Many people in the world are using cannabidiol ―better known as CBD― to reduce or relieve numerous ailments, among which are chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, anxiety and stress, insomnia, and many other affections. Every day the already long list of health benefits offered by this interesting cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant increases.

However, to this day, there are many questions that persist about the way in which CBD interacts with the body to generate so many different therapeutic effects.

Scientific research advances

In this line of thought, the most important studies are focused on developing a better understanding of CBD, which implies, in turn, the need to deepen the knowledge of the type of cell receptors in the body with which it interacts, in order to better understand how it exerts its properties.

To date, more than 65 different molecular ways have been identified through which CBD produces its effects, although the most studied are: the endocannabinoid system (ECS), serotonin receptors, pain receptors, genetic activation, enzymes, and some other receptors.

The endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids

Thanks to the body's endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids ―CBD is one of the most important― interacts with the human body.

The ECS is a biological network similar to the central nervous system, made up of neurons, endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors, whose main function is to maintain the state of balance necessary for the body to function properly.

So far, two cannabinoid receptors have been identified, CB1 and CB2, which are located mainly in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Upon contact with cannabinoids, these receptors are activated, stimulating various physiological responses in the body, such as anxiety, pain and stress, and many other health disorders.

How does CBD interacts with endocannabinoid receptors?

Recent research shows that CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in a different place than other cannabinoids do, those that bind to the receptor like a key to its lock. This implies that the responses it triggers in the receptors also differ from those induced by these other cannabinoids.

This process, called allosteric modulation[1], means that CBD can stimulate or decrease the receptor's response, making its effects on the body broad and versatile. Although reducing an endocannabinoid response may seem negative, certain alterations in the body, such as a state of high anxiety, can cause an overactivity of the endocannabinoid system, producing overstimulation of its receptors, in which case, the ECS would require a break that CBD can provide.

By way of synthesis

As more knowledge is gained, the idea is consolidating that CBD has the potential to act on numerous health disorders, many of which are known although not all have been properly tested.

However, it is possible to assume that from the numerous studies currently being carried out, the necessary evidence will emerge that reaffirms its suitability for treating a wide range of ailments.

NOTE: The CBD products sold by the Open Hemp Shop come exclusively from hemp.

[1] Effectors that increase enzyme activity are called allosteric activators and those that decrease activity are called allosteric inhibitors.