Understanding CBD: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn about cannabidiol, how it works in your body, and the different types of cannabinoids available for natural pain relief.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of 113 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD has many beneficial properties, though it is not FDA-approved, so we cannot make any health claims.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. It has gained attention for its potential therapeutic properties and is commonly used in various products, including oils, creams, and supplements.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. The human body (and the bodies of all vertebrates) produce endocannabinoids, while cannabinoids found in plants are called phytocannabinoids.
Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote homeostasis—the body's natural state of balance and optimal functioning.
How Does CBD Work?
The human body has two receptors for cannabinoids: the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 Receptors
Although both receptors are found all over the body, CB1 receptors are present in the brain and deal with:
- •Pain perception
- •Movement coordination
- •Cognitive function
- •Mood regulation
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and affect:
- •Pain modulation
- •Inflammation response
- •Immune system function
- •Tissue repair
THC attaches to the CB1 receptors, whereas CBD interacts with the CB2 receptors. Unlike THC which attaches to receptors, CBD does not attach to the CB2 receptor.
Rather, researchers believe that CBD influences the body's use of endocannabinoids (promoting homeostasis).
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The human endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a system of neurotransmitters and cell membrane receptors.
Neurotransmitters such as endocannabinoids are produced by the central nervous system and interact with cannabinoid receptors on cell membranes to adjust physiological processes at a cellular level.
In simple terms: The ECS is your body's internal regulatory system that helps maintain balance. When you use CBD, you're supporting this natural system to help it work more effectively.
Different Types of Cannabinoids
Beyond CBD, there are numerous cannabinoid compounds, each with unique properties and potential benefits. Here's what you need to know:
What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
CBD is the most well-known non-intoxicating cannabinoid. It doesn't produce a "high" and is widely studied for its potential therapeutic properties.
Commonly Used For:
- • Pain and inflammation management
- • Anxiety and stress reduction
- • Sleep support
- • Neuroprotection
- • Anti-inflammatory effects
What is CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid)?
CBDA is the raw, acidic form of CBD found in living hemp plants. When hemp is heated or aged, CBDA converts to CBD through a process called decarboxylation.
Commonly Used For:
- • Anti-inflammatory properties (potentially stronger than CBD)
- • Nausea and vomiting relief
- • Anti-anxiety effects
- • Potential anti-cancer properties (under research)
- • May have better bioavailability than CBD
What is CBG (Cannabigerol)?
CBG is often called the "mother of all cannabinoids" because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG. It's found in smaller quantities in most cannabis strains.
Commonly Used For:
- • Inflammatory bowel disease support
- • Glaucoma and intraocular pressure reduction
- • Antibacterial properties
- • Neuroprotection
- • Bladder dysfunction
- • Appetite stimulation
What is CBN (Cannabinol)?
CBN is created when THC ages and oxidizes. It's mildly psychoactive but much less so than THC. It's becoming popular for its sedative properties.
Commonly Used For:
- • Sleep support and insomnia
- • Sedative effects
- • Pain relief
- • Appetite stimulation
- • Anti-inflammatory properties
- • Antibacterial effects
What is CBC (Cannabichromene)?
CBC is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that's been shown to work synergistically with other cannabinoids in what's known as the "entourage effect."
Commonly Used For:
- • Pain and inflammation reduction
- • Mood enhancement and depression support
- • Brain health and neurogenesis
- • Acne and skin conditions
- • Anti-fungal and antibacterial properties
What is THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)?
THCV is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in small amounts in certain cannabis strains. Unlike THC, it may suppress appetite and has different effects at low vs. high doses.
Commonly Used For:
- • Appetite suppression and weight management
- • Blood sugar regulation
- • Panic attack reduction
- • Bone health promotion
- • Alzheimer's disease research
What is CBL (Cannabicyclol)?
CBL is a lesser-known cannabinoid formed from CBC when exposed to light. Research on CBL is still in early stages.
Commonly Used For:
- • Anti-inflammatory properties (preliminary research)
- • Potential anti-cancer effects (under study)
- • Limited research available on specific applications
What is CBT (Cannabitriol)?
CBT is another rare cannabinoid that forms from CBC. Very little research exists on this compound.
Commonly Used For:
- • Research is extremely limited
- • Potential therapeutic properties under investigation
- • Effects and benefits not yet well understood
The Entourage Effect
When multiple cannabinoids work together, they create what researchers call the "entourage effect"—where the combined benefits are greater than any single cannabinoid alone.
This is why full-spectrum CBD products (containing multiple cannabinoids) may be more effective than CBD isolate for some individuals.
CBD Product Types & Usage Guide
What is Full Spectrum?
Full-spectrum products are formulated with a CBD extract that has the same cannabinoid profile as the hemp biomass from which it came. Reputable manufacturers use only hemp biomass that is high in CBD, rich in minor cannabinoids, and below the legal threshold of 0.3% THC.
Legal Status:
Full-Spectrum Tinctures are under 0.3% THC and legal in all 50 states. This trace amount of THC contributes to the entourage effect without producing psychoactive effects.
CBD is Fat Soluble—What Does That Mean?
When a compound is described as "fat-soluble," it means that it dissolves in fats rather than water. In the context of Cannabidiol (CBD), being fat-soluble implies that it can be more readily absorbed and stored in the body's fat tissues than if it were water-soluble. This characteristic influences how CBD is metabolized and how it enters cells within the body.
How Fat-Soluble CBD Works in Your Body:
For fat-soluble substances like CBD to be effectively absorbed by the body, they must go through a specific process:
Digestion and Emulsification
When you ingest CBD orally, it enters your digestive system where it encounters bile and lipase, enzymes that help emulsify and break down fats, making them easier to absorb.
Absorption
Once emulsified, the tiny droplets of fat-soluble compounds, including CBD, can pass through the intestinal lining. Since they are fat-soluble, they are incorporated into micelles (tiny particles made from bile salts) that facilitate their movement through the water-based environment of your intestines.
Transportation
After absorption, these compounds enter the lymphatic system before making their way into the bloodstream. Unlike water-soluble compounds that can be directly transported in the blood, fat-soluble compounds require this lymphatic transport to bypass the immediate liver metabolism, allowing them to reach more areas of the body before being metabolized.
Cellular Uptake
Cells in the body are surrounded by a lipid bilayer (a layer made of fats), which is more permeable to fat-soluble substances. CBD can easily integrate into this lipid environment, allowing it to enter cells more efficiently. Inside the cells, CBD can interact with various receptors and proteins, influencing a wide range of physiological processes.
Storage
Fat-soluble compounds can be stored in the body's fat tissues for extended periods. This means that CBD can accumulate in the body and potentially have a longer-lasting effect compared to water-soluble substances.
Metabolism and Excretion
Eventually, CBD is metabolized by the liver. The metabolites (breakdown products) can then be excreted through urine or feces. However, because CBD is fat-soluble, this process is slower, contributing to its longer duration in the body.
Why This Matters:
The fat solubility of CBD is a key factor in its bioavailability (the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream), its distribution within the body, and its overall effectiveness in interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various bodily functions.
Which Product is Right for Me?
The ideal method for taking CBD depends on the reason it is being used. For most conditions, we recommend a tincture due to its high bioavailability, precise dosing, and convenience. Many users also prefer topicals for certain conditions.
Product Recommendations:
Tinctures: Best for overall wellness, precise dosing, and fast absorption under the tongue
Topicals: Ideal for targeted relief in specific areas of the body
Capsules: Convenient for consistent daily dosing
Important Note: Making recommendations for specific conditions can be considered a "health claim", and since CBD is not yet FDA-approved, we are not allowed to make what are considered "medical recommendations". Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. CBD products and other cannabinoids are not FDA-approved for treating, curing, or preventing any disease or condition.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing medical conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.