What is CBD?The hemp plant, domesticated over 6,000 years ago in China, produces more than 400 organic compounds. The two main groups of molecules with bioactive properties found in hemp are terpenes and cannabinoids—CBD pertains to the latter category. Cannabinoids are compounds that influence the human nervous system via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The hemp plant features dozens of cannabinoids, with THC, CBD, and CBG being the most common. They differ in their chemical structure and effects. CBD is thought to have many therapeutic applications, and is also used as a daily dietary supplement to encourage homeostasis ( balance in our bodies). While beneficial for overall well-being, CBD doesn’t have the psychotropic properties of its cousin, THC. Cbd stands for cannabidiol, and THC for tetrahydrocannabinol. Both are cannabinoids derived from hemp and cannabis plants. The difference between cbd and thc is that cbd does not cause a high
How does cbd work?
The human nervous system contains a large number of receptors. ECS receptors are located in the human brain and in the peripheral nervous system—spinal cord and nerves—among other locations. In the brain, the receptors reside in areas responsible for perception, concentration, memory, and movement. That’s why the ECS is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes including the feeling of pain, mood, and appetite. The two predominant ECS receptors are CB1 and CB2. These receptors bind to molecules produced within the body known as endocannabinoids. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is one major endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD, a phytocannabinoid (derived from plants), doesn’t bind to these receptors directly, although it is able to replicate some of the effects of 2-AG. CBD is said to have antispasmodic, antipsychotic, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties. It can also help to alleviate everyday stress and make the nervous system more resilient.
CBD (cannabidiol) has the widest range of healing properties as you can see in the table displayed. Scientific studies have shown that CBD has a significant effect on neurological and physiological disorders, such as: Antibiotic-resistant infections Anxiety attacks ADHD & ADD Cancer Chronic pain Depression Diabetes Epilepsy Fibromyalgia Migraines MS (Multiple Sclerosis) PTSD Rheumatoid arthritis Stress Spasm Vascular and muscle relaxing