Why Does CBD Work?
Asking why does CBD work is easy. But answering why does CBD work is much harder and can be quite confusing for those new to CBD. Knowing so, Errl Cup set out to learn about CBD and uncover the history, science and facts behind why does CBD work.
What is CBD
Cannabidiol or “CBD” as it’s more commonly abbreviated is one of about 113 cannabinoid compounds. That are present in the Cannabis Indica, Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Ruderalis and Cannabis Hemp plants. Each cannabinoid has a different effect on the body. Some cannabinoids like THC are even psychoactive and produce a “high” effect. Although CBD is not psychoactive it’s effects are more desirable for users suffering with epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain like arthritis.
How is CBD made
CBD is naturally occurring in Cannabis plants at lower levels and naturally occurring in Hemp plants at high levels. CBD can be extracted from these plants much like aspirin is extracted from willow trees.
First step in the process is to dry out the cut down plant. Then they run a solvent like butane, hexane, naptha, ethanol or other similar solvent over the plant mass. This effectively extracts the cannabinoids and other compounds from the plants.
These extracted compounds can be further divided or distilled in a similar way that alcohol is made. This is done to isolate and separate all of the cannabinoids like CBD, THC and more.
CBD extracts as they are called at this point can be 100% pure CBD. Or contain small or large amounts of other cannabinoids. Including the federally illicit THC cannabinoid.
Any CBD product with more than 0.3% THC content can only be sold as Medical Marijuana in select states.
Any CBD product with less than 0.3% THC is considered Hemp and can be sold and used in all 50 states.
How does CBD work
Due to lack of research and development in CBD over the past 100 years. It is unknown how CBD or any cannabinoid fully interacts with the human body. However, in recent years science has begun to identify some areas of the body that are taking advantage of CBD.
Like 5-HT1A (hydroxytryptamine) a serotonin receptor that CBD directly activates. It is responsible for a variety of neurological processes like anxiety, addiction, appetite, pain perception, sleep, nausea and vomiting.
And TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V) an ion receptor activated by CBD. That has antiseptic and analgesic properties. But also influences clogged blood vessels (headaches, and pain perception.
Even GPR55 a G Protein-coupled receptor is activated by CBD. It assists with controlling blood pressure, bone density and other physiological processes in the body.
Adittionally the PPARS (peroxisome proliferator activated receptors). When activated by CBD is known to induce anti-proliferative effects, tumor regression and is proven beneficial to Alzheimer’s sufferers.
It’s even used as a anandamide reuptake and breakdown inhibitor. Which raises the endocannabinoid levels in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake and breakdown. This process is how CBD becomes a neuroprotective and can be used to prevent seizures, reduce inflammation and anxiety.
Last but definitely not least, CBD acts as a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This process is similar to how CBD acts as a re-uptake inhibitor but different in the way that it changes the shape of the receptors preventing THC and other compounds from being absorbed.
Ultimately allowing the user to have more beneficial CBD effects and less euphoric/dysphoric effects if using a THC rich CBD product.
Who used CBD
Hemp plants which contain high levels of CBD have been found as far back as the pre-Neoithic period. Cannabis which usually contains smaller amounts of CBD has been found back as far as 8,000 BC.
Although its not known if they realized CBD was in their preparations of Hemp and Cannabis. It is known fact that they realized the beneficial effects of the CBD and other cannabinoids within the plant.
Like “Chinese Emperor Fu His” who boasted cannabis as a great medicine and the book of Exodus refencing using cannabis in Holy Anointing Oil.
They may have been Bhang’in it up (an anesthetic cannabis and milk drink) in 1000 BC but it wasn’t until DR. Adams discovered CBD in 1940 that anyone knew exactly what caused the effects of cannabis and CBD.
That all changed in 1996 when California passed the first of many marijuana laws further spreading light on the benefits of CBD and cannabis.
CBD success stories
CBD boasts several powerful stories of life changing benefits. Like “Charlottes Web” a cannabis strain named after Charlotte Figi. A young girl suffering from extreme and frequent epileptic seizures. That almost stopped entirely after the correct dosing and strain was identified to treat her epilepsy. Her doctors documented the success and welcomed CBD since it achieved a quality of life they were unable to give her with pharmaceuticals.
Even Morgan Freeman who suffered severely in a dangerous and intense car crash in 2008 had success with CBD. He developed fibromyalgia and suffered from severe pain after the accident. Freeman tried CBD and found relief, he has been a major advocate since.
Pets even have benefited from CBD. In face Embrace Pet Insurance hosts a handful of stories of everything from increasing quality of life to halting terminal illnesses.
Like Tinkerbell a 13 year old Pomeranian who’s owner used CBD to turn around her chronic seizures and liver disease. Tinkerbell could barely lift her head and now runs, plays, eats and enjoys a quality of life unexpected of a dog at her stage.
Why Does CBD Work, In Review
So we found out that cannabis, hemp and CBD have been used as far back as we have records for. We learned the various ways CBD interacts with our bodies and even learned about some current success stories.
So now that you know all about CBD. The who, what, why and how of why does cbd work. You can decide if it’s right for you.
Get started looking at CBD products, at the next Errl Cup event or we have made it easy and found some of the best ones right here.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
