How does CBD work?

In short, CBD works in via your endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to receptors located throughout the central nervous system (CB1 receptors) and the immune system (CB2 receptors) to help your body maintain balance.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

Discovered by scientists in the 1980's the endocannabinoid system is a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout our brains and bodies.

The ECS remains at the center of international research and drug development as it is responsible for regulating many of our most critical bodily functions, such as

- Appetite

- Mood

- Pain

- Inflammation

- Sleep

- Learning

- Memory

- Temperature control

- Immune system response

It is through this powerful system that CBD has shown such great potential...

According to studies, by working via the receptors in the ECS, CBD helps to boost what your body already does - heal itself!

 

For example, CBD has been shown to boost the production of the body’s own natural cannabinoid, anandamide. Anandamide is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” because it helps regulate mood and can produce feelings of well-being.

What are cannabinoid receptors? 

Cannabinoid receptors are regulators that control the levels and activity of neurotransmitters.

They regulate our bodies by turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted, whether that is hunger, temperature, alertness, immune response, inflammation or even pain perception.

 

The largest receptors are known as CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain, specifically in the areas responsible for appetite, mood, pain perception, memory and motor control.

CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune system and the peripheral nervous system. They are responsible for regulating inflammation as well as immune system response. 

However, unlike THC, CBD does not affect the CB1 and CB2 receptors directly...

To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids. CBD works by giving these "endogenous cannabinoids" a boost, preventing them from being broken down.

This enables them to be more effective at doing what they are naturally meant to do - maintain homeostasis. 

Should an an outside force, like pain from an injury or a fever, throw off your body’s homeostasis, your ECS kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operational state.

Interestingly, this indirect approach is also the reason CBD does not get you high!

Experts believe that the ECS plays a critical role in our body, so imagine how powerful boosting this system could prove to be in preventing the development of certain conditions. 

Next, you may want to explore how to choose a quality CBD product or maybe you are ready to find your CBD match.