By Paisley Hansen
CBD, or Cannibidiol, is a substance derived from the Cannabis plant. CBD products have a wide variety of benefits, mainly therapeutic, to help with many conditions such as cancer and anxiety. CBD products can also be used to ease muscle pain and reduce inflammation. Most reputable products only contain minute amounts of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. Therefore, CBD won’t give its users a “high” effect. To determine if using CBD products is right for you, read on to explore more information.
Types of CBD
CBD products come in a variety of types and methods for use. When choosing a CBD product, be sure to do your research on reputable companies that take comprehensive care in harvesting, extraction, development and manufacturing. Many quality products will be hemp-based to offer the most vitamins and nutrients, as well as optimal benefits. One popular product is pure CBD oil, which contains the full spectrum of terpenes, minerals, vitamins and essential fats the hemp plant can provide and has been shown to have the most healing properties. CBD isolate is also another option which contains almost 100% pure CBD and can be made into a tincture. CBD isolate tinctures are often made to be taken sublingually and are a more budget-friendly option. Other CBD products include topicals for localized use, pills that are generally longer lasting and edibles which offer the easiest, and tastiest, consumption method.
How CBD Works
Depending on the type, method and concentration, CBD products target a variety of receptors and molecular pathways in the body. To create an anti-anxiety effect, CBD binds to serotonin receptors, sending chemical messages to excite or inhibit depending on the baseline level. CBD can also bind to vanilloid receptors which are responsible for inflammation, body temperature and pain perception. Other receptors include orphan, which regulate bone density and blood pressure, nuclear, which are heavily involved in cancer and tumor cells and GABA-A, which help to regulate the central nervous system. CBD has also been shown to bind to adenosine receptors which help to control heart function, blood flow and oxygen consumption.
Uses for CBD
Due to the vast methods in which CBD works within the body, it can produce a variety of benefits. One significant benefit is its ability to manage anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Because CBD binds to serotonin receptors, it can chemically change the way your brain functions in response to stress; reducing insomnia, improving PTSD symptoms and even helping with social anxiety. Another benefit of using CBD is its ability to reduce epileptic seizures, with some higher dose CBD products working better than prescribed anti-seizure medication. One popular use is for the relief of pain caused by arthritis, multiple sclerosis, neural and spinal injuries, and generalized muscle and chronic pain. Many researchers believe this is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Other benefits of CBD include treatments for stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, reduction of acne and can act as a cancer treatment. Studies have shown CBD to prevent cancer cell growth by reducing a tumor cell’s ability to reproduce.
What You Can Expect
How a CBD product will make you feel will depend on a number of factors including the reason you’re taking it, the type of product you are using, and the method in which it enters your body. In general, CBD tends to have an overall relaxing and comforting effect. Many consumers have also reported higher levels of focus and clarity as well as eased feelings of stress. Even though most CBD products will not make you “high,” you can still expect some subtle euphoria too. Along with the positive benefits of CBD, they may also be accompanied by some negative side effects. These may include dizziness, low blood pressure, irritability, and in rare cases, depression.
Whether you are looking to ease anxiety or treat chronic pain, CBD products can be a great alternative to pharmaceutical options. Due to their variety of positive effects, those with certain conditions will benefit greatly from talking with their doctor and exploring the use of CBD.
North American Spine & Pain offers our SANA CBD Roll-On Balm, which is a great compact way to take your CBD anywhere you go. A convenient way to apply localized pain relief, ask our staff about it today!