As CBD continues to grow in popularity around the world, science is still making new discoveries about how this cannabinoid works in the human body. While research is still limited, clinical evidence indicates that CBD offers numerous potential health benefits and may have a positive effect on a range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. But how does CBD work to deliver these potential benefits?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of around 140 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant (Cannabis
sativa). It is the main active ingredient in hemp-derived products, such as CBD oils, CBD capsules, CBD edibles, and CBD balms. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the controlled cannabinoid that causes a cerebral high, CBD does not intoxicate the user or cause addiction, making it safe and legal for consumption.
How does CBD work in the body?
So, how does CBD work? CBD works by influencing the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signalling network of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes found throughout the body. The ECS regulates many important bodily processes, including sleep, mood, pain and appetite, and helps to keep the body in a healthy and balanced state (homeostasis). To understand how CBD supports the ECS, we first need to understand the endocannabinoid system’s three main components:
1. Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids (“endogenous cannabinoids”) are molecules produced by the body. They act as chemical messengers, binding to cannabinoid receptors in order to inform the ECS when the body is out of balance (for example, when there is pain or inflammation). The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA), which affects the brain’s reward system, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which helps to regulate the circulatory system.
2. Cannabinoid (CB) Receptors
Cannabinoid receptors facilitate communication between endocannabinoids and the ECS. The two main cannabinoid receptor types are CB1 and CB2: CB1 receptors are located primarily in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system and peripheral organs.
3. Enzymes
Enzymes break down endocannabinoids once they have carried out their function. The two main enzymes involved in this process are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide, and monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which breaks down 2-AG.
How does CBD work FAQs
How long does CBD take to work for anxiety? According to studies conducted in 2015, researchers found that current evidence indicates that CBD has potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders. However, there is still a need for further study of chronic and therapeutic effects in relevant clinical populations. Regarding how long CBD takes to work for anxiety, in a 2018 study, subjects received CBD before undergoing a public speaking test. The researchers found that a CBD dosage administered 90 minutes before the test, was enough to reduce the speaker’s anxiety significantly. How long does it take for CBD infused Manuka Honey to work? Like other ingestible CBD products, CBD Infused Manuka Honey has to pass through the
digestive system before entering the bloodstream, meaning it takes longer to take effect (30-90 minutes) than CBD oil drops. However, these effects can last for approximately six to eight hours; while they are not ideal for people who need to feel the effects of CBD quickly, they are a good option for those looking for a sustained, slow-release effect. Does CBD Interact with medications? In the debate of whether CBD interacts with medications, CBD tends not to interfere with most medications. It’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider before taking CBD, to ensure it’s the best option for you. However, further research is needed to understand the potential interactions between CBD and medications fully.