The regular use of CBD to treat various ailments, injuries, and/or related symptoms is not a trendy, new-age fad without substantial scientific backing. In fact, the regular use of CBD comes after recent research of the human body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. If you are unfamiliar with the endocannabinoid system, it is a major system in the body responsible for the regulation of physiological processes such as appetite, digestion, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The essential goal of the endocannabinoid system is for the body to reach homeostasis.
To understand the endocannabinoid system, you need some basic knowledge of neurotransmitters. Every reaction or impulse of the human body is the result of neurotransmitters, which are “messengers” of the central nervous system. Neurotransmitters essentially transfer energy from nerve fibers to muscle fibers or other systems, causing physiological and cognitive reactions in the body. The ECS has two neurotransmitter receptors, CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors deal mostly with the brain and cognitive reactions. THC, which is found in marijuana, binds to CB1 receptors, which is what causes the psychoactive effect of “getting high”. However, CBD actively works to prevent anything binding to the CB1 receptors, ultimately helping to regulate mood.
CB2 receptors are associated mostly with peripheral organs and more specifically with organs associated with the immune system, which is why CBD is known to have significant anti-inflammatory affects.
Research on the effects of CBD on the ECS is long overdue and truly still in its beginning stages. However, the research that has been conducted shows a very direct and specific link on the correlation between CBD and body systems regulation or homeostasis. For instance, recent studies have shown a link between CBD and lowered blood flow to the regions of the brain associated with anxiety. When an individual is experiencing anxious thoughts, the brain becomes overactive and experiences a rush of blood to the respective regions. Study participants exhibited lowered blood flood when consuming CBD.
While research is still being conducted and regulations are not yet in place, it is possible to safely benefit from the apparent virtues of regular CBD use. Remember, a reputable CBD brand will be 100% naturally derived from cannabis plan ts and contains little or no THC.. You are at no risk of “getting high”, but instead completely open to the benefits of improved mood and reduced symptoms resulting from common ailments.