CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have therapeutic qualities, including pain relief, anxiety and mood stabilizing benefits, and prevention of seizures. CBD gummies are the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis (though this varies depending on the strain) with an estimated 100+ different identified functions in humans.
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CBD is not really a substance in itself, but rather is a chemical that occurs naturally within the cannabis plant. The body also produces its own endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in bodily functions and health. Of particular note, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating pain. As such, cannabinoids can enhance the effects of other cannabinoids without having much effect on their own. This is why you often find different strains of cannabis with varying concentrations of cannabinoid content. In some instances these are described as “high-CBD,” “high-THC” or even “partial THC.”
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Because CBD-dominant strains have less THC, they’re best for use during the daytime. If you’re the type of person who suffers from anxiety, you may find that a high-CBD strain leaves you feeling calmer than a THC-dominant strain. At night, though, this sensation is reversed. This is because CBD tends to amplify CB1 receptors while THC amplifies CB2 receptors. As CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and nervous system (and other parts of the body), high levels of CBD tend to augment communications between neurons and lower anxiety.
The Effects of CBD
A study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology in 2018 investigated its effects on anxiety, pain, and depression. The researchers found that CBD reduced anxiety in a dose-dependent fashion. This means that higher doses (“tolerance”) tended to produce more effects than lower doses (“non-tolerance”). However, tolerance didn’t respond to this dose relationship as much as CBD did. According to the authors: “An anxiolytic effect of CBD was also shown in an animal model”, which led the authors to believe that the anxiolytic effects are related to CBD’s affinity for CB1 receptors.
How It Can Help
CBD was introduced as an alternative to THC in order to minimize any unwanted side effects of high THC concentrations, especially the psychoactive properties. As CBD interacts with various receptors in the endocannabinoid system, including TRPV1 and PPARs, it potentially has other uses that may not be as readily apparent. Anxiety relief is just one potential use of CBD.
