Health & Wellness is an industry ruled by trends. With new products being spotlighted every other week, it is no wonder consumers have become wary about which to incorporate. One product that has defied this cycle is CBD, and the key to its persistence seems to lie in the science. Behind the hype stands an ever-growing list of studies backing the drug as an all-natural way to combat mild to severe illness. However, labels like “miracle drug” often cause more skepticism than excitement. What is the science behind CBD’s remarkable uses, and what could it offer to you?
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from cannabis. However, CBD products are hemp-derived and restrict another cannabinoid known as THC, which is what’s responsible for marijuana’s psychotropic effects (1). Jeffrey Chen, M.D and Executive Director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative summarized the distinction this way, “Although they’re both cannabinoids found only in the cannabis plant, THC and CBD are opposites in many ways. THC is intoxicating and responsible for the “high” of cannabis, but CBD has no such effect. THC is addictive; CBD is not addictive and even appears to have some anti-addictive effects against compounds like opioids. While THC stimulates the human appetite, CBD does not (2).”
CBD is safe, non-addictive, and all-natural, with few reported side effects. CBD products should not be mistaken as a form of medical marijuana. The two are very different in effect and legality due to the notable lack of THC.
A few of the conditions that could be helped (3) by CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Systematic Inflammation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Anxiety Attacks
- Migraines
- Neuropathic Pain
- Eczema
The Science Behind the Miracle Drug
For consumers, perhaps the most confusing aspect of CBD is the product’s versatility. After all, how can any single ingredient claim to fight so many ailments? Scientists have put forth an explanation for CBD’s broad abilities by documenting its interaction with something known as the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell signaling network that regulates various functions of our body such as immunity, pain sensations, sleep, appetite, memory, and stress. While the vastness of the ECS is still being explored, researchers have established that it comprises of three parts (4). Enzymes, cannabinoid receptors, and naturally produced endocannabinoids that bind themselves to these receptors. Think of the ECS as a sprawling network of roots beneath a tree. The health of the branches and leaves depends upon the roots’ ability to absorb water, conduct nutrients, and store food. It’s a cycle of self-sufficiency, and in the case of our bodies, the endocannabinoid system acts as the roots. Because of its connection to many functions, researchers are even studying the ECS as a new way of targeting pathological illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis (5).
What does this have to do with CBD? Well, the cannabinoids in cannabis, such as CBD and THC, are very similar to the endocannabinoids produced by the body. Meaning that they can bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, promote natural endocannabinoid production, and aid in the ECS’s operation. This explains CBD’s extraordinary benefits. It’s less the case of one miracle cannabinoid, and more so a testament to the marvel of our body’s interconnected regulatory system.
Is CBD Right for Me?
CBD’s versatility means that it could offer something to everyone. From daily benefits like better sleep and less stress, to addressing more serious conditions like chronic pain. If there’s one thing CBD has never lacked, it’s glowing testimonies from users. Trying it yourself is the best way to find out if CBD is right for you, but which product do you choose?
We can simplify the abundance of CBD options into two major categories, either oral products or topicals. The choice depends upon the pain you’d like to address. Topical products such as lotions and balms are effective at treating localized pain. Nerve damage, joint pain, and muscle aches can be soothed by applying CBD directly to the source of discomfort. If you battle anxiety, digestive problems, or systemic inflammatory conditions, then an oral product may be more effective. In which case, oils and isolate sprays are an excellent option.
The second thing to consider when choosing a CBD product is its quality. Search for a fully organic, hemp-derived CBD. You may notice products advertised either as Isolate, Full Spectrum, or Broad Spectrum. Understanding these terms is simple. A CBD Isolate contains the CBD compound only, whereas products advertised as Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum include other natural compounds from the cannabis plant. The reason for the distinction is that cannabinoids strengthen each other through something known as the “entourage effect.” For example, a CBD product labeled as Full Spectrum will contain a trace amount of THC, usually at a level below 0.3%. This is enough to maximize the full benefits of the CBD, while still not causing psychotropic effects. Alternatively, products labeled as Broad Spectrum make use of this entourage effect by including more cannabis compounds than an Isolate but still excluding THC, unlike Full Spectrum. XON offers a variety of high-quality CBD products in the form of lotions, balms, oils, and more. The 1,500 MG CBD Oil, as well as the Full Spectrum CBD Oil, are two of the purest distillations available, at a price point that is perfect for those who want to see if CBD is right for them.
In Conclusion
CBD’s link to the endocannabinoid system makes it the new frontier in therapeutic treatment. Consult with your doctor about what it can offer to you. With countless testimonies and new research being conducted every day, CBD’s success has already outlasted the trend cycle — everything further will only cement its reputation.
