How The Body Processes CBD

Published on 08 Jun 2022

What is CBD - Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second most prevalent active component in marijuana. CBD is directly extracted from the Cannabis sativa L. hemp plant. Cannabis sativa L. is a unique versatile plant and a significant herbaceous species native to Central Asia used in traditional medicine and as a source of textile fabric since ancient times. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two active chemicals extracted from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa L. for therapeutic purposes. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating chemical component of marijuana that has been shown in trials to help with conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and anorexia, as well as symptomatic alleviation of multiple sclerosis. According to the World Health Organization's report, "CBD has no effects in humans that suggest it could be abused or addictive... There has been no indication of public health issues linked to the usage of pure CBD to yet."

Difference between CBD and THC

We have associated Cannabis with psychoactive properties for a long time. Markedly, the "high" it produces is mostly attributable to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). On the other hand, Hemp extracts have just recently become recognised as a treatment for several medical ailments. In fact, CBD is the most abundant chemical compound in the plant after THC. In the 1940s, scientists were able to extract CBD from hemp plants, and by the early 1960s, they had figured out its molecular structure. So, we can obtain CBD from hemp, containing less THC than CBD derived from cannabis.

How the body processes CBD

CBD tends to have various medicinal properties according to studies. CBD can treat several health conditions such as ease arthritis, and joint pain, help with sleep disorders, PTSD, lung conditions, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease and neurogenic spasticity, chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and chronic pain. The effects of CBD on the central nervous system (CNS) are the reason for its effectiveness in health problems. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its receptors are responsible for CBD's effects on the body. Endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes are the three main components of the ECS. Endocannabinoids are chemicals that play a part in regulating several interval functions. The central nervous system has CB1 endocannabinoid receptors, while the peripheral nervous system contains CB2 endocannabinoid receptors.

Because of its chemical nature, CBD can bind to both types of receptors. Neurotransmitters are released when it binds to a receptor. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that connect nerve cells to other regions of the body such as the brain, organs, and muscles. The placement of CBD receptors determines the effects of CBD on a certain body area. Endocannabinoids, for example, could reduce pain by targeting CB1 receptors in the spinal nerve. Others may connect to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal inflammation, which is a typical symptom of autoimmune illnesses. Enzymes are in charge of breaking down endocannabinoids after they've served their purpose.

Health Benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol)

The most important health benefits of CBD are as follows:

Relieves pain throughout the body by targeting receptors to specific body parts.
Reducing inflammation by connecting receptors to the immune system.
Improves sleep quality
Reduces anxiety and depression
Alleviate some pain from rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Helps in reducing acne
Relieves symptoms and side effects of cancer treatments in chemotherapy including pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Lowers high blood pressure
Reduces seizures for childhood epilepsy syndromes
Improves appetite and digestion
Improves mood, learning capabilities, and memory power
Helps in bone remodeling and growth

Factors to Consider When Using CBD

If you have a medical condition such as cancer for which CBD may be beneficial, you should speak with your doctor about adding CBD to your treatment plan. Following your doctor's approval, you'll find a large range of CBD-infused prescription items. CBD is available in a variety of forms, such as oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topical skin preparations.

CBD is broken down by your digestive system and distributed throughout your circulation when you take it in the form of tablets, candies, or other edibles. Because of the digestive process,it may take longer to feel its effects, but they also tend to persist longer.

CBD directly applied to a sore area on the body with topical therapy, will help you to experience its effects sooner. ButCBD topical therapies will not be absorbed into the bloodstream because of their limited bioavailability.

One can take CBD orally by either inserting it under one's tongue (sublingually) or eating it. To take CBD sublingually, place a few drops of oil or medication under your tongue for up to a minute before swallowing; the bloodstream present in your mouth absorbs the CBD. This way of consumption will allow the CBD effects to stay longer in the body than usual.

Precautions and Warnings before you take CBD

Pregnancy and lactation: Taking CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding may be dangerous. CBD products may contain other dangerous substances to a developing foetus or infant. Avoid using to be on the safe side.

Children: This medicine is licenced for use in children aged 1 year and older who have certain conditions such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastuat seizures. CBD is not suitable for children under any circumstances.

People who have liver illness may need to take lower dosages of CBD than the others who don't have such a condition.

Parkinson's disease: Some preliminary data suggest that large dosages of CBD may exacerbate muscle activity and tremors in some Parkinson's patients.

How to use CBD for cancer patients

CBD products come in various forms, which gives patients to choose from. Always remember to consult your doctor or expert oncologist before your purchase. CBD is available in the following forms: