As more clinical evidence is presented in favor of Cannabidiol (CBD) for therapeutic use, it’s no surprise that CBD is taking the Canadian cannabis market by storm. Based on data presented by New Frontier, CBD use for inflammation, anxiety, pain relief, and depression more than doubled between 2018 to 2019.
Why is it that CBD has all of these unique qualities that make it so perfect for aiding in relief from both physical and emotional symptoms? Well, CBD actually works kind of like a puzzle piece in our bodies and unlocks our bodies’ ability to self regulate and maintain healthy bodily function. Let’s dive in a little deeper, as this will give you a well-rounded understanding of how CBD works and what benefits you can rely on when using CBD products.
We do our best to provide up-to-date information but this is not medical advice. Please consult a physician for specific CBD questions/concerns or before trying CBD. Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links which means we may earn commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep our website ad free and pay our awesome team to keep researching and creating content for you.
How Does Your Body Process CBD?
CBD acts on a part of the nervous system called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). When ingesting CBD, it works as a primer to nerve endings, signalling throughout the body to create healthy communication between the brain and the rest of the organ systems. CBD can influence the part of the nervous system that has serotonin receptors, regulating much of our memory, mood, pain response, hormonal health, and a number of other bodily functions. This plays a large role in how the body experiences appetite, nausea, emotions, pain, and stress.
This explains why CBD is such a multifaceted molecule. It can impact our immune responses, reproductive health, and most importantly inflammatory responses in the body. Inflammation is known as a primary influence on chronic pain and disease.
It's Not Just In Your Head
Although our nervous system is commonly associated with the brain, it actually is distributed throughout our entire bodies, like a map of threads creating channels of communication to our brain and all of our organs. This is why CBD can still work so well topically in addition to digestible CBD products.
Dermal applications of CBD are incredibly useful for surface level or localized pain and swelling. Rather than numbing the pain temporarily, CBD supports your immune system function to reduce acute inflammation without halting important bodily functions (like the benefits of spasming and inflammation).
Is there a downside to CBD?
Before we explore the many benefits of CBD, we should consider any of the risks associated with consuming this new compound. Thankfully, research has shown that CBD is a relatively low-risk substance with low addictive potential and little to no chance of overdosing. Consuming too much CBD may come with some unwanted side effects. This risk can certainly be minimized by understanding proper dosing, hydration, and maintaining blood sugar levels while taking CBD. In the case that you do take a high dose of CBD, some consumers have reported feeling side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, fatigue, and nausea.
CBD is a substance known to have a biphasic effect in terms of dosing. There is a bell curve of effectiveness meaning, a low dose or an extremely high dose are just as ineffective. Due to variations between individuals, every person has an optimal dose, or ‘CBD sweet-spot’ between 10mg-500mg. Understanding this will significantly lower any risks associated with unwanted side effects or complications with building a tolerance to CBD.
CBD is going to interact with every person slightly differently, so it is key to go slow when trying CBD for the first time. It’s always recommended to check in with your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you are currently taking any medications that may have adverse interactions with CBD.
CBD Health Benefits
Now that we have a good handle on how CBD works in the body, we can understand the health benefits of CBD more deeply. Depending on your goals for CBD therapy, there are a number of applications to consider that have advantages depending on your desired effects. Though there are a lot of unanswered questions in science about the effectiveness of CBD, there is substantial compelling evidence already out there highlighting CBD’s beneficial, and non-toxic effects on the nervous system.
CBD Soothes and Relaxes
By regulating hormonal processes, CBD may play a powerful role in relaxation and mood stability. This often requires long term use for substantial results. CBD has been used by many consumers to aid in symptoms related to anxiety and depression, claiming it offers support for stress.
CBD Reduces Pain and Swelling
Topical and transdermal CBD products are an excellent solution for inflammation and soft tissue injuries. Even beyond surface level pains, CBD topicals have also been effective in the treatment of inflammation for arthritic joint pain, muscle spasms, and even menstrual cramping. It is becoming more popular to see professional athletes incorporating CBD into their training regiments to protect and soothe their bodies from the physical stress of their sport.
CBD Enhances Focus & Clarity of the Mind
As discussed above, CBD can positively impact our serotonin regulation within the body, making it a great tool for supporting memory and brain function. Similar to the way CBD impacts emotions and stress response, it may also benefit cognitive function and other hormonal processes. This is because the body will have to compensate for stress less, as CBD alleviates the body from physical and mental stress.
CBD Improves Neurological Symptoms
Lastly, there is a great deal of promise for CBD as a pharmacological tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. CBD has both neuroprotective and antioxidative effects, and is currently being studied for both cellular regenerative properties as well as symptomatic relief. This leaves many optimistic with the possibility that CBD may be able to help stop the painful symptoms of many neurological disorders, while simultaneously slowing the onset of disease.
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Live Your Best Life with CBD
It will be exciting to see over the next few years the medical benefits of CBD in clinical settings. The global hemp market has begun to take research more seriously over the last few years, and it is likely we will see more innovations in medicine to come related to this amazing molecule.
For now we can appreciate what we already know. CBD is an incredible tool for balancing our bodies’ management of pain and nervous system functions, minimizing the need for other medications with harmful side effects and addictive potential. CBD offers a natural alternative for symptom relief, providing support for your health and wellbeing.
Any statements made in this post are not intended to replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any CBD product.
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