What Is CBD

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a phytochemical compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD, unlike THC, has no addictive or psychoactive properties. CBD is a safe natural herbal remedy with a wide variety of health benefits.

How CBD Works In The Body

CBD interacts in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to exert its therapeutic effects. What is the endocannabinoid system you ask? Well, don’t be too surprised if you are not familiar with it. The ECS regulates every function in your body from inflammation, to your sleep quality, anxiety levels, sensation of hunger, and more. However, most physicians have no idea what this is and most people don’t know either!

The ECS was only recently discovered. Studies on this human system started around the year 1988. The ECS is considered “the largest receptor system and the master regulator of homeostasis in the human body.” [1]

CBD binds to a receptors in the ECS. CBD is a ‘ligand’ or a key to a lock. The lock is the receptor. When CBD unlocks the receptor, benefits occur. The main receptors are the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and regulate coordination, pain, emotions, appetite, and more. CB2 receptors are found throughout the immune system and regulate inflammatory response and signal pain receptors.

Health Benefits of CBD

When CBD binds to the ECS receptors it can influence those functions to lessen pain and inflammation, improve mood and sleep, and much more. The ECS is also called the “eat, sleep, relax and forget” system. When stimulated, the ECS will cause bodily relaxation and allow more balance in every other system.

As of yet, the FDA has declined to give solid rules regarding this plant-based phytochemical. However, In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, for the treatment of epilepsy, specifically Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, for patients as young as two years old. The Federal Government actually has a patent on CBD for its health benefits from years prior to this approval. Each and every day more and more data emerges pointing out the very real health benefits of this substance.

More and more studies looking into the health and medicinal benefits of CBD are being conducted; these include basic lab studies, animal studies and human studies. So far, most studies have shown promising results for a wide range of individuals with a wide range of ailments. Very few, if any, adverse events have been reported.

How To Introduce CBD To Your Daily Routine

Find a reliable source when choosing CBD products. Dr. Meredith Warner’s CBD products are all 3rd party tested for purity, and made in an FDA-registered facility.

There are many different types of CBD available, and your dosage needs may vary. Don’t give up if the first product you try doesn’t give you the exact results you want.

You may want to switch to a softgel, a CBD oil tincture, or some other method of CBD intake and monitor your results. Please consult with your treating physician if you are concerned about any prescription medication interactions, or are concerned about taking natural substances in general.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178961/