Cannabidiol, or CBD, has established itself as one of the most prominent natural compounds in the natural health and wellness industry. Its presence ranges from creams and oils to flowers and cosmetic products, which has caught the attention of both researchers and consumers looking for natural alternatives to improve their quality of life. Have you ever wondered what CBD is and how it could be integrated into your daily routine? Join us to discover its origins, properties and applications, and clear up all your doubts about this fascinating compound.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid. To be more specific, it is one of more than 100 compounds known as phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in nature, even within our own bodies, and the “phyto” cannabinoid distinction means that CBD, in particular, is naturally found within plants. In other words, in short, CBD is a natural chemical compound found within plants, specifically hemp, marijuana, and their derivatives.
What Does CBD Do?
We mentioned that cannabinoids are even found within the human body, and this is because we all have a set of receptors that scientists have called the “endocannabinoid system”. This system interacts with compounds such as CBD and is responsible for regulating different functions in the body related to sleep, pain or mood. These receptors are found in the central and peripheral nervous system and, according to recent discoveries, are even found under the skin. This is why CBD can have such varied effects and there can also be varied ways of using it.
Is CBD psychoactive?
The answer is no. It is true that other cannabinoids, the most famous being THC, do have psychoactive effects, but CBD has completely different effects due to the way it interacts with our body. THC activates certain receptors present in the brain that CBD does not interact with, meaning that it does not alter perception or mental state. All of these reasons have made it a favorite of modern science when it comes to studying natural alternatives to regulate and help the overall well-being of our body.
What is CBD used for?
Potential Benefits of CBD
Now that you know what CBD is, you’re probably wondering what it’s used for. Due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, this compound has multiple applications and has been studied for its impact on different areas of well-being. Let’s briefly look at some of the reasons why science and the wellness industry have set their sights on CBD:
- Relaxation and stress management: It is believed that CBD could contribute to a sense of calm and help reduce stress without causing sedative effects (Bidwell et al., 2024).
- Better sleep quality: Its possible role in improving sleep patterns is being investigated, especially in people with sleep difficulties (Ranum et al., 2023).
- Pain relief: Its potential in reducing muscle and joint discomfort and chronic pain is analyzed (Villanueva et al., 2022).
- Anti-inflammatory effect: There are ongoing studies on how CBD could contribute to reducing inflammation in the body, which could be beneficial for taking care of multiple conditions (Atalay et al., 2023).
- Mood balance: Research suggests that CBD could play a role in emotion regulation and psychological well-being (Langmaid, 2023).
CBD and ongoing research
Thanks to its promising benefits, CBD continues to be studied. Its potential applications for even more complex diseases are being explored, and many scientists have decided that its potential is so important that they devote multiple studies to discovering all that is present in the world.
For now, CBD use focuses mostly on relaxation, pain management, improved sleep, and overall well-being, but the discovery of CBD’s interactions with the body could open new doors in the future for even more incredible uses.
Is CBD safe to use?
CBD is generally well-tolerated by most people. However, it is essential to make sure that you acquire it from reliable sources that have laboratory certifications and that its composition is suitable for each need. The quality of the product can vary significantly depending on its origin and the extraction processes used.
Additionally, although CBD is considered safe, it could interact with certain medical conditions or other medications. For this reason, it is always advisable to consult with a health professional before incorporating it into the routine, especially if you are taking other treatments or if there are pre-existing medical conditions.
Is CBD legal?
The legality of CBD varies depending on the country and its THC concentration. In many regions, hemp-derived CBD is legal and available in different forms such as oils, creams, capsules, and edible products. In Spain, its topical and collector’s use is legal, as long as the products contain less than 0.2% concentration of THC. Again, it is important to purchase products from trusted sources that offer quality certifications and laboratory testing to ensure their legality and safety.
Conclusion: CBD and its potential for wellness
Now that you know what CBD is, how it works, and some of its implications, it’s clear that this compound is still an ever-evolving topic. Research into its potential benefits does not stop, and it is interesting to keep an eye out for scientific advances that may reveal more about its interaction with the human body.
If you’re considering buying CBD, it’s crucial to make sure you’re buying from reliable sources that have lab certifications and quality testing. Stay informed and choose products that meet the right standards to ensure the best possible experience. Exploring CBD responsibly can be a great way to improve your well-being naturally. Dare to discover its benefits and find the right product for you with the confidence that you are making an informed decision. If you want to learn more, visit maionais.
References
- Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 9(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9010021
- Bidwell, L. C., Martin-Willett, R., Skrzynski, C., Lisano, J., Ortiz Torres, M., Giordano, G., Hutchison, K. E., & Bryan, A. D. (2024). Acute and Extended Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol in Cannabis Flower: A Quasi-Experimental ad libitum Use Study. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(4), 1015–1027. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2023.0187
- Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139–154. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2016.0034
- Langmaid, S. (2023). CBD for depression and anxiety. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cannabinoids/cbd-depression-anxiety
- Ranum, R. M., Whipple, M. O., Croghan, I., Bauer, B., Toussaint, L. L., & Vincent, A. (2023). Use of Cannabidiol in the Management of Insomnia: A Systematic Review. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(2), 213–229. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0122
- Villanueva, M. R. B., Joshaghani, N., Villa, N., Badla, O., Goit, R., Saddik, S. E., Dawood, S. N., Rabih, A. M., Niaj, A., Raman, A., Uprety, M., Calero, M., & Khan, S. (2022). Efficacy, Safety, and Regulation of Cannabidiol on Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 14(7), e26913. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.26913
