What is CBD, or cannabidiol? Benefits, Uses, and More

What is CBD?

Among cannabis’s numerous active ingredients is cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not psychotropic. Thus, CBD does not result in a “high.”

Products made from cannabis may be more effective than those made from hemp, but CBD extracted from industrial hemp still has a lot of health advantages.

CBD products made from industrial hemp can still be beneficial even if your state hasn’t authorized medicinal marijuana or if you can’t get these items.

What does CBD actually do?

Though its exact mechanism of action is unknown, it is believedTrusted Source that CBD may either activate or inhibit the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

These receptors are a component of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which controls functions including mood, hunger, and sleep.

Additionally, CBD could interact with certain opioid or serotonin receptors and trigger a mechanism that lowers blood sugar and cholesterol.

Moreover, it could affect PPAR gamma activation. Certain cellular functions are attributed to the release of intracellular calcium, which is influenced by this activity.

Although there hasn’t been much study done on CBD, what has been found is encouraging. According to certain research, CBD may be useful in treating a range of physical and mental health issues.

While another study (Trusted Source) on human cells discovered that CBD cream was an efficient anti-inflammatory, the first study on rats suggested that CBD oil may be used to alleviate arthritic pain.

Similarly, studies have demonstrated the potential of CBD to treat infantile epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Evidence from a reliable source suggests that CBD has anti-tumor effects and can help control the negative effects of cancer treatment.

To fully comprehend the potential advantages of utilizing CBD as a therapy for both physical and mental health disorders, more study is required.

Are there any hazards or negative effects to be aware of?

CBD is offered in a variety of forms. This enables consumers to modify their usage strategy to suit their unique requirements. These are the most popular CBD formulations.

Tinctures and oils

Using a dropper, these liquids—typically oils—that have been infused with CBD are applied beneath the tongue. Numerous small capillaries in the mouth mucosa swiftly absorb the substances.

For those who have trouble swallowing pills or capsules, oils and tinctures could be a viable option.

In the skin

Topicals containing CBD can be used to relieve joint and muscular pain. They can also be used to treat psoriasis and eczema, among other skin disorders.

CBD patches function similarly to patches for nicotine.

Pills and capsules

CBD tablets and capsules can be used to treat digestive problems and seizure disorders systemically.

Epidiolex, the first medication containing high-potency CBD to treat seizure disorders, was recently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source.

One disadvantage of capsule forms is that it may take some time for the effects to become noticeable after consumption.