Are you new to CBD and wondering what all of the excitement is about? With CBD now found in spa treatments, various consumer products, and health food stores, it’s only natural to want to know more about this trendy compound.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a healthful compound found in hemp plants. The abundance of CBD in hemp has contributed to hemp’s receiving a lot of attention over the past few years. Many people use CBD-rich hemp extracts as a way to support their overall health and wellbeing.
Because hemp and marijuana are closely related, some people worry that CBD may get them “high” the way that marijuana does. Rest assured, hemp extracts rich in CBD will not lead to impaired cognition or poor decision-making skills. While some people do notice feelings of calm or a happy mood when they take CBD, it is not the same as the euphoria caused by marijuana.
How does CBD interact with the human body?
Think of CBD as a key whose shape allows it to do some interesting things inside of the human body. When CBD enters the body, it travels throughout it, interacting with a bunch of different locks. These locks are known as receptors. When CBD, or any other compound for that matter, binds to these receptors, changes occur in the body. Many of the receptors that CBD can bind to are found in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
The ECS contains a vast system of receptors in cells throughout the human body. So, why does CBD fit so well into ECS receptors? It is a result of CBD’s shape, which is similar to the shape of molecules made by the ECS. The ECS is involved in appetite regulation, sleep cycles, pain signaling, the immune system, metabolism, and more. Its primary role is to maintain balance. For instance, when someone experiences a stressful event, the ECS responds to help their body return to neutral. CBD and other compounds found in hemp may influence the ECS, and in turn, support balance within the human body.
What does CBD feel like?
CBD’s effects differ from one person to the next. Its ability to aid the endocannabinoid system may lead to a balancing effect on mood, stress, recovery, sleep, and more. Where someone is coming from, mentally and physically, can impact their experience with CBD hemp oil. Stories exist of people taking CBD and feeling more confident when talking in front of a crowd or more upbeat on a tough day. Some users claim they can work out more often when they take CBD, with others enjoying a rare uninterrupted night of sleep. CBD’s potential to move the body towards balance may explain the diverse experiences that users describe. There is only way to know how someone will feel with CBD, and that is for them to give it a try themselves.