CBD oil and all cannabis related products have been a popular topic throughout the western world over the last few years as more countries start to embrace the plant and its health benefits. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a molecule called a cannabinoid, much like it’s famous counterpart, THC. Unfortunately, due to the psychoactive effects of THC, the whole cannabis plant suffered a bad reputation for the majority of the last century. It is one of approximately 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and usually the most abundant. CBD oil is completely non-psychoactive and has been shown to support a whole range of health benefits.
The discovery of the human endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors found throughout the body, was a huge step in understanding how the cannabis plant can affect our health. These receptors are specifically designed to only accept cannabinoids, much like a lock and key with the key being cannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system is the bridge between cannabis and health, as it helps regulate, sleep, appetite, mood, immune function, pain, temperature, memory and more. By giving our body more cannabinoids than the small amount it produces and receives through our diet, we’re able to help optimise these functions of the human body that are often compromised in a stressful life.
The endocannabinoid system is broken down into two main types of receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are generally found in the main organs and immune system. It is the CB2 receptors that are mostly influenced by CBD oil, and being present throughout the majority of the body, opens up the wide array of systems that CBD oil can influence.
Typically, the improvements in ones health after using CBD oil are a result of its ability to reduce inflammation. As chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of disease, anything natural that can help control it is usually beneficial. From the thousands of studies published on CBD oil, a reduction in inflammation is the stand out benefit with improved sleep and anxiety reduction not far behind.
CBD is usually derived from hemp, the name given to cannabis with trace amounts or no THC present. It is most commonly found in it’s natural oil form, blended with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or olive oil. This oil can then be consumed orally, just a few drops or sprays each day. Alternatively for faster acting absorption, one can vaporize the oil in vape pens or inhaler like devices.
