What is CBD?

CBD or Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. In fact, there are over 113 different kind of cannabinoids found within cannabis. Each cannabinoid has its own features, therapeutic properties, chemical structure, and benefits. CBD is well-known for its versatility and well-tolerated nature. These plant-based cannabinoids are similar in structure to the body’s own cannabinoid system, called the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system in the body is responsible for regulating sleep, appetite, anxiety and pain. CBD binds to part of the body’s endocannabinoid receptors to boost the body’s production of its own cannabinoids[1].

How does CBD work for pain?

Over the last couple of years, CBD has shown impressive results in managing pain — without the unwanted side effects of prescription painkillers.

People are using CBD products to manage pain from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, migraines, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, nerve damage, PMS, and much more. 

CBD blocks pain by inhibiting the inflammatory process, regulating pain receptors, and promoting faster recovery of damaged tissue. The effects of CBD on pain are fast-acting, usually taking effect within 45 minutes of using it and last for around 4 to 6 hours.

The more you use CBD, the stronger its impact on pain. The immediate effects come from its ability to activate receptors that modulate pain in the spine [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ].

How does CBD work for anxiety and stress?

CBD alleviates anxiety by targeting several independent mechanisms involved with hyperactivity in the nerves. CBD has been shown to boost GABA activity in the brain — which is responsible for calming down the brain. It acts like the brake pedal for the mind, slowing it down when it becomes anxious.

CBD has also been shown to stimulate the serotonin receptors (5HT1A)— which leads to increased serotonin activity in the brain. Low 5HT1A receptor activity has been correlated with panic attacks and anxiety.

Furthermore, CBD and other cannabinoids have been shown to modulate the hypothalamus through its effects on the endocannabinoid system. Improving the sensitivity of the hypothalamus leads to a dramatic reduction in cortisol levels.

Its effectiveness at battling anxiety and stress also leads to CBD being a good natural aid for insomnia as well as improving quality of sleep. The benefits of CBD for anxiety require about 30 to 45 minutes to take effect and lasts around 4 or 5 hours [7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14]

How does CBD work for Muscle Recovery?

Athletes use CBD to help them recover faster between workouts and after an event. Faster recovery means they’re back into the gym sooner to continue training. CBD helps relax muscle tension, ease chronic pain, promote faster cell recovery, and prevent inflammation.

One of the most common causes of muscle pain (aside from injuries) is a condition called DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). DOMS is caused by micro-tears to the muscles during a workout and pains can last up to 72 hours after a workout. Studies have shown that CBD has an impact on relieving the soreness and allowing athletes to recover faster.

CBD has been shown to inhibit a wide range of inflammatory molecules while not limiting blood flow to the affected area which could impede muscle growth. More specifically it has little effect on reducing TGF-β and IL-10. In some studies, CBD even caused an increase in IL-10. This could explain how CBD may alleviate inflammation in the muscle tissue without compromising recovery times. The important role of IL-10 in the activation of new muscle cell differentiation could have a big impact on our ability to recover from muscle damage.[15, 16]

How can CBD help with so many conditions?

The answer lies in the specific receptors CBD interacts with. Most health supplements of medications target a specific receptor that triggers a specific effect. SSRI medications, for example, block the re-uptake of serotonin — causing serotonin levels to rise. It has one trigger, with one effect.

CBD is very different. It targets a series of receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is involved with hundreds of different functions in the human body. By targeting this broad-acting system CBD is able to interact with virtually every organ in the human body.

Through its effects on the ECS, hemp extracts are able to interfere with pain transmission, inflammation, anxiety, sleep, and more. In summary, CBD has so many benefits because it targets a regulatory system, rather than focusing its effects on one specific pathway with one specific effect.

How can CBD help with quitting tobacco?

Cigarette quitters can use CBD as a viable solution for kicking the habit. First, cannabidiol can control tobacco withdrawal symptoms like headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Second, it helps you ignore cigarette cravings by making you less susceptible to cigarette cues. Last but not least, you can smoke or vape CBD as a temporary alternative to cigarettes on your way to overcoming addiction [17].

Can CBD be abused?

A World Health Organization (WHO) report has found no adverse health outcomes but rather several medical applications for cannabidiol. Naturally occurring CBD is safe and well tolerated in humans (and animals), and is not associated with any negative public health effects. Experts further stated that CBD, a non psychoactive chemical found in cannabis, does not induce physical dependence and is "not associated with abuse potential."