What is CBD? Benefits, Effects, and How Cannabidiol Works

What is CBD? Understanding Cannabidiol Benefits and Effects

CBD or Cannabidiol is quickly becoming one of the most popular cannabinoids on the market. While it provides little to no psychoactive effects, research suggests that CBD may be beneficial in treating a variety of conditions. Whether you're new to cannabis or looking to explore non-intoxicating options, understanding CBD and how it differs from other cannabinoids can help you make informed choices.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare guidance. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and individual results may vary. If you are experiencing medical conditions, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using cannabis or CBD products. Do not stop or modify any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.

What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a compound created by the cannabis plant. It is the second most commonly found cannabinoid on the market, following THC. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and can be extracted and isolated from the cannabis plant without providing psychoactive effects. However, research suggests it may provide a calmer, more relaxed sensation. Like many THC products, you can find CBD in a variety of forms such as gummies, topicals, flower, cartridges, and tinctures.

Why Doesn't CBD Get You High?

THC and CBD both act on the cannabinoid receptors in our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system that is composed of cannabinoid receptors and plays important roles in central nervous system development and synaptic plasticity.

CB1 vs CB2 Receptors

There are 2 main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. THC primarily binds to the CB1 receptors, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects that cannabis is most known for. CBD has a hard time binding to the CB1 receptors so it primarily binds to the CB2 receptors, which do not provide psychoactive effects.

CBD can actually reverse some effects of THC and prevent THC from activating the CB1 receptor. If you're ever feeling too high or starting to feel anxious, try consuming some CBD to help balance out your experience.

Potential Benefits of CBD: What Research Suggests

While research is ongoing, studies have explored CBD's potential therapeutic applications for various conditions. Individual results may vary, and more research is needed to fully understand CBD's effects.

CBD and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering around the body's nerves. This disease can affect the spinal cord and brain, cause nerve damage, and lead to a variety of symptoms that vary from person to person.

In a 2017 anonymous survey on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website, 595 patients were asked about their cannabis use. 59% of those patients reported that they reduced prescription medication since starting cannabis use. Cannabis users also reported that it had a positive impact on their mood, fatigue, and memory.

In 1994, a survey was conducted of 112 MS (Multiple Sclerosis) patients from the U.S. and U.K. All 112 patients were self-medicating with some form of cannabis, and research suggested that cannabis may have improved certain symptoms, such as pain, spasticity, tremor, and depression, in more than 90% of those patients.

CBD and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, and the nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures along with potential other symptoms.

CBD has shown potential in helping manage epilepsy symptoms. In 2016, a study was conducted on 214 pharmacoresistant child-onset epilepsy patients who were receiving CBD as a treatment option.

The two most common syndromes were Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. During this study, each child was administered 5 mg of CBD per day and the dose was increased to a maximum of 50mg per day over a 12-week period. The frequency of motor seizures was 30.0 at the baseline when the treatment started and was reduced to 15.8 after the treatment was over.

This suggests that the use of CBD may help reduce the frequency of seizures.

CBD and Anxiety

CBD has become popular for those exploring options for anxiety management. Clinical studies and trials suggest that CBD may provide a wide array of therapeutic properties, including antipsychotic, analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant effects.

In a 2013 study on mice, the mice were subjected to stressors daily throughout the trial and then received repeated doses of CBD (30mg) 2 hours after each stressor. The results of administering the CBD after each stressor showed that CBD may have helped promote a proliferation effect and cell cycle progression.

CBD and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can be triggered after experiencing or witnessing a scary or dangerous event. PTSD can have a multitude of symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and heightened reactions.

In a 2012 study, CBD was administered to rodents that experienced predator exposure (predator exposure promotes long-lasting anxiogenic effects that have similar symptoms also found in PTSD patients). Rats were exposed to a cat and then an hour later received a single dose of CBD. During the study, research suggested that CBD may have been able to reduce the long-lasting anxiogenic effects after being exposed just one time. This provides information that could be helpful in exploring PTSD symptom management options.

Understanding Cannabinoids Beyond CBD

While CBD is one of the most well-known non-intoxicating cannabinoids, the cannabis plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids, each with unique properties. Learning about cannabinoids like THC, CBN, CBG, and CBC can help you find products that match your needs.

At Quality Roots, we offer a wide selection of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, and CBD products to help you explore different cannabinoid profiles.

Explore CBD Products at Quality Roots

While much research remains to be done on CBD and its use, early studies show promising trends. This is a big indicator that cannabis can be used in a variety of different ways. Many people may think of the cannabis plant as only providing psychoactive effects, but research is helping us understand the plant as a whole.

If you are looking to explore CBD products, visit any Quality Roots location and our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you have and point you in the right direction based on what you need. Find us in Monroe, Detroit, Battle Creek, Owosso, Hamtramck, Berkley, Kalamazoo, Madison Heights, Waterford, Evesham, and Marlton.