What is CBD?
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance derived from hemp or cannabis. Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s non-psychoactive, meaning it does not get you high. CBD is used in a wide variety of edibles, tinctures, vape pens and cosmetics to help with inflammation, siezures, nausea, pain, anxiety, infections and much more.
What studies have shown in regard to CBD, pain, inflammation and infection
Studies have shown when CBD is introduced to the ECS, it stops the body from absorbing a pain regulating compound known as anandamide- one of our bodies own natural cannabinoid molecules. Inhibiting the absorption of this compound shunts excess quantities into the bloodstream that in turn reduces pain. CBD has been shown in carious studies to inhibit inflammatory cells from being produces and migrating to the site of injury. This reducing inflammation and pain in that area, CBD has been tested against many firms if bacteria and shown to have antibacterial properties as well.
CBD and the body
All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors. CBD directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system and a number of proteins in the body and central nervous system. The endocannabinoid system contains two types of receptors, CB1, which is predominantly expressed in the brain and CB2, which is primarily found on the cells of the immune system. Most cannabinoids can bind to both types of receptors- CB1 & CB2. This is true for both the endocannabinoids – anandamide & 2-AG- and for phytocannabinoids like THC. However, the phytocannabinoid CBD doesn’t directly trigger either receptor. Instead, it modifies the receptors ability to bind to cannabinoids.
