How Does CBD Interact With The Body?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids that are derived from the cannabis plant. There is no way to completely count the number of cannabinoids and there has been over 100 discovered. Most don’t have much effect on the human body. CBD specifically doesn’t have the same “high” effect that its cannabinoid cousin THC has on the body.
When cannabis is processed and the cannabinoids extracted and heat added, THC and CBD are produced. Cannabinoids are incredibly similar to endocannabinoids that are produced in the body and part of the endocannabinoid system. This system is primarily important for a multitude of the body’s internal functions. This includes things like digestion, metabolism, memory, stress, energy, pain, sleep, and any other number of things.
Your body’s endocannabinoids bond with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. CB1 and CB2 are the receptors that the endocannabinoids bond to that control the internal systems. When cannabinoids are introduced into your system they replace the endocannabinoids and bond to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is this preferential bonding that creates the effects on the human body. Because the CBD and THC cannabinoids bond different the body reacts in ways that it normally wouldn’t. Though the effects are generally known there is still no guarantee on how the cannabinoids will interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in everyone’s body.
What Are The Negative Effects On The Body?
The negative facts that have been documented are the following:
- Problems with digestion
- Dry Mouth
- Fatigue
- Liver Damage
- Immune System Problems
However, this many not reference all of the negative side effects. Further it is not known if the mentioned side effects are caused directly by cannabinoids or something else. The negatives with taking CBD is how they might interact due to the relative lack of research on their interaction with the body. First, there are few long term studies to show how chronic use of cannabinoid could change the body’s systems. Second, there is little to no research on how other medications may interact with cannabinoids. Third, regulations on cannabinoids, specifically CBD and THC are not universally accepted as there is a split between states and the federal government. This lack of clarity among the agencies can cause health issues because there is a lack of transparency in the production and use of CBD and THC. The chemical components of the products may be tainted or indicate incorrect amounts of each of the cannabinoids. Last, there is no clear indication about the correct amount of dosage. Over dosing may lead to significantly different side effects that what would be expected.
What Are The Positive Effects On The Body?
The positive effects of cannabinoids are anecdotal and have not been fully vetted and proven through medical studies. Consult a medical professional for more information. However, there are reports of benefits that range from improvements that can help with:
- Sleeping Issues
- Headache
- Joint or muscle pain
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Blood Pressure