Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, IBS can significantly impact daily life. As people seek natural alternatives for symptom relief, the potential benefits of CBD oil for IBS have emerged as a topic of interest. In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between CBD oil and IBS, shedding light on the current state of research and the experiences of those who have incorporated CBD into their IBS management.
Understanding IBS:
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it affects the way the digestive system functions rather than causing structural damage. The exact cause of IBS remains unclear, and symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, and hormonal fluctuations.
How CBD May Help with IBS:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBD, or cannabidiol, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract is believed to play a role in IBS symptoms, and CBD's potential to reduce inflammation may contribute to symptom relief.
Pain Management: Many individuals with IBS experience abdominal pain and discomfort. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain perception. This interaction may result in the alleviation of pain associated with IBS.
Regulation of Bowel Function: CBD's influence on the endocannabinoid system may also contribute to the regulation of bowel function. Some users report improvements in bowel habits, including reduced episodes of diarrhea or constipation.
Anxiety Reduction: Stress and anxiety often exacerbate IBS symptoms. CBD has been studied for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, potentially providing relief for individuals whose IBS symptoms are triggered or worsened by stress.
Current State of Research:
While there is a growing body of preclinical and anecdotal evidence supporting the potential benefits of CBD for IBS, it's important to note that comprehensive clinical studies are still in the early stages. The limited research available suggests that CBD may offer promising results, but more studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions.
Considerations Before Trying CBD for IBS:
Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Before incorporating CBD into your IBS management plan, consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and help you determine the appropriate dosage.
Choose High-Quality CBD Products: Here at The CBD Selection all our products come from reputable & trusted manufacturers. All our products are third-party lab testing results to ensure the product's quality, purity, and cannabinoid content. You can view all reports here.
Start with Low Doses: If you and your healthcare provider decide to try CBD, start with a low dose and monitor your response. Individual reactions to CBD can vary, and finding the right dosage may require some experimentation.
Conclusion:
The potential benefits of CBD oil for IBS offer a glimmer of hope for individuals seeking natural solutions for symptom management. As the scientific community continues to explore the relationship between CBD and IBS, those considering CBD as part of their wellness routine should approach it with an informed and cautious mindset. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to tailor your approach, and trust in high-quality CBD products for a potential source of relief in your journey to manage IBS symptoms.
]]>Understanding Fibromyalgia:
Before exploring the role of CBD, it's essential to understand fibromyalgia. This chronic condition affects the musculoskeletal system, causing widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues. Despite its prevalence, fibromyalgia's exact cause remains unclear, and treatment options often focus on symptom management.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD:
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception, sleep, and immune function. The ECS is thought to contribute to maintaining homeostasis within the body.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Fibromyalgia:
Pain Relief: CBD is recognized for its potential analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Some studies suggest that CBD may help alleviate pain by interacting with receptors in the ECS and modulating the body's response to pain signals.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is often associated with fibromyalgia. CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, which could be beneficial in managing inflammation-related symptoms.
Improved Sleep Quality: Many individuals with fibromyalgia experience sleep disturbances. CBD has been investigated for its potential to improve sleep quality, and some users report better sleep patterns after incorporating CBD into their routine.
Anxiolytic Properties: Fibromyalgia is often linked with anxiety and depression. CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties, potentially providing relief for individuals dealing with the emotional toll of fibromyalgia.
Scientific Evidence:
While there is a growing body of research supporting the potential benefits of CBD for pain management and related symptoms, it's crucial to note that the scientific understanding of CBD's effects on fibromyalgia is still in its early stages. Limited clinical trials and studies have been conducted, and more research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.
Considerations Before Trying CBD:
Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Before incorporating CBD into your fibromyalgia management plan, consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific health needs.
Start with Low Doses: If you and your healthcare provider decide to try CBD, start with a low dose and monitor your response. Individual reactions to CBD can vary, and finding the right dosage may require some experimentation.
Choose High-Quality Products: Opt for reputable CBD products from trusted manufacturers. Look for third-party lab testing results to ensure the product's quality, purity, and cannabinoid content.
Conclusion:
While the potential benefits of CBD for fibromyalgia are promising, it's essential to approach its use with an informed and cautious mindset. Scientific research is ongoing, and individuals should work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to explore the role of CBD as part of a comprehensive fibromyalgia management plan. As always, individual responses to CBD may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.
All our products are Lab Tested/ Novel Foods Approved, and completely legal in the UK.
]]>In recent years, the popularity of CBD products has skyrocketed, with consumers seeking natural alternatives for their wellness routines. Among the various CBD-infused products available, CBD vapes have gained significant attention. However, as with any emerging market, questions about the legality of these products arise. In this blog post, we'll explore the current legal status of CBD vapes in the UK, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
Understanding CBD:
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the cannabis plant. It's renowned for its potential health benefits, ranging from stress relief to pain management. In the UK, CBD products are legal, provided they adhere to specific regulations.
Legal Status of CBD:
CBD is legal in the UK, as long as the products meet specific criteria. The key requirement is that CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. THC is responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana, and keeping it within this limit ensures that CBD products do not have intoxicating effects.
All products sold on this website comply with all UK regulations and are completely legal in the UK.
CBD Vapes in the UK:
CBD vapes, like other CBD products, are legal in the UK if they meet the established regulations. When purchasing CBD vape products, it's crucial to verify that the THC content is below 0.2%. Reputable CBD retailers will provide third-party lab test results, confirming the THC levels and overall quality of their products.
You can view all our lab reports by clicking here.
Regulatory Framework:
The regulatory framework for CBD in the UK falls under the jurisdiction of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These organisations work to ensure that CBD products meet safety and quality standards. In 2021, the FSA set a deadline for CBD companies to submit novel food authorisation applications, reinforcing their commitment to regulating the industry and ensuring consumer safety.
All our products are Novel Foods Approved under application number RP327.
What to Look for When Purchasing CBD Vapes:
Third-Party Lab Testing: Ensure that the CBD vape products you're interested in have undergone third-party lab testing. This transparency provides assurance regarding the product's cannabinoid content, including THC levels.
THC Content: Verify that the THC content is within the legal limit of 0.2%. This information should be clearly stated on the product label or the retailer's website.
Reputable Retailers: Choose reputable retailers with a track record of providing high-quality, compliant CBD products. Customer reviews and testimonials can be valuable resources in assessing a retailer's credibility.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, CBD vapes are legal in the UK when they comply with specific regulations, notably having a THC content below 0.2% as all our products do. As a consumer, it's essential to be vigilant and choose products from trustworthy retailers who prioritize transparency and quality. By staying informed, you can confidently incorporate CBD vapes into your wellness routine, knowing that you are within the bounds of the law. Keep in mind that regulations may evolve, so staying updated on any changes is crucial for responsible CBD consumption.
]]>The Science Behind CBD and Headaches:
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce a "high" sensation. Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, a complex network of receptors that play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. This interaction has led researchers to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD for a range of conditions, including pain management.
Headaches can stem from various causes, such as tension, inflammation, or vascular issues. CBD's potential in addressing headaches lies in its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that CBD may interact with receptors in the brain and immune system, influencing the body's response to pain and inflammation.
One specific type of headache that has gained attention in CBD research is migraines. Migraines are often characterized by severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some studies propose that CBD's ability to modulate serotonin receptors may play a role in alleviating the symptoms associated with migraines.
Choosing the Right CBD Product:
If you're considering incorporating CBD into your headache management routine, it's essential to choose the right product for your needs. CBD comes in various forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, and topical creams. Factors such as the severity of your headaches, personal preferences, and the speed at which you want relief can influence your choice. You can view all the different types of products we have here
Start with a low dose and monitor how your body responds. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you're already taking medications and If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to contact us here at The CBD Selection.
Conclusion:
While research on the relationship between CBD and headaches is still in its early stages, there is promising evidence suggesting that CBD may offer relief for some individuals. As with any health-related decision, it's crucial to approach CBD use with caution, keeping in mind that individual responses may vary.
If you're intrigued by the potential benefits of CBD for headaches, explore our selection of high-quality CBD products. Remember that CBD is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness may depend on various factors. Embrace the natural approach to wellness and discover whether CBD could be the remedy you've been searching for to help manage your headaches.
And remember to use code "CBD20" at checkout for 20% off!
]]>Here’s a little intro…
Cannabidiol (known better as CBD) is one of over 113 cannabinoids that have been discovered so far in the hemp plant. These cannabinoids aren’t a compound unique to hemp, and can be found within a huge array of other plants and animals, including human beings.
Cannabinoids are named like that because they were first discovered in the cannabis plant. The most famous cannabinoid is THC, which is what causes the negative effects most commonly associated with cannabis.
In fact for CBD to be legal in the UK, it must have less then 0.5% THC, which is absolutely not enough to get you “high”.
All of our CBD products comply with all UK/EU regulations and are all legal in the UK, you can view all of our lab reports here.
CBD s non-psychoactive (won’t get you high) and is being praised among the holistic/natural medical communities as a healthy alternative for those seeking options for a host of health related conditions, including better sleep, anxiety/stress relief, pain/inflammation support and a lot more.
CBD works in interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which was discovered over 30 years ago and has since impacted the medical world. The discovery of this system has been remarkable for medicine as it is the largest neurotransmitter system in the human body.
The endocannabinoid system contains receptors that regulate the body’s functions such as pain, memory, mood, appetite, bone development, sleep, and immune function. These receptors are activated by natural endocannabinoids produced in the body as well as those found in plants.
CBD has been found to ease chronic pain and quiet inflammation. Inflammation is now known to be the root cause of many chronic conditions that lead to cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Through research, CBD has shown to be an effective treatment for inflammation, which in turn alleviates the pain and discomfort that result from such chronic conditions.
According to many experts, CBD also possesses the unusual capability to destroy bacteria, even the strains that are known to be drug-resistant. According to one study in 2011, CBD can slow the progression of tuberculosis in rats, concluding that it likely does this by blocking the T-Cell proliferation.
While CBD has the potential to treat systemic conditions within the body, it also is effective as a topical application on the body. Treating skin problems such as Acne, Eczema, CBD encourages abnormal cell destruction, giving the skin a chance to heal.
The wide variety of health benefits of CBD makes it a well-liked choice among those seeking natural substitutes for treating health related conditions. If you are interested in learning more about how CBD can benefit your health,
For more information about CBD and how it can help you, view all our blogs here…
CBD is cannabidiol. It is one of almost 200 cannabinoids that can be found in marijuana plants. Unlike many other cannabinoids, CBD is not psychoactive ie, does not get you ”high” and show up on drug tests like THC would and has a different pharmacologic profile than other psychoactive cannabinoids.
Why you get sore after a workout:
No matter how fit you are, sometimes you'r just tired after a workout. Some workouts can leave you sore for days. That’s because, as the (NHS) explains, working out causes microscopic damage to muscle fibers. Those muscles then become inflamed, which triggers the body to respond and repair, causing muscle soreness or stiffness.
How CBD Oils can help with Recovery:
Whether you take rest days often or engage in a low-impact activity, recovery periods are designed to give your body and your muscles rest and more time to adapt to intensive workouts.
CBD is often thought to be a useful supplement to aid in recovery. It may help for everything from muscle inflammation to pain management and everything in between.
According to a 2018 review of 132 original studies published in Frontiers in Neurology, CBD can indeed reduce inflammation in the body and help improve pain and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis. “It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective,” the review study’s authors wrote.
“Broadly speaking, it does decrease inflammation when it's rubbed on muscles as an ointment or taken orally,” Dr. Perry Solomon, previous chief medical officer and founding member of HelloMD, told MensHealth.com.
The above was taken from https://www.menshealth.com/health/a26467604/cbd-for-inflammation-muscle-recovery/
How Our CBD Muscle Rub can help you Recover quicker?
Get Our Award Winning CBD Muscle Rub here:
Topical CBD products work locally on specific parts of the body, potentially helping soothe pain on areas such as joints or particular muscles.
CBD gets absorbed by the skin and doesn't enter the bloodstream. As such, the balm affects the body similarly to over-the-counter topical creams to relieve pain for a certain amount of time.
CBD muscle balm interacts with the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the skin. These receptors are part of the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis across many bodily functions, including pain management.
CBD also suppresses chemokine, cytokine, and the production of T-regulatory cells, all of which slow down the muscle recovery process.
By suppressing the inflammatory responses of a workout, CBD allows muscles to recover more rapidly.
All a bit technical right, in short.. it basically helps ease those aching muscles 🤷🏾♂️🙏🏻
Get Our Award Winning CBD Muscle Rub here:
Visit the www.TheCBDselection.co.uk for the finest CBD Products💚
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CBD is cannabidiol. It is one of almost 200 cannabinoids that can be found in marijuana plants. Unlike many other cannabinoids, CBD is not psychoactive ie, does not get you ”high” and show up on drug tests like THC would and has a different pharmacologic profile than other psychoactive cannabinoids.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about the future. Symptoms may include an increased heart rate, fast breathing, sweating, and fatigue.
For most people, anxiety isn’t something that debilitates their social or personal lives, but still causes some discomfort every once in a while. Daily stress can build up over time causing physical aches & pains, irritability, or even sadness.
In some, Anxiety can be intense, overwhelming, and life-consuming. Everyday situations can induce panic and fear, making life feel extremely debilitating.
Statistics in the UK show that 1 in 4 people will experience a Mental Health Issue of some kind and 1 in 6 experience a Mental Health Issue of any kind per week
Does CBD Help with Anxiety?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse in the US has seen positive signs in treating generalised anxiety disorder with CBD. They conducted tests on lab rats and noticed a decrease in the level in the behavioural signs of anxiety.
Tests on humans have taken place to study how CBD affects social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2011 test subjects were given a 400mg dose of CBD. They noted reduced levels of anxiety in the patients who were given CBD, while the patients who were given a placebo saw no difference. PTSD have received more research and tests than SAD. Scientists saw how CBD helped alleviate some symptoms of PTSD such as nightmares.
Can you take CBD with Anti Depressants:
Some people might look at taking CBD in conjunction with their antidepressants, but this should be done with caution. I1n fact, if you are taking any medication, for any condition, you should check with your doctor before taking CBD oil or other products.
Where to find the best CBD Oils: https://thecbdselection.co.uk/collections/cbd-oils
Some of this article includes extracts from https://www.theextract.co.uk/cbd-oil-for-anxiety/ & https://www.theextract.co.uk/cbd-oil-for-anxiety/
]]>In the fight against Covid-19, cytokine storms are one of the most deadly factors that doctors are battling. This symptom in severe cases of the novel coronavirus can lead to excessive inflammation, swelling, pain, and loss of organ function. It can even cause the immune system to ramp up so much that it starts killing the body’s own cells - instead of just fighting the infection. In serious cases, this can lead to death, as we’ve seen in many cases of severe Covid-19.
In the last few months, researchers have been looking at whether cannabis, or it’s many chemical compounds, might help to fight this deadly effect by bringing down inflammation. Recently, we’ve seen positive results from studies suggesting that CBD, a compound in cannabis, may help fight these cytokine storms.
Now early results from an ongoing Israeli study are adding to the chorus of researchers suggesting that cannabis’ ingredients could be a game changing treatment in the fight against Covid-19. But this study says that terpenes, compounds that provide the aroma and flavor in cannabis and many other plants, may lead to even better results than CBD alone, and might outperform conventional treatments like corticosteroids. Reports from the study show that a combination of CBD with terpenes was 3 times more effective at inhibiting cytokine activity than dexamethasone, a corticosteroid which a recent studyfound to be an effective treatment for Covid-19 cytokine storms.
The new terpene study is being performed by two Israeli research and development companies, Eybna which specializes in terpene based medicines, and CannaSoul Analytics which is led by Prof. David “Dedi” Meiri, PhD a well known cannabis researcher and biochemist who has studied cannabis’ use for conditions like cancer and Alzheimer's disease. This new study was designed to find out whether anti-inflammatory terpenes might help bring down dangerous cytokine storms, and if they could, how they compared to other available treatments.
In other words, while most medicines contain one active ingredient, this formulation contains 30 different ingredients all working together to create beneficial effects.
Above is an extract of the article written by Forbes.
Read the full Forbes article here:
Where to find the Award winning CBD Oils: https://thecbdselection.co.uk/collections/cbd-oils
]]>So you know CBD is amazing for anxiety, stress, sleep, recovery and so on, by why else should you be using it...
Over the last few years, CBD has slowly been gaining positive attention. This increasingly popular product is currently dominating the wellness world. When it comes to CBD, public curiosity is most definitely increasing. In actual fact, 6 million adults were found to use some form of CBD in the past year, with market research highlighting that this trend will almost certainly continue to rise. Now for those of you new to CBD, you may be wondering what all this hype is about. This article will take you through 5 of our top reasons, why CBD should be part of your daily routine. But first things first, what exactly is CBD and how does it actually work?
What is CBD?
CBD stands for ‘Cannabidiol’ and is one of the main components found in cannabis plants. It is a naturally occurring substance and can be added to a wide range of products, from oils and drops, to gummies and creams (see our full range here.)
How does it work?
CBD interacts with our bodies in many different ways. Primarily, it works by stimulating the endocannabinoid system, which plays a major role in regulating a range of physiological processes. These physiological processes have a direct impact on our immune system, blood pressure, stress, pain management, mood and more. Therefore, without proper function of the endocannabinoid system, our bodies will simply become more prone to disease.
Now that you’ve become more familiar with CBD, here’s some other reasons on why you should be using this extremely versatile product.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. This means that there will be no feelings of euphoria, you will not feel ‘high,’ following consumption. Even taking a higher dose than recommended, whilst can create an uplifting effect, is not enough to cause a high. Rather, it is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – another well-known cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects many experience when taking cannabis.
CBD is derived from the hemp plant, which itself is a source of fibre and considered to be particularly nutritious. CBD promotes homeostasis and can provide a natural, alternative form of treatment to traditional medicine.
CBD is known to positively impact overall health and wellbeing. Research has shown that CBD can effectively relieve pain, reduce stress and anxiety and can also improve sleep patterns. Several studies have also highlighted how CBD can positively promote heart health by reducing blood pressure, consequently lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, not only can CBD reduce cancer-related symptoms, but it can also assist in making chemotherapy more bearable, by reducing its most common side effects – both nausea and vomiting. With a myriad of health benefits, it is no surprise why there is a globally increasing demand for CBD.
CBD is completely safe to use and has very few known side effects. In fact, all CBD products are not considered to be controlled substances and are all legal in the UK. All our products are recommended and sold to individuals ranging from late adolescence (18 years) to the elderly.
Much research is exploring the impact of CBD in controlling addiction. A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry (2018), identified how consumption of CBD assisted in reducing cravings for those with heroin addiction. Whilst research is ongoing, what is clear is that there is potential for CBD in relieving the many different forms of addiction.
Where to find the Award winning CBD Oils: https://thecbdselection.co.uk/collections/cbd-oils
]]>CBD has been scientifically proven to improve insomnia, reduces stress and improves sleep amounts.
CBD is cannabidiol. It is one of almost 200 cannabinoids that can be found in marijuana plants. Unlike many other cannabinoids, ‘CBD is not psychoactive and has a different pharmacologic profile than other psychoactive cannabinoids’. CBD can be extricated from both hemp and marijuana plants.
Research published in 2019 looked at whether CBD could help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. The study involved 72 patients, with 47 facing anxiety and 25 suffering poor sleep. The subjects were each given 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD in capsule form each day. Within the first month, 79.2% of the patients described lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported healthier sleep.
Another study conducted in 2014 by researchers from University of São Paulo, Brazil, also reiterates that CBD guarantees a good nights sleep! The patients had Parkinson’s Disease, which involved a disorder in the rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep. The patients had REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) wherein the have a difficult time sleeping and act out in response to their dreams. After their CBD usage, the symptoms significantly improved. In line with the study conducted, other research concluded that CBD intake might help cure the disorder, as well as daytime drowsiness.
CBD doesn’t have to be in the form of tablets! There are a variety of ways to take CBD. It comes in different forms, including:
CBD has received a lot of attention for its ability to take away pain, stimulate mental clarity and lower anxiety levels, Studies of CBD show that it decreases unease and nervousness without altering sleep-wake cycles.
]]>
We work closely with manufacturers from around the globe, helping to design products to suit our customers’ needs offering of products tailored towards both beginners and more advanced users. We have everything you need to join the global CBD community. In terms of function and reliability; we aim for the very best.
Our product selection comes from personal experiences and customer demands. At The CBD Selection you get only the finest; each product has been chosen to enhance your CBD experience.
]]>All of our products are vegan friendly, gluten free and not tested on animals.
]]>Cannabidiol (known better as CBD) is one of over 113 cannabinoids that have been discovered so far in the hemp plant. These cannabinoids aren’t a compound unique to hemp, and can be found within a huge array of other plants and animals, including human beings.
Cannabinoids are named like that because they were first discovered in the cannabis plant. The most famous cannabinoid is THC, which is what causes the negative effects most commonly associated with cannabis.
Meanwhile CBD, the second most prominent cannabinoid, does not get you intoxicated.
This is why products with more than 0.2% THC in them are illegal in the UK.
When CBD enters your body, its main way of interacting with the body is through a network known as the endocannabinoid system. You may never have heard of it, but every single person has one, and it’s an essential part of maintaining balance within your body.
Your body contains many different systems that perform many different functions; your digestive system, your respiratory system, and your reproductive system to name just a few. The role of the endocannabinoid system is like that of a manager. Rather than taking direct action, it ensures that all these numerous whirring cogs are working correctly.
The ‘cannabinoid’ part of the word ‘endocannabinoid’ comes from cannabis, while the ‘endo’ part is short for endogenous. The terms refers specifically to the cannabis-like substances produced naturally inside your body. Since CBD is directly similar to these internally synthesised compounds, the body is able to receive and process it quite easily.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of three core parts: endocannabinoids, a series of receptors around your body, and enzymes that break the endocannabinoids down. These receptors are found throughout all of your major organs, your immune system and your nervous system, ensuring that everything is at a state of balance.
The body has a lot of clever ways of keeping things ‘just so’; if we are too hot then the body triggers sweat to cool us down; if we are dehydrated then the body triggers thirst to tell us to drink; if we need sleep then the body triggers melatonin to make us feel tired. All of these different signals and triggers are detected by your endocannabinoid receptors, which then trigger the release of endocannabinoids.
These receptors can be split into two different categories; CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system (the brain and nerves of the spinal cord), while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, the digestive system and cells in the immune system. In each instance they check for differences in temperature, pressure, pH and metabolism.
Using these receptors, the ECS is a major player in a lot of important functions including inflammation, motor control and immune function. The receptors in your digestive system are responsible for appetite and digestion, while the receptors in your brain control mood, memory and sleep. The endocannabinoid system is a very precise one, and each receptor works specifically to monitor and alter a certain bodily function.
Once endocannabinoids have been released in order to return balance, the enzymes (the third part of the system) come along to break down the endocannabinoids. For example, if you are too hot, the endocannabinoids will cool you down to your normal temperature, and then the enzymes will break them down to prevent it from going in the opposite direction (ie, you become too cold).
The reason introducing CBD to our body is so easy is because our endocannabinoid system responds to internally-produced cannabinoids and external cannabinoids very similarly. External cannabinoids, such as CBD, attach themselves to your CB1 and CB2 receptors, acting in the same way as endocannabinoids do.
The two most famous external cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is the compound in cannabis that induces the high, and is associated with the negative side effects related to cannabis, such as paranoia and anxiety. It gives users a high by attaching to the CB1 receptor in your brain, and acting in a similar manner to anandamide (noted for its calming effects). However, the body’s enzymes struggle to break down THC, which leads to exacerbated effects.
CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t induce any high. When it’s introduced to the body, instead of acting like anandamide, it stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body to create more of its own endocannabinoids. Where THC is a highly active outside adulterant, CBD simply encourages the body to produce more of its own natural endocannabinoids. This is part of the reason that CBD is considered safe in the wider health sphere.
Marijuana and hemp are two varieties of the same plant species, cannabis sativa. Hemp seed oil, sometimes referred to as cannabis sativa seed oil, is a predominantly nutrition-based oil that’s high in antioxidants, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, but contains no CBD.
CBD can be derived from both the industrial hemp plant (male cannabis crop) and the female marijuana plant. Cannabinoids like CBD are synthesised largely in the trichomes (thin hairlike growths on the flowers) alongside terpenes and flavonoids, though they will still be present in smaller concentrations in other parts of the plant.