What exactly is CBD?

There are many questions surrounding the CBD compound, and we’ll get to those, but for now, let’s focus on exactly what CBD is and how it works within our system.

First, CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the 113 cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant.  (Try saying that three times fast 😉).  CBD is one of the most predominant of these cannabinoids and studies have shown that it is capable of a variety medicinal benefits.  It’s safe, natural, non-addictive and non-intoxicating, which means you won’t get the “high” sensation you would with its close relative, THC.  But how does it work? 

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that provide relief by inserting themselves into special receptors in the tissues and cells of the human body.  Our bodies already produce a similar compound called “endogenous cannabinoids” - so named because of their similarity to the compounds found in the cannabis plant.  Therefore, CBD impacts us by mimicking and augmenting the effects of the compounds in our bodies.

Although these compounds were always a part of our system, it wasn’t until 1988 that scientists discovered what is known as the Endocannabinoid system (ECS for short).  The ECS is flooded with CB-1 and CB-2 receptors.  These receptors regulate a variety of functions within our bodies, from appetite and sleep to anxiety and inflammation.  When our ECS is not properly functioning or is deficient, you begin to see these health issues.  Introducing CBD into our bodies can modulate and enhance the ECS, which in turn can slow or possibly stop disease progression.

So simply put, CBD acts as a key that unlocks the natural receptors in our body and opens the door to relief.