What does science tell us about CBD?

What Does Science Tell Us About CBD?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Early Research
3. Endocannabinoid System
4. Current Research
5. Conclusion
6. References

Introduction

What does science tell us about CBD? Even today its uses are still undergoing research, scrutiny and testing to better understand its benefits. Let examine this from several perspectives. 1) What is the early research on CBD? 2) How does CBD work with the body? 3) What is the current research saying? 4) What are the research takeaways?

Early Research

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant that is currently the subject of extensive research to understand its potential benefits and effects on the human body. Early research on CBD has shown promising results in various areas. For instance, studies suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety, aid in insomnia, manage chronic pain, and lower cravings for substances like tobacco and heroin¹. However, it's important to note that more high-quality evidence from human studies is needed to determine effective doses and fully understand its benefits¹.

Endocannabinoid System

CBD works with the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a range of functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. Research has shown that CBD may influence this system and other brain signaling systems, leading to potential benefits for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain^1,5.

Experts are not entirely certain about how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, it is known that CBD does not bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does. Instead, it is believed that CBD may work by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down, allowing them to have a more significant effect on the body. Some researchers also suggest that CBD may bind to a receptor that has not yet been discovered. The effects of this interaction depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain, or they might bind to a CB2 receptor in immune cells to signal that the body is experiencing a common sign of autoimmune disorders⁴.

In addition, CBD has been found to inhibit endocannabinoid signaling in a dose-dependent manner, and it is a non-competitive antagonist of the CB1 receptor with a low affinity for the CB1 receptor's primary ligand site. It is also thought to modulate overall ECS tone by binding to the CB1 receptor's allosteric site and altering the potency of other primary ligands, such as endocannabinoids and THC³.

While the exact mechanism of how CBD interacts with the ECS is still under debate, research suggests that it may have potential benefits for pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with various conditions⁴.

Current Research

Current research on CBD continues to explore its potential benefits and effectiveness. A retrospective observational study suggested that CBD-rich treatments have a beneficial impact on pain, anxiety, and depression symptoms for some patients³. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand the extent of its effects and to substantiate the wide range of health claims associated with CBD³.

Conclusion

While early research on CBD shows promise for managing various conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, more high-quality human studies are needed to establish its effectiveness and safety. Current research indicates potential benefits, but further investigation is required to fully understand the range of its effects and to substantiate the many health claims associated with CBD.

References

• Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't
• Research reveals for first time how CBD works
• Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic
• The endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and cannabidiol: Implications in urology and men's health
• Cannabis Use and the Endocannabinoid System: A Clinical Perspective
• Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems