What is CBD and how does it work?

CBD (cannabidiol) belongs to a group of compounds known as cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring in both true (fibrous) and Indian hemp. In contrast to THC, CBD has no intoxicating effect, but on the contrary - it has a calming, anti-anxiety and antipsychotic effect. CBD is one of the best-studied compounds in the cannabinoid group besides THC.

In recent years, scientists have made great progress in studying the complex CBD effect on the body:

• reassuring
• analgesic
• antiinflammatory

Today, we know that CBD interacts with many receptors, proteins, and other chemicals in the human brain. These interactions cause changes in the activity of neurotransmitters and hormones as well as the functions of the cell body.

Through these interactions, CBD has an influence on many functions of the human body, ranging from the circadian rhythm (sleep) and mental state to the regulation of inflammation, pain and epileptic seizures.

The human body itself produces the cannabinoids as part of the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS).

They are e.g. Anandamide and 2-AG. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for the regulation of many physiological processes in our body, including mood, pain perception, appetite, and cognitive functions. CBD partially affects our endocannabinoid system by binding to its receptors

According to the numerous findings, CBD can reduce neurogenesis, i. the formation of new nerve cells in the brain, influence. At present, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are already widely known. As a result, CBD has high expectations in the treatment of many diseases, e.g. neurobiological and autoimmune diseases, depression and chronic pain.

How does CBD work?

All cannabinoids, including CBD, work by "clinging" to the appropriate receptors to trigger a response. In the human body, we currently distinguish two basic types of these receptors: CB1 and CB2. The third, much less known receptor is TRPV1.

CB1 receptors were first discovered in the brain, but are also found in many other organs, connective tissue, and glands. The most important function of CB1 is the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain. Activation of the CB1 receptor stabilizes the level of such substances like serotonin and dopamine. CBD initiates a so-called allosteric response through its association with the "other" side of the CB1 receptor - it does not cause any reactions in the body directly but regulates the response of the receptor to other endocannabinoids that bind to its orthosteric side - so it does amplify or weakened response.

In contrast, the CB2 receptors are primarily associated with the immune system - they are found outside the brain in such places as the intestine, spleen, liver, heart, kidney, bone tissue, blood vessels, lymphoid cells, endocrine, and gonads. CBD itself and its activity are assigned to the compound of this substance with the CB2 receptors, thus providing a general anti-inflammatory effect. It used to be thought that the CB2 receptors have little effect on the nerve cells or the entire nervous system.

Safety and side effects

Previous studies on both humans and animals have shown that CBD is a safe compound to use, which also increases its therapeutic potential. CBD has also been evaluated for side effects - no significant effects other than slowing and nausea have been demonstrated. Humans can tolerate the daily dose up to 1500mg. CBD causes no intoxicating effects on humans and animals. CBD can interact with drugs. CBD is metabolized with cytochrome P450. Thereby, the increase or decrease of the blood concentration of metabolites of the drugs decomposing in the liver can be influenced.

On the basis of the in-vitro investigations, the inhibition of the p-glycoprotein in the intestine under the influence of CBD cannot be excluded. Therefore, caution should be exercised with concomitant treatment with digoxin and other medicinal products used as substrates for P-glycoprotein. Use caution when taking sleeping, sedative, and other potential tranquilizers because of the possible additive effect on the calming and relaxing effect