Cannabidiol, called CBD, is an active compound in cannabis plants. It is non-psychoactive, which means that it does not make users “high.” Science proves it has powerful medicinal properties that can help people treat pain, anxiety, inflammation, lethargy, and many other ailments. When consumed, CBD oil relaxes body and mind, but without the mind-altering intoxication associated with marijuana.
How CBD Differs from Other Cannabinoids
CBD is very different to other cannabinoids also found in cannabis plants. While all of them bind to important receptors in the nervous system, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD works in a unique way. The brain contains an abundance of CB1 receptors and in all the areas of the brain, including those responsible for emotion, sensory perception, pain perception, cognition, even memory.
In contrast, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound responsible for most of the psychological effects associated with weed. It takes you on a mind-bending adventure. THC congregates in trichomes, the resin secreted by glands in marijuana flowers. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, activating them to affect your thinking, perception, pleasure, memory, concentration, and more, making you feel “high.”
Notable Brain Benefits of CBD Oil
Research shows CBD with huge medicinal value, but due to federal prohibition of cannabis, studying marijuana has not been easy. Much evidence already exists to suggest that CBD has many brain benefits, but more research is crucial to understanding all of its properties. This is what we know so far, which studies widely support. The uses of CBD are varied, most of which stem from its effects on the brain:
Neuroprotective Benefits
CBD proves useful when treating a myriad of neurological diseases. Since it protects neurons from damage and degeneration, it has a horde of potential therapeutic uses. According to a scientific blog Alchemia, CBD both hinders the development of Alzheimer’s disease and prevents it from developing in the first place.
Analgesic Benefits
Many studies prove CBD a powerful painkiller. Its analgesic properties are mainstream knowledge now. CBD is capable of inhibiting neural transmission, and without causing any analgesic intolerance. It literally affects your perception of pain, from within the brain, to affect pain relief. Because of this, the medical community suggests that CBD can be the foundation for all chronic pain treatments.
Antitumor Benefits
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD shows huge potential as an effective treatment for cancer and its symptoms. Studies show it killing cancer cells in laboratories and preventing metastasis. Scientists believe that the antitumor properties of CBD in very high doses can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, without any toxic side effects, all through its mechanism of action in the brain.
Anti-Anxiety Benefits
Evidence shows CBD notably reducing anxiety and related issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The U.S. National Library of Medicine published a study proving a significant reduction of anxiety, discomfort, and cognitive impairment in 24 participants with severe social anxiety disorder. When compared to the study’s placebo group, its anti-anxiety properties proved immense.
How CBD Affects the Brain
CBD works by interacting with CB1 receptors and affecting various molecular pathways. Although CBD never attaches to these receptors, its mechanisms of action occur through several different receptor-independent pathways. What this means is that CBD either inhibits or enhances the binding action of specific protein-coupled receptors:
Serotonin Receptors
CBD is able to target the serotonin 1A receptor specifically. The affinity of CBD with this receptor is responsible for many of the therapeutic benefits of CBD. Serotonin receptors have the job of releasing certain hormones, such as oxytocin for social behavior and cortisol for stress reaction and metabolism. These receptors are also able to affect your appetite, cognition, and mood.
Vanilloid Receptors
CBD interacts with vanilloid receptors in the brain, called TRPV1 receptors, to work its therapeutic magic. These receptors are responsible for regulating temperature, pain perception, inflammation, and more. As an ion pathway, TRPV1 plays a very important role in thermoregulation, making CBD’s interaction with them crucial in a variety of conditions.
Nuclear Receptors
Nuclear receptors, or scientifically peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, or PPARS, have anticancer effects when manipulated by CBD. These receptors live on the surface of a cell’s nucleus. When CBD activates a receptor called PPAR-gamma, it initiates an anti-proliferative effect. Activating this receptor also causes regression in the cell lines of lung tumors.
Orphan Receptors
Orphan receptors, or CPR55s, are still a bit mysterious to scientists, who do not yet know if they are members of a bigger family of receptor groups. The role of orphan receptors is to module bone density, bone reabsorption, and blood pressure. When overactive, it causes osteoporosis and contributes to the growth and spread of cancer cells. CBD blocks this signaling, reducing these effects significantly.
Influence of CBD on Anandamide
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, CBD in the brain has the unique ability to inhibit the reuptake and breakdown of anandamide, which increases levels of natural endocannabinoids within the brain’s synapses. Anandamide is a very powerful chemical that has marijuana-like effects on the brain, which makes CBD extremely effective neuroprotective against seizures and related issues.
Since CBD is a phytocannabinoid, deriving from plants, it must first pass through cell membranes to enter cells and bind with nuclear receptors. To do this, it attaches to a fatty acid binding protein, or FABP, which transports it inside a cell. FABP transports both THC and anandamide in the same way, but to different areas inside a cell.
CBD has a strong magnetism to three different types of FABPs, which enables it to compete somewhat with endocannabinoids. Once inside a cell, endocannabinoids break down anandamide by interacting with a metabolic enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase. CBD interferes with this process, ultimately reducing access for anandamide to FABP transporters and preventing it from entering a cell.
Buy CBD Oil
The potential of CBD is immense. Although most researchers focused on THC for decades, CBD now has their attention. Medically, CBD consistently shows enormous therapeutic possibilities. It is more important than ever to understand the many, many properties of CBD so that people everywhere can enjoy its brain benefits and use it to improve their overall health.
You can buy CBD oil online. Science proves it both safe and effective. As scientists continue to discover new ways to maximize healing and enhance health, more and more people are turning to CBD. With no dangerous side effects, no risk of addiction, and no more stigma associated with cannabis, CBD is fast turning into a multibillion-dollar industry.
