Why CBD Oil and Your Body Go Together (Like Milk and Cookies)

You may already know that marijuana products can offer effective, natural relief for discomfort. But did you know that there’s a certain type of marijuana product that can alleviate these problems (and a whole lot more) without making you feel “stoned?”

CBD (cannabidiol) is an oil derived from cannabis plants that offers an incredible array of potential benefits. It’s available in a range of formats, including gum, supplements, capsules, concentrates, and high-CBD edibles.

What is CBD and what does it do?

CBD is a natural derivative of hemp and marijuana plants. Marijuana contains CBD, as well as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and hemp plants have a very low THC content with more CBD. In both types of plants, the levels of CBD and THC can vary.

THC has psychotropic properties, and it’s what makes you feel “stoned” or high. Medical marijuana plants are typically purposefully bred to be high in THC. While many people experience a pleasant high and stress relief from THC, others are very sensitive to this and find that they get anxious or paranoid from smoking pot or eating THC edibles.

CBD is a great alternative for those who don’t love smoking or eating THC-based foods because, while it can certainly make you feel relaxed, it actually has an entirely different effect on the brain.

How does CBD affect the brain?

Receptors called CB1 and CB2 are located in the brain and throughout the body as part of your endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating various elements of your body, including appetite, mood, and memory. Most of the CB1 receptors, specifically, are in the brain and nervous system.

THC directly binds to and activates CB1 receptors in the brain, which is what causes us to feel “high” and also offers some people relief from other health problems, such as nausea. We call THC a psychotropic drug because of this profound and direct effect on the brain.

While CBD doesn’t “fit” into these receptors, so it cannot produce the same type of high, it does have the potential to activate them indirectly. CBD may bind to other receptors—for instance, the 5-HT1A receptor.

5-HT1A is responsible for sending the body messages about pain and inflammation. It also directly stimulates the receptors linked to the dopamine system, the serotonin system, and the opioid system. As it works to activate serotonin production, it may be useful as an anti-stress aid, and its effects on the opioid system are linked to the way it can reduce pain and inflammation.

If you are trying CBD products for the first time and are worried about getting too “high,” just remember that it is not physically possible to get the same type of high with CBD as you might with THC, even if you take a high dose, because it binds to different receptors.

What does CBD oil do to the body?

Research shows that CBD has the potential to ease pain, inflammation, stress, and other medical issues. In its capacity to ease the symptoms of a number of ailments, it may offer a greater sense of ease and well-being for those struggling with a range of chronic conditions. However, more studies are needed to fully understand what CBD may offer.

How does CBD reduce stress?

Stress may be acute or chronic, and, if we are subjected to too much of it over our lives, the results can be life-threatening. It’s important to ensure that you take healthy steps to reduce your stress on a daily basis.

Examples of natural stress reduction techniques include:

• Meditation
• Regular therapy
• Social and community connection
• A balanced diet
• Limiting alcohol

In its ability to bind with the 5-HT1A receptor, which is connected to serotonin production, as well as a number of other “calming” and pain-relief systems in our bodies, taking CBD regularly (as needed) may also help with managing stress.

Does CBD oil help with joint pain and inflammation?

As a natural anti-inflammatory, CBD oil shows the potential for joint support for those who experience regular joint pain. Because there are so many different types and causes of inflammation, it’s hard to say for sure how much it would help more severe cases, but both clinical research and experiential reports suggest that CBD may be useful. (1)

Can CBD oil help with mental and physical fatigue?

Those struggling with brain fog and tiredness may be able to use CBD oil to give them a boost of mental and physical energy. They may also find that, since CBD oil has the potential to help promote restful sleep, they feel more energetic in the morning and throughout the day simply because they’re getting a full night’s rest.  

How do you take CBD oil, and how much should you take?

CBD oil can be taken orally, added to your favorite foods, or even used topically. It generally takes a few minutes to a few hours to work, depending on how it is ingested or applied. Since different people may have different sensitivities to CBD, it’s a good idea to start with a low dose (such as two to three milligrams) and work your way up.

If you like the benefits of smoking marijuana, you should consider purchasing a high-CBD marijuana strain; however, if you’re just looking to get the potential benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects, based on our evaluation of hemp oil vs. cannabis oil, we recommend a high-CBD strain.

Want to learn more about cannabidiol and find out which products are best for you? Check out our handy and comprehensive CBD Oil Buyers Guide.

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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products sold by Healthy Hemp Oil are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on our website is intended to provide general information regarding our products and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. Read more