Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants. Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC Delta-9), CBD has no intoxicating effects as we typically see with THC-based products. CBD interacts with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS), our largest receptor system in the body, that is being studied at a rapid rate due to its relatively recent discovery and identification in the early 1990s. We find that CBD and minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC are outperforming other compounds and do not produce the side effects that are caused by THC.
Inflammation is the process by which your body protects you from infection but, if unregulated, can lead to disease. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and stiffness. Chronic inflammation has been linked to diseases like heart disease or stroke and may also lead to autoimmune diseases. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are involved in regulating various functions in a number of areas that can be associated with sleep, appetitive, pain, and immune system response.
Add a CBD Supplement to Your Daily Regimen
Studies have suggested that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, and research shows that when inflammation becomes chronic and lasts too long, it causes damage in your body’s cells and tissues. This can lead to health challenges that often grow more serious the older you get, and in fact, it may even speed up the aging process. The Arthritis Foundation found that people with arthritis who have tried CBD report noticeable pain relief, sleep improvement, and/or anxiety reduction.
Products to consider include taking CBD by mouth or on the skin. Since ECS receptors are found throughout the body, dosing and interaction within the system changes as the form of the product changes. For example, using a topical lotion works best in a targeted area, while an oil-based tincture works best across our entire ECS.
CBD that is swallowed, whether in capsules, food such as a gummy or liquid, is absorbed through the digestive tract. Absorption is slow and dosing can be tricky due to the delayed onset of effect (generally one to two hours, but sometimes longer). CBD can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream by holding liquid from a spray or tincture under the tongue (sublingual) for 60 to 90 seconds. Effects can be within 15 to 45 minutes, working much more quickly than a gummy. Since taking CBD by mouth works best across our entire ECS, it can be the preferred method as an overall anti-inflammatory daily supplement for pain relief, sleep improvement, anxiety reduction, and/or digestive issues.
Topical CBD products, like lotions and balms, are applied to the skin. Topical applications can give faster effects for pain-relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and added moisturization. Common conditions include joint, arthritic, and nerve pain, dry skin, itching, eczema, psoriasis, and shingles. Given CBD’s potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a perfect ingredient to add to skincare and beauty products. Recent research has indicated the critical role of the ECS in maintaining skin homeostasis and barrier function. CBD could potentially help in various skin disorders like dermatitis, itch, acne, hair growth/loss and hyper/hypopigmentation. CBD users are noticing positive results from CBD skincare products including reduction in wrinkles, managing sebum production, and healing skin cells quicker aiding in healthy and glowing skin.
CBD products are not a cure or treatment but are intended to help keep you feeling more like yourself. As always, we recommend starting a conversation with your physician before taking any CBD products, especially if you’re on any medication.
Stacy Bull has been the co-owner and operator for Your CBD Store Naples and Marco Island locations for nearly four years. She has her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from UW–Milwaukee. She has worked in various healthcare departments including Ophthalmology, Oncology, and Cardiology before getting involved in Cannabinoid Therapy.
She can be reached at 239.259.8654.