We’ve all heard the claims that CBD products are almost a super-powered way to help fix what ails you. From insomnia and anxiety to inflammation and aches and pains—there’s a CBD product for that.
But how does this natural plant help such a wide variety of health conditions? And—the second most popular question—do you have to “get high” to get help?
To answer the second question simply, the “high” effect doesn’t come from CBD. It comes from the cannabinoid THC, and most over-the-shelf products don’t have THC in them.
CBD is federally approved and non-regulated, as long as they have less than 0.3% THC in them. So no, you won’t get high off of your basic CBD products, but you’ll still reap the benefits.
Here’s a quick explanation of exactly what CBD does and how it improves your health.
1. It All Starts With the Cannabinoids
Unlike the myth that many people imagine when they think of a cannabis plant, it’s not going to get you high on sight. In fact, raw weed won’t even get you high if you eat it!
The active ingredient in a cannabis plant is the cannabinoid. But this compound starts out as a cannabinoid acid in its natural state. It has to go through a process called decarboxylation.
This step takes the carboxylic acid ring out of the plant’s structure and turns it into a straight cannabinoid. Once that’s completed, the CBD can be processed into the ingredients used in health products.
2. Then, It Goes to Your Endocannabinoid System
If you’re like most people, you learned the body’s basic functional systems in high school biology.
But the endocannabinoid system was never in a textbook!
The Endo-What?
No, you’re not losing your mind.
The fact is that the first endocannabinoid known in existence was isolated in 1992. That finding shook the pharmacology and chemical world. Since then, we’ve been learning about this previously unknown system.
The endocannabinoid system is a major part of your body that is responsible for its homeostasis. In other words, it controls and regulates the internal environment. When external stress occurs, this system helps you adapt to it.
Endocannabinoids are produced naturally inside the body. But when they’re drained or in need of help, plant cannabinoids can fill in the gap. Your body gets closer to its natural state of homeostasis.
3. What CBD Does in Your Body
Once the cannabinoids get into your body, they can have various effects. Some of these changes happen noticeably and quickly. Others occur gradually, over time, and you might not realize they’re happening for a while.
People use CBD to improve their health because the cannabinoids interact with your body to:
- Relieve pain. CBD modulates the neurons that tell your body to feel pain. It soothes and cushions the pain stimulators, which helps you to hurt less.
- Help reduce anxiety and stress. CBD interacts with the brain to reduce the fight-or-flight trigger in the amygdala. You feel calmer and in control.
- Assist in the recovery of cancer patients after chemotherapy. CBD is linked with a distinct reduction in nausea and vomiting after treatment.
In their basic, acidic form, cannabinoid acids are also increasing in popularity. Known as CBDA and THCA, these acids have been used in studies to inhibit tumor growth, reduce inflammation in certain conditions, and manage chronic pain.
All of the benefits of CBD can be yours, no matter which type of product you prefer. Some people enjoy the quick rush they get from smoking weed or hemp. Others want the relief of topical creams or lotions that go straight to their nerves and muscles.
You can buy edibles or make your own for discrete consumption. They’re even available in yummy gummies. Some states sell CBD canned beverages, too.
You have control of how much or how little THC you want in your product. You get to pick how it gets in your system. Yes, you can get the health benefits without the high. It’s all up to you!
Conclusion
CBD may not be a magic pill, but it has some incredible properties. When it’s used right, it goes straight to the source of the problems in your body.
Whether you’re looking for a boost of energy, a chill to help you relax, or something to take away the pain, there’s a CBD product that does the job. That’s why so many people swear by cannabinoids to improve their health.