Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is one of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis. Even high-THC cannabis usually contains more CBD than it does any other cannabinoid. And in specially-bred hemp, CBD is the most prevalent cannabinoid by far. 

What Does CBD Do?

CBD may relieve temporary anxiety, post work out pain relief and promote full body balance.  

And while CBD isn’t psychoactive, it does tend to gently uplift one’s mental state. Many users feel calmer and more mellow from CBD use. 

At the heart of all this is CBD’s potential ability to reduce temporary.  By reducing stress and allowing our bodies to adapt to the challenges of life, CBD presents a truly holistic approach to health and wellness! 

When Was CBD Discovered?

CBD was discovered in 1941 by a US team led by Dr. Roger Adams. Its exact molecular structure was determined a little later, in 1963. [2]

How Does CBD Work?

How does CBD do all this amazing stuff, you might ask? It almost seems too good to be true!

Scientists refer to CBD as a “promiscuous” compound because it interacts with many of our body’s internal receptor systems — not just one or two. These interactions unlock different neuronal and hormonal messages, which in turn have all sorts of beneficial “downstream” effects. 

Let’s look at one specific example. CBD may bind directly to a certain type of serotonin receptor, the 5-HT1a receptor. With this bond comes better regulation of serotonin...and a potentially better mood. [3]

What About The Endocannabinoid System? 

But the receptor system CBD seems to favor most? That would be the appropriately-named endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD interacts most with CB2 receptors found throughout our muscle tissue, mitochondria, and vital organs. 

Working together with the homeostasis-regulating ECS, CBD basically helps our body communicate more effectively...with itself.

And it gets better. Other physiological systems CBD may help nourish include:

• GPR-155 
• TRPV1
• Adenosine A2A 
• Dopaminergic neurons 
• PPAR receptors 

How Do You Take CBD?

It isn’t important you understand all of the above. Not even leading scientists fully do! 

So let’s move onto more practical topics — like how CBD is best taken. There are so many good CBD-infused products available today that the particular delivery method (tincture, oil, capsule, etc) you use is totally up to you. 

There’s also the option to smoke your CBD. In addition to being pretty fun, this method has the highest bioavailability rate. But overall the best type of CBD product is the one you most enjoy taking! 

As long as you’re routinely ingesting enough CBD to activate all those important receptors we talked about earlier, you should be more golden. Be sure to start with a low dose and build slowly until you find what works best for you.