What Is CBD in Simple Terms? Cannabidiol

The endocannabinoid system regulates a wide range of physiological processes that affect your:

• Mood 
• Energy level 
• Intestinal motility  
• Immunological activity
• Blood pressure 
• Bone density 
• Glucose metabolism
• Pain, stress, and hunger perception

Cannabinoid receptors are found in every major organ system, and the effects of cannabinoids vary depending on individual physiology. 

CB1 receptors are located mostly in the brain and central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are present in the immune system cells. Cannabinoid receptors communicate to alter crucial physiological functions, such as mood, hunger, pain, and cognitive processes.

CBD, unlike THC and other cannabinoids, does not act directly on cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

CBD stimulates several receptors in the body, including serotonin and adenosine receptors, which can improve your mood and control your central nervous system. By stimulating a particular receptor 5-HT1A, it can reduce the brain's sensation of pain and alleviate nausea.

Ingesting CBD or selecting a cannabis strain with a high concentration of CBD may cause you to feel less of a high when you smoke, vape, or ingest marijuana because CBD can limit the effects of THC in cannabis.

This inhibition occurs as CBD lowers the action of the fatty acid amide hydrolases that boost the effect of THC. This action of CBD favors its use for medical purposes rather than for recreational purposes.

In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in developing cannabis-derived medicines and other consumer items. The FDA recognizes the potential benefits that CBD products offer.

The FDA and Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 made growing hemp federally legal. While marijuana and CBD are legal in some states for both medical and recreational uses, other states allow the use of these substances in specific forms and only for therapeutic purposes. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, some states only allow CBD oil.

The FDA is aware that some companies are promoting cannabis and cannabis-derived chemicals in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, putting consumer health and safety at risk. The agency is dedicated to preserving public health while simultaneously working to increase the efficiency of regulatory processes for the legitimate commercialization of cannabis and cannabis-derived products.

1. Alleviates pain

Instead of focusing on CBD alone, several studies on pain management have looked at how CBD interacts with THC to assist in pain reduction. Researchers have noted that a combination of THC and CBD can considerably reduce pain in people with cancer and multiple sclerosis.

2. Relieves anxiety

CBD has been shown to lower activity in brain regions associated with stress and fear. A study on a group of 57 men reported that consuming 300 mg of CBD made participants feel less anxious and more comfortable when completing a public speaking test. 

3. Combats neurodegenerative diseases

CBD may be a viable treatment for neurological illnesses. 

The loss of neurons in various sections of the nervous system causes a reduction in cognitive and motor abilities, and disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, and stroke cause the brain and nerves to degrade over time. Researchers are currently examining brain receptors to see how CBD can help combat this by lowering inflammation and supporting optimal brain health. 

4. Improves sleep

CBD can aid in promoting relaxation and better sleep. It may be a natural approach for improving sleep quality instead of relying on prescription sleep drugs.

5. Improves bone health

With age, bones grow frail and more prone to osteoporosis, which can lead to pain and fractures. CBD may help strengthen the bones in addition to lowering inflammation and encouraging cell repair. 

6. Reduces cancer symptoms

CBD may help relieve cancer symptoms, as well as reduce treatment-related negative effects. Animal studies have reported that CBD can inhibit tumor development and may potentially improve the body’s absorption of drugs or boost their efficacy.

CBD may also help regulate inflammation and affect the way cells multiply, inhibiting the formation or development of tumor cells.

7. Helps with addiction

Early research indicates that CBD may benefit people suffering from addiction by lowering their craving for certain chemicals. For example, studies have suggested that CBD may help people addicted to nicotine or opiates.

Recommended CBD doses vary depending on the brand, as each offers different concentrations of CBD.

The main dose is 2.5 mg/kg of body weight twice a day (a total of 5 mg/kg/day). The maximum dose is 10 mg/kg twice a day (a total of 20 mg/kg/day). The dose is lower for people with hepatic impairment.

High-fat and high-calorie foods can dramatically boost CBD absorption. Therefore, precise dosing with CBD products is extremely challenging.

Although the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is considered safe under controlled conditions, studies are being conducted to understand how it can affect the body and what negative effects it may produce.

Potential side effects may include:

• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Changes in weight and appetite

CBD can enhance the effect or reduce the efficacy of certain drugs. You must avoid the use of CBD while taking medications such as:

• Antibiotics
• Anticancer medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Cholesterol medications
• Antihistamines
• Antimicrobials
• Heart rhythm medications
• Immune modulators
• Antipsychotics and antidepressants

You must always use CBD by prescription by a medical practitioner or under the guidance of a doctor to prevent adverse effects.