CBD products have been touted for a host of medical problems. But the strongest scientific evidence, according to Harvard Health Publishing, is for its effectiveness in treating Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome–which are considered some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes that often don’t respond to antiseizure medications.
Multiple studies have reported that CBD was able to contract the number of seizures, and in some cases, the drug was able to stop them altogether. Videos of CBD’s effects on these children and their seizures can already be accessed on the Internet for viewing, and they are quite impressive. Thus, the FDA has recently approved the first-ever cannabis-derived drug for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains cannabidiol.
However, a number of CBD manufacturers have lately come under government scrutiny for their indefensible and wild claims that CBD is a cure-all for cancer–which it actually is not. Harvard Health Publishing advises that more research is required but CBD may prove to be an option. So, will CBD make you feel better? Let’s find out.
How Does CBD Work?
To better understand if CBD can help one feel better, it’s important to know how it works.
Cannabidiol or simply CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. Health Europa explained that there are 113 known cannabinoids but cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the well-known types. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, meaning it doesn’t make a person ‘high’ after using it.
CO2 extraction is known as the most efficient way to acquire cannabidiol. It is an expensive, yet effective method used to separate the oil from the plant source. The combination of low temperatures and a highly pressurized environment increases the amount of CBD that is extracted during the process.
Like any food, medication, or supplement a person ingest, CBD travels throughout the body and targets certain receptors to create unique effects. CBD Nationwide expounded how CBD works inside the body. Let’s take a closer look at how CBD affects the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and get to know what entourage effect is.
The Endocannabinoid System
When cannabinoid is ingested, it targets your Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
ECS is considered by many studies as one of the most important receptor systems involved in maintaining good health. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, or the Greek word for “steady” in a living thing. In other words, it functions to help regulate your body’s essential physiological processes such as digestion, mood, sleep, heart function, hormones, memory, etc.
The ECS contains endocannabinoid receptors which you can visualize as tiny locks. To activate and unlock these receptors, the body will require cannabinoids, which actas the keys to fit the receptor locks. When you ingest cannabidiol (CBD), the compound will activate your ECS to produce homeostasis.
The process on how ECS works is still considered complex and requires more research. For now, CBD Nationwide infers that, “CBD may help your body function better, and in turn, makes you feel better overall.”
The Entourage Effect
Another major player in the Cannabidiol game is the entourage effect.
As discussed earlier, the cannabis plant has 113 cannabinoids: CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC, among others. Along with cannabinoids, hemp plants also include other compounds, like oils and terpenes.
Each of these substances creates different results inside a human’s body. Studies also reveal that each one’s effects may alter in the presence of other cannabinoids.
The entourage effect is a proposed mechanism by which cannabis’ elements work together as a whole to create greater results. Let’s look at it this way: ingesting pure CBG may alleviate pain. Taking pure CBD may make one feel slightly content and relaxed.
But if CBG and CBD are taken together as a whole, it would simultaneously allow the two substances to work separately and together, intensifying their benefits. Combining these phytocannabinoids with an array of other substances along with terpenes in full-spectrum Cannabidiol produces the best results.
Then again, more studies are required to figure out exactly how this process works. The bottom line here is for you to understand the vast and striking effects of CBD.
You are now aware of how CBD works inside the body. But how does CBD feel once it enters your system? Well, several medical patients and consumers report numerous positive effects after taking CBD, including feelings of calmness and relaxation.
However, Weedmaps cleared up that the exact feeling an individual will get from CBD is dependent on a variety of factors such as the type of CBD product, the recommended dosage, and other individual-specific factors. These individual-specific characteristics include the consumer’s diet, weight, metabolism, genetics, other medications, and health conditions.
Along with this, the quality and formulation of the CBD product itself could all impact the amount of therapeutic value that cannabidiol will offer.
How Are CBD Products Made?
As stated by SUPA Naturals, in order to make a CBD product, manufacturers will remove parts of the hemp plant and process them to produce CBD oil. CBD oil can either be broad spectrum or full spectrum. The results and effects are indistinguishable, but each process can be contrast from the other.
Full-spectrum CBD has most of the compounds found in the hemp plant, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and up to 0.3% THC. Manufacturers typically don’t take any part of the plant during production. Since all the compounds are included here, it could create an entourage effect. This is why numerous experts consider full-spectrum CBD products to be the best and most potent available.
During broad-spectrum CBD processing, manufacturers further deplete the presence of THC in the compound. Instead of allowing up to 0.3%, they eliminate all THC from the final product entirely. The cannabidiol and other beneficial parts of the hemp plant remain.
Some experts believe that an individual will still experience the plant’s entourage without any THC in the body. However, as what most sources recommend, more information is needed to verify if this is indeed true.
When possible, SUPA Naturals recommend full-spectrum CBD products. If your job requires drug tests, then broad-spectrum edibles, oils, or lotions might be better choices.
Different Forms of CBD Deliver Various Effects
When you come across an extensive selection of CBD products, there might not appear to be much distinguishing them. However, the effect of CBD oil may vary in every individual as each has different body types. Greatist shared some of the many forms of CBD and how they differ.
Tinctures and Oils
Oils infused with cannabidiol are popular because they get absorbed into the body rapidly and they are also easy to take. This means you’ll feel the effects fast.
The typical intake of CBD oils is placed under the tongue using a dropper. They are ideal for anyone who wants to try CBD without taking pills.
Pills and Capsules
These types of CBD products are typically used to help treat a variety of health issues such as digestive problems, sleep deprivation, and seizure disorders. They are taken just like any other pill.
The only difference between an oil and a pill is that the capsule takes longer to be absorbed by the body, so an individual may not feel the effect quite as swiftly.
Lotions and Creams
Some CBD-infused creams and lotions are meant to alleviate joint and muscle pain. Others claim it to be beneficial for a variety of skin issues, such as acne or eczema, although there isn’t much scientific evidence to support this claim. CBD is also available in some skin care products.
Edibles
The popular form for this is CBD gummies but CBD are also available in chocolates, candy, cookies, and even wine and beer.
Vaping
The quickest way to experience CBD’s effects is to inhale vaporized CBD oil, which you can do with an e-cigarette. This is because vaping CBD oil sends the compound into the human bloodstream, so it is absorbed very fast.
However, the safety of vaping is still critically questioned, so this is not something to be taken lightly.
The effect of CBD products is not only contingent on the individual but also the condition or ailment. Depending on the therapeutic needs, various CBD products may prove more beneficial than others. Either way, it can be deduced that CBD can make you feel better, but this still relies on what you will use CBD for.
CBD Can Help You Feel Better If…
You Rarely Get Quality Sleep
According to Hemp Daddy’s Therapeutics,if you struggle staying or falling asleep, CBD can help. Although, it doesn’t help in a way you might think.
CBD works to calm your mind so that you can fall asleep faster and shut down at the end of the day without racing thoughts. A CBD oil with a 1:1 CBD-to-THC ratio is said to be best when making someone fall asleep faster, but this still depends on the THC level included.
You Want To Reduce Your Anxiety
CBD has been discovered to lower anxiety levels. It works by triggering serotonin receptors in the brain, thus countering anxious feelings.
You Suffer From Any Type Of Inflammation
Whether you struggle with fibromyalgia or you’re a sports enthusiast with plenty of exercise induced inflammation, CBD can help diminish inflammation and offer symptom relief as well.
You Want To Get Rid Of Chronic Pain
Many individuals with chronic pain are turning to CBD to get relief. While the amount of relief one can get will depend significantly on the quality of CBD and the strength of their dosage, most CBD can help take down crippling pain to where they can function normally.
You Want A Sense Of Peace
Many accounts claim that they often feel lighter, quote: “like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders, and they feel freer.” This sensation is usually the result of reduced stress and anxieties.
Take note, you don’t have to be high to experience peace and the health benefits of the hemp plant. The CBD, flavonoids, and terpenes make a healthy combination that helps consumers to feel better.
Final Takeaway
Remember, scientists are still in the early stages of CBD research. CBD oil and any other cannabinoid products are not FDA approved treatment for any disease.
However, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence indicate the existence of healing properties. It is advised to make all supplement decisions with your physician.
and then