CBD: how does it work?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a molecule extracted from cannabis and renowned for its many benefits on the body. It notably has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as relaxing properties, since it acts directly on stress, the sense of well-being, and aims to reduce sleep disorders. This molecule is recommended to relieve the side effects of certain serious and chronic conditions, but also to help athletes recover or calm people suffering from anxiety. 

Unlike THC, the molecule banned in France, CBD has no psychotropic effects and will therefore not get you high. Indeed, and in accordance with French legislation, CBD-based products sold on the market must not contain more than 0.2% THC. CBD-based products are now numerous on the market and come in many forms: sweets, e-liquids, oils, capsules, etc. — not all of which offer the same effectiveness!-

How does CBD work?

The essential role of the body in the creation of cannabinoids

In order to understand how CBD acts on the body, we must first grasp the essential role of the organism with which it works closely. Indeed, the human body is made up of a set of receptors that form the endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for various physiological processes and regulates appetite, sleep, bone development, cardiovascular function, emotional state, sexual desire, stress, and memory, among others. More concretely, these endocannabinoids allow the body to self-regulate and remain in good health — a phenomenon called homeostasis. 

This balance is however regularly disrupted by various external factors that can cause stress, fear, nausea, or physical pain, among other things. In response, the body activates a number of functions, including the endocannabinoid system, to allow self-regulation. Among the different types of endocannabinoids naturally produced by our body, we can notably distinguish anandamide (AEA), considered the "happiness molecule," and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which acts on the immune system.

And what about CBD in all this?

It just so happens that our endocannabinoid system is compatible with the phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD thus provides additional support to the body by optimizing the connection between the relevant neuroreceptors and neurotransmitters. 

Furthermore, the CBD molecule mainly interacts with the CB1 and CB2 neuroreceptors. These are present in the nervous system (CB1), as well as in the immune system (CB2), and are among other things responsible for regulating anxiety, fear, appetite, and energy in our body (CB1), as well as controlling tissue inflammation (CB2). In light of these scientific facts, it becomes easier to understand the extent to which CBD acts on our body, allowing it to relax, recover faster or suffer less, prevent illness, sleep better, and even lose weight!