CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is becoming increasingly popular as a healthful, natural way to promote the body’s own healing mechanisms. CBD is one of over 100 chemical compounds called phytocannabinoids found in hemp (cannabis) plants. Contrary to widespread misunderstanding, CBD is NOT psychoactive and does not produce a “high” in any way. It is often confused with THC, the psychoactive element found in marijuana that does result in a high when consumed or smoked.
CBD oil is created by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it in a carrier such as coconut or hemp seed oils. It has numerous benefits which include the treatment of:
- Seizures, especially in those who have been resistant to anti-seizure medications
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Inflammation
- Chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain
- Pain from arthritis
- Sciatica
- Pain from multiple sclerosis
The Science of CBD
The reason CBD is so effective at treating pain and anxiety is that the body has a system, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates things like sleep, pain, immune response, and appetite. Our bodies already produce endocannabinoids (namely anandamide and 2-AG), and CBD works by modifying ECS receptors’ ability to bind to both endocannabinoids (EC) and phytocannabinoids. In doing so, it works similarly to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but for EC like anandamide. Reduced reuptake allows for more EC to remain in your system at any given time.
The reason this is so important is that we have EC receptors throughout our bodies, especially in the nervous system and immune system. CBD doesn’t bind to the receptors the way the EC or other phytocannabinoids, like THC, do. Instead, it works as a modifier that helps our intrinsic ECS to function better. By creating an environment where more EC is present in the system, things like pain and inflammation are reduced.
Risks and Side Effects
Risks associated with CBD are very low, and the World Health Organization (WHO) states, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Side effects of CBD may include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. Additionally, it can increase the level of certain medications in your blood like the blood thinner, coumadin, for example. This is done through the same mechanism as grapefruit juice, which is why you might see it listed as a contraindication on some medications.
CBD Supplements
Since CBD is still sold as a supplement rather than a medication, there are currently no FDA regulations on purity, so it is essential to purchase your CBD products from a reputable source and always verify the ingredients, if possible.
Here at Arizona Pain and Posture, we sell Endoca CBD because of their high standards for producing pure hemp oil products. Not only are they organic, but they manufacture all of their products in a pharmaceutical lab, which means both purity and consistency in everything they create.
If you have questions about CBD, please contact us at Arizona Pain & Posture, LLC today (480) 585-0252.