What is CBD, How Does it Work in the Body and Why is it So Popular?
Read any news outlet about current health trends and you are likely to read about CBD. Visit your local gas station or coffee shop on the corner and you may see CBD tincture or gummies for sale and you may be able to request a CBD infused latte. CBD, it seems is everywhere. In 2020 alone, sales of CBD products stood at 4.6 billion dollars and by 2026 it is predicted that this market will balloon to 16 billion dollars!
There are many, many different types of CBD products that are available. Here are some of the most popular:
Tinctures
Gummies
Infused CBD edibles including baked goods and chocolates
Beverages from coffee and tea to hemp infused seltzer
Health and beauty aids from eye serums to lip balm to bath bombs and muscle/joint lotions
Transdermal patches
Pills and capsules
Suppositories
Infused cooking oil (such as CBD infused coconut or olive oil)
Vapes and Joints
Pet products (such as pet tincture and pet treats)
Why is CBD So Popular?
In order to answer this question, a brief review of how CBD works in the body is warranted.
You will recall that we discussed the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the Medical Cannabis chapter. This explanation pointed out that the ECS was discovered by Israeli doctor Mechoulam in the early 90’s and that this system keeps our bodies in balance by regulating many of the body’s functions—such as blood sugar, hormones, immune functions, digestion, and regular heartbeat. Furthermore, it seems the endocannabinoid system communicates in two directions. Directions flow from the brain to the cells, and when cells are in distress, they send messages back to the brain. The system helps the body repair itself by reducing inflammation and protecting and repairing brain cells. In simplest terms, Mechoulam’s work found that CBD (and THC) mirror the effects of anandamide which is a naturally occurring endocannabinoid in our bodies.
Our bodies also contain two types of receptors: CB1 receptors are in the brain, organs, spinal cord, and surrounding tissue areas; CB2 receptors are largely located in the immune system. THC attaches to the CB1 receptor, which is thought to be involved with pain, mood, emotions, coordination, appetite, and memories. This explains why THC affects the brain and the user feels high. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, influences the immune system and affects inflammation and pain. CBD indirectly influences receptors around the body where the body is in distress. For example, if your knees are sore from playing tennis and you take CBD, the CBD will affect the receptors around the affected area and begin to battle inflammation. Apparently, the CB1 and CB2 receptors communicate in both directions, which means in our example that the affected knees “talk” to the brain and the brain responds to the knees. CBD also slows enzymes that break down our endocannabinoids, thereby increasing the body’s natural levels of endocannabinoids. One of the primary benefits that inexperienced users of CBD often report is the additional benefit of better sleep. And as they are enjoying the sleep, CBD goes to work reducing inflammation and repairing the body.
The bottom line is that CBD is immensely popular because it reduces inflammation naturally and does not get the user high. This means that if you have ever tried cannabis with THC and felt uncomfortable when experiencing a high, that CBD could be an option for you. But unlike Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin that masks pain (and if used over a long period of time may compromise your kidneys and cause high blood pressure), CBD does not mask the pain, helps the body heal naturally and has minimal side effects. Successful users report better rest and sleep and freer movement. Still others use CBD for epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. In some cases, users have been able to reengage in sports and physical activity that were previously off limits. But it also takes time and deliberate intention to find the CBD product and dose that works for you. In many cases, I have seen patients take up to 3 weeks or longer to find an effective regimen. CBD is not a miracle cure but when used wisely it can sometimes feel that way.
View the status of cannabis legalization across the US.