CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. While CBD is a component of marijuana (one of hundreds), by itself it does not cause a “high.” CBD is extracted as an oil from cannabis through a number of different extraction processes. CBD oil is then utilized in a variety of different products ranging from capsules to tinctures, edible gummies, and more. All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors belonging to the endocannabinoid system.
As the stigma behind cannabis slowly fades, there has been a substantial upswing in the purchases of CBD products. The number one rule with CBD is to use consistently, how CBD works is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids are some of the most versatile and widespread molecules. The system plays a major role in balancing many important functions. The endocannabinoid system also isn’t unique to humans. Scientists have found that the ECS exists in any animal with a vertebra, including fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The discovery of the endocannabinoid system within the body is relatively new. The system was discovered in the 90’s when researchers set out to study a series of plant-like molecules produced by the human body. The human body produces cannabinoids known as endogenous cannabinoids. Examples of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) include n-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA), 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide, and virodhamine (OAE).
Endocannabinoids operate differently when compared to other neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine. Endocannabinoids are not synthesized in advance and stored. Rather, they are produced on demand as needed. Endocannabinoids are also hydrophobic. This means their effects are localized since they can’t travel very far.
Once manufactured, endocannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors. It was initially believed that endocannabinoid receptors only existed in the brain and nerves, but receptors have since been discovered throughout the entire human body, including the skin.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a very interesting and varied role within the body. At its most basic, the endocannabinoid system is a huge network of cannabinoid receptors which are spread through the body. The human endocannabinoid system releases cannabinoids that interact with receptors found in virtually all of the tissues in our bodies. You can also take in phyto-cannabinoids (CBD) in addition to those compounds that your body produces to help boost this system. In short, it’s working to keep you in neutral. Neutral means different things in different areas of your body, which is possibly one of the very best things about the compound – it can have a different impact on different receptors in your body.
CBD is also better activated when taken with THC, cannabis strains with a balance CBD : THC ratio are one of the best ways to introduce yourself into THC. No matter your’e experience level CBD is a great day to day option!