How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD has been one of the most exciting health and wellness discoveries in recent years. Although this cannabinoid has been somewhat overshadowed for a long time, scientific interest in CBD has grown steadily. Many people have become familiar with CBD oil and are discovering its potential every day. But what kind of oil is it? And more importantly, how does it work?
In this post, we will see in more detail what it is, how it works and offer you the possibility to try and enjoy its benefits. Read on!
What is CBD oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid from the female hemp plant cannabis (Cannabis Sativa L), which is mainly present in the plant as an acid. Hemp plants consist of over 100 different phytocannabinoids. The best known are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD.
THC is a psychoactive, intoxicating ingredient. CBD, on the other hand, has no high-inducing effect. But cannabidiol also crosses the blood-brain barrier, docks to the same receptors as THC, and can influence perception and behavior.
Cannabidiol-containing oil is obtained from the flowers and leaves of low-THC and high-CBD hemp plants. The basis for food supplements with CBD is usually an edible oil. Products with CBD oil, for example, have a cannabidiol concentration of 2.5 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, or 20 percent. Incidentally, every CBD oil also contains a certain amount of THC, but this must not exceed a limit of 0.2 percent.
How is CBD oil made?
The CBD oil extraction process logically begins with the cultivation and harvest of hemp, the variety of cannabis plants that has CBD as one of its main components. From there, there are three main ways of extracting the oil:
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Extraction with liquid solvent
This type of extraction involves the use of a liquid solvent such as ethyl alcohol, naphtha, and even isopropyl alcohol to extract cannabinoids. This separates the cannabinoids from the plant and transforms them into liquid.
What makes this solvent extract unique is that later, the solvent evaporates after extracting the desired molecules. Finally, what remains are the plant’s own components in the form of resin.
The benefits of this method are many. It is the simplest and cheapest way to extract CBD. In addition, it removes unwanted components, such as chlorophyll, from dry hemp. For this, the extraction is carried out at very cold temperatures.
The resulting resin is subjected to chromatography to remove unwanted plant phytochemicals from the extracted material. Once separated, cannabidiol and other terpenes can be quickly and safely isolated.
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Olive oil CBD extraction
It is the simplest method, but like the use of ethanol, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about extracting cannabinoids with olive oil is that the technique is very simple. It only requires heating the olive oil to about 90 degrees Celsius and then filtering the extract. As a result, we get a non-concentrated extract, so users must use a much higher dose to benefit from its effects.
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CO2 extraction
CO2 extraction is the best-known extraction method. It involves filtering the parts of the plant through a series of chambers, which control temperature and pressure.
Once certain conditions of pressure and temperature are reached, carbon dioxide behaves like a liquid instead of a gas. This is known as a supercritical fluid. Liquid CO2 passes through plant material and begins to dissolve oils. It can isolate cannabinoids with an efficiency close to 90% purity.
There are many pros of this method. It does not require a lengthy evaporation process, such as liquid solvent extraction. It is also the method whose final product with less pollutants, once finished.
How does CBD oil works?
The body of all human beings has a set of receptors exclusively prepared to interact with substances derived from cannabis, such as CBD. These receptors are abundant in the human body and form the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is extremely important in ensuring the proper functioning of our body.
Through this system, the natural cannabinoids from CBD oil work together with our body and work out the many benefits. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy endocannabinoid system since it greatly affects the way our bodies work.
In addition, Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is the state of balance between all body systems. The human body requires that state of balance between systems for their proper functioning and for survival itself.
Although the scientific community continues to work to uncover the secrets of the endocannabinoid system, we now know that it helps regulate a wide range of processes. And even if you don’t use CBD or cannabis products, the ECS still works and remains active within your body.
For the endocannabinoid system to function properly, it uses three critical components:
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Endocannabinoids
These are molecules produced by the body that activate the endocannabinoid receptors and bind to these receptors. The two main endocannabinoids in the body are:
- Anandamide (AEA)
- 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
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Cannabinoid receptors
Receptors are a kind of antennae on cells to which molecules can attach. Cannabinoid receptors play an important role in the functioning of the ECS. They help pass messages of endocannabinoids between cells, as well as from outside the cell to the inside.
The two main receptor types of the endocannabinoid system are called CB1 and CB2. These receptors are found on many cell types throughout the body. CBD oil influences receptor activities and encourages the natural production of cannabinoids in the body.
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Metabolic enzymes
The ECS contains enzymes that both build and break down endocannabinoids, thus, limiting the duration of action. Fatty acid enzyme amidohydrolase (FAAH) is one of the primary enzymes in the system.
So, how does CBD interact with the Endo-Cannabinoid System (ECS)?
The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids to stimulate the receptors. When the receptors are stimulated, physiological processes are set in motion. This is done via two types of receptors. Namely: CB1 and CB2.
The first type is mostly found in the brain, mainly in the areas that are responsible for memory, motivation, emotions, or perception. These are relevant when consuming CBD. The consumption of cannabinoids can then cause feelings of happiness, be calming, but also hinder memory.
The CB2 receptor, on the other hand, occurs throughout the body. They are assigned the role in the regulation of the immune system, but also other functions in the liver, muscles, heart, or skin. However, the complex effects of cannabinoids and the effects they trigger on the body are still not entirely clear and require further research.
Although CBD is a cannabinoid, CBD does not interact directly with the two classic receptors, CB1 and CB2. Unlike this, it indirectly influences signaling through these receptors (CB1 and CB2) and can increase the levels of cannabinoids produced by the body. This briefly explains why, unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating.
It must be taken into account that all human beings are different. And just as there are men with more or less dense beards, the abundance of receptors varies from person to person, which explains why there are people more or less susceptible to them.
Does the Influence of CBD Reach Beyond the CB1 and CB2 Receptors?
CBD’s role as a versatile manager extends well beyond CB1 and CB2 receptors. This is because it also affects receptors not directly linked to the ECS. For example, receptors that promote the release of serotonin (5-HT). This substance supports feelings of happiness and well-being.
CBD also interacts with TRP channels. TRP channels exist in cells and monitor things like temperature and pain. When they notice that a temperature is too high or too low, they give a signal for the body to take action.
In addition, CBD also elicits a response from receptors in the liver (PPAR-alpha), which helps to speed up the metabolism in the liver.
How fast and how long does CBD oil work?
When taken orally, the onset of action can be expected after about twenty minutes to two hours. Bodyweight as well as food consumed at the same time play a role. It can take up to five days for CBD to be completely broken down by the body.
Can CBD get you high?
No! Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Although both are cannabinoids, they act differently in our bodies.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) activates CB1 receptors, which are one of the many endocannabinoid receptors in the human body. When these receptors are triggered, the effects are euphoric, anxious, and even paranoid. CBD does not trigger these CB1 receptors.
In fact, CBD can reduce the power of THC and simulate CB1 receptors, thereby helping to block some of the effects of THC mentioned above. For those prone to anxiety and forgetfulness when consuming marijuana, CBD is a great alternative to stay in control.
CBD counteracts the effects of THC and interacts directly with it. Therefore, CBD, when used together with THC, can mitigate some psychoactive effects.
Is CBD use legal?
Depending on the legislation of your country, there are differences regarding consumption as a supplement or as a medication. However, the increasing evidence of the benefits of CBD, coupled with the unambiguous favorable position of the WHO, is helping to push the demand and positions favorable to its use, which is why buying CBD oil today is possible both in para-pharmacies such as specialized stores.
As cannabidiol has been shown to have no psychotropic effects, this substance remains excluded from the lists of the international drug control treaties. This means that the consumption of CBD cannot give positive in the anti-drug controls that some professions have to pass in some countries, such as athletes, for example.
However, you do need to be careful with the CBD oil you choose, as many of them contain some THC, the component of cannabis that is psychotropic. We can follow the recommendation of the WHO, which has proposed that preparations containing predominantly cannabidiol and no more than 0.2% THC should not be subject to international control.
Use and dosage of CBD oil
CBD oil should always be taken according to the dosage instructions, which vary depending on the product. The active ingredient is best absorbed through the oral mucosa. The drops can be placed directly under the tongue and should be held there for a minute or two before swallowing again.
The dosage of CBD is not completely determined. It can depend on many factors, including:
- The state of health.
- The level of discomfort.
- Metabolism
- The side effects of CBD
- The weight.
- Sensitivity to cannabis.
- Interaction with medications.
The recommendation of specialists is to start with a reduced dose and gradually increase it until the desired results are achieved. Attention should be paid to the milligrams of CBD contained in the purchased product.
Daily doses stated on CBD oils and other hemp products with cannabidiol should never be exceeded without medical clarification, as interactions with other substances are possible.
Finally, experts advise only buying CBD oils that have been certified. Even if they are usually more expensive, consumers should definitely refrain from using CBD oils that do not contain any ingredients or dosage recommendations.
Is it safe to take CBD?
The purpose of using CBD oil or other CBD products is never to get high, since as we have explained, cannabidiol has no psychotropic effects. The reason its use is increasing around the world is because the many health benefits of CBD are becoming better documented.
However, CBD can have side effects. These are:
- Sickness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness.
None of these CBD side effects are considered serious, therefore, making them safe for consumption.
Conclusion
CBD has become extremely popular in recent years. The reason, of course, is that there are many benefits to be gained and people notice its positive effects. It is also safe to use, especially if you choose a brand that is only organic and provides tests. Capsules are suitable for people who cannot tolerate the taste of the oil. Therefore, CBD is a widely applicable product with many beneficial effects that can give your life a positive turn.