Unlocking CBD

system to name just a few. The role of the endocannabinoid system is like that of a manager. Rather than taking direct action, it ensures that all these numerous whirring cogs are working correctly. The ‘cannabinoid’ part of the word ‘endocannabinoid’ comes from cannabis, while the ‘endo’ part is short for endogenous. The terms refers specifically to the cannabis-like substances produced naturally inside your body. Since CBD is directly similar to these internally synthesised compounds, the body is able to receive and process it quite easily.

The endocannabinoid system is made up of three core parts: endocannabinoids, a series of receptors around your body, and enzymes that break the endocannabinoids down. These receptors are found throughout all of your major organs, your immune system and your nervous system, ensuring that everything is at a state of balance. The body has a lot of clever ways of keeping things ‘just so’; if we are too hot then the body triggers sweat to cool us down; if we are dehydrated then the body triggers thirst to tell us to drink; if we need sleep then the body triggers melatonin to make us feel tired. All of these different signals and triggers are detected by your endocannabinoid receptors, which then trigger the release of endocannabinoids.

These receptors can be split into two different categories; CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system (the brain and nerves of the spinal cord), while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, the digestive system and cells in the immune system. In each instance they check for differences in temperature, pressure, pH and metabolism. Using these receptors, the ECS is a major player in a lot of important functions including inflammation, motor control and immune function. The receptors in your digestive system are responsible for appetite and digestion, while the receptors in your brain control mood, memory and sleep. The endocannabinoid system is a very precise one, and each receptor works specifically to monitor and alter a certain bodily function.

Once endocannabinoids have been released in order to return balance, the enzymes (the third part of the system) come along to break down the endocannabinoids. For example, if you are too hot, the endocannabinoids will cool you down to your normal temperature, and then the enzymes will break them down to prevent it from going in the opposite direction (ie, you become too cold).”

How does CBD interact with my body?

“The reason introducing CBD to our body is so easy is because our endocannabinoid system responds to internally-produced cannabinoids and external cannabinoids very similarly. External cannabinoids, such as CBD, attach themselves to your CB1 and CB2 receptors, acting in the same way as endocannabinoids do. The two most famous external cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is the compound in cannabis that induces the high, and is associated with the negative side effects related to cannabis, such as paranoia and anxiety. It gives users a high by attaching to the CB1 receptor in your brain, and acting in a similar manner to anandamide (noted for its calming effects). However, the body’s enzymes struggle to break down THC, which leads to exacerbated effects. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t induce any high. When it’s introduced to the body, instead of acting like anandamide, it stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body to create more of its own endocannabinoids. Where THC is a highly active outside adulterant, CBD simply encourages the body to produce more of its own natural endocannabinoids. This is part of the reason that CBD is considered safe in the wider health sphere.”

Is CBD oil the same as Cannabis oil?

“Marijuana and hemp are two varieties of the same plant species, cannabis sativa. Hemp seed oil, sometimes referred to as cannabis sativa seed oil, is a predominantly nutrition-based oil that’s high in antioxidants, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, but contains no CBD.”

Where does CBD oil come from?

“CBD can be derived from both the industrial hemp plant (male cannabis crop) and the female marijuana plant. Cannabinoids like CBD are synthesised largely in the trichomes (thin hairlike growths on the flowers) alongside terpenes and flavonoids, though they will still be present in smaller concentrations in other parts of the plant.”

What are the benefits of using CBD?

“CBD helps with many things such as:

- Acne - Anorexia - Anxiety - Chronic pain - Depression - Drug addiction and withdrawal - Epilepsy - Glaucoma - High blood pressure - Insomnia - Muscle spasms - Parkinson’s disease”

How does CBD oil help with recovery after a workout?

“Whether you take rest days often or engage in a low-impact activity, recovery periods are designed to give your body and your muscles rest and more time to adapt to intensive workouts. CBD is often thought to be a useful supplement to aid in recovery. It may help for everything from muscle inflammation to pain management and everything in between. According to a 2018 review of 132 original studies published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD can indeed reduce inflammation in the body and help improve pain and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis. It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective. Broadly speaking, it does decrease inflammation when it’s rubbed on muscles as an ointment or taken orally,”

How does your CBD Muscle Rub help with a quicker recovery?

“Topical CBD products work locally on specific parts of the body, potentially helping soothe pain on areas such as joints or particular muscles. CBD gets absorbed by the skin and doesn’t enter the bloodstream. As such, the balm affects the body similarly to over-the-counter topical creams to relieve pain for a certain amount of time. CBD muscle balm interacts with the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the skin. These receptors are part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis across many bodily functions, including pain management. CBD also suppresses chemokine, cytokine, and the production of T-regulatory cells, all of which slow down the muscle recovery process. By suppressing the inflammatory responses of a workout, CBD allows muscles to recover more rapidly. All a bit technical right, in short... It basically helps ease those aching muscles.”

How often should people take CBD?

“This generally depends on the user and their situation, but for first time users, we normally recommend, 2-4 drops every 2-4 hours so around 10 drops a day for anxiety, but if you are using it for sleep, we recommend around 0.5- 1ml or 5-7 drops of the oil before bed!”

3 reasons you should try out CBD:

1. Non-Psychoactive

“CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. This means that there will be no feelings of euphoria, you will not feel ‘high,’ following consumption. Even taking a higher dose than recommended, whilst can create an uplifting effect, is not enough to cause a high. Rather, it is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – another wellknown cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects many experience when taking cannabis.”

2. It is all natural

“CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which itself is a source of fibre and considered to be particularly nutritious. CBD promotes homeostasis and can provide a natural, alternative form of treatment to traditional medicine.”

3.Promotes general health and wellbeing

“Research has shown that CBD can effectively relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety and can also improve sleep patterns. Several studies have also highlighted how CBD can positively promote heart health by reducing blood pressure, consequently lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, not only can CBD reduce cancer-related symptoms, but it can also assist in making chemotherapy more bearable, by reducing its most common side effects – both nausea and vomiting. With a myriad of health benefits, it is no surprise there is a globally increasing demand for CBD.”

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