toward CBD as a useful compound that can assist with the severity and frequency of anxiety. Overall, CBD activates the 5-HT1A receptors to promote anxiolytic effects that result in less fear and an increase in relaxation.

Chronic Pain

CBD’s wide range of benefits also encompasses chronic and acute pain.

Endocannabinoid receptor proteins are located in both the central nervous system and the immune system. Once CBD is consumed, the receptor proteins signal the CNS and immune system to promote various tasks.

In the case of chronic and acute pain, inflammation is the prime culprit. Since the immune system activates inflammation, CBD acts as an immunosuppressant to lower the inflammatory response.

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