CBD became an instant favorite within wellness communities and athletic communities for the health benefits it imparts.
People claim to experience a broader feeling of overall homeostasis when they use CBD. They’re a little more relaxed, a little less tense, and they enjoy better sleep. But how does CBD impart these effects?
Some people are hesitant to use CBD because they’re concerned they might feel intoxicating effects. On the surface, this is a logical concern. CBD comes from hemp, hemp is a type of cannabis, and cannabis is a psychoactive substance.
CBD doesn’t produce the intoxicating high of THC, the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant.
What is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation of cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in all cannabis or marijuana plants. Cannabis plants with extremely low levels of THC are referred to as hemp plants. Hemp plants contain only trace amounts of THC, with the US Farm Bill limiting hemp plants to 0.3% THC by their dry weight.
Growers who produce hemp for CBD products will grow specific strains of hemp known to produce substantial amounts of CBD. The extract from these plants is used to make CBD oil products, like tinctures and soft gel capsules.
What is THC?
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. There are several variants of THC. Most people are referring to delta 9 THC when they speak about THC, although delta 8 THC produces similar effects.
Non-hemp cannabis plants can contain substantial amounts of THC, sometimes surpassing 30% by dry weight.
These plants have psychoactive properties. THC is a highly regulated cannabinoid that has been illegal for most of history. In modern times, plants containing THC are recreationally legal in several states and medically legal in most states with healthcare providers’ approval.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC work on your brain and body differently. Your endocannabinoid system, the series of receptors that interact with cannabinoids, is vast and wide. The cannabinoid receptors are spread all throughout your body. They travel from your brain down to your digestive system.
Each cannabinoid behaves a little differently when it comes into contact with these receptors. CBD is especially playful. It wants to interact with as many receptors as it can find.
Not all of these receptors are specifically endocannabinoid receptors. It floats by and provokes these receptors. It isn’t interested in binding itself to them - it’s more interested in provoking them.
The receptors respond in various ways, as each receptor relates to a different function within a different system of the body. Many people feel that CBD works to improve their mood while relieving tension throughout their body.
Athletes find that CBD can help to promote smooth muscle recovery. People who use CBD before yoga, meditation, or other acts of mindful self-care find that CBD encourages relaxation and a calm headspace ideal for making the most of their leisurely activities.
THC is different. When it finds a cannabinoid receptor, THC binds to it. It clings on, changing the way the receptor sends and receives messages throughout the body. This is what ultimately creates the “high” effect.
For medical cannabis users, this isn’t necessarily a high. It’s a medical tool that changes their perception of discomfort, makes it easier to combat insomnia, improves appetite, eases nausea and swelling, and eases symptoms of depression. For recreational users and wellness-focused users, THC doesn’t have symptoms to contend with. It will simply produce side effects like euphoria, sleepiness, impairment, and occasional dizziness and dry mouth in high doses.
CBD Won’t Get You High
CBD binds only weakly to your cannabinoid receptors. Rather than latching onto your receptors and modifying the way they receive messages, it simply inspires them to perform their native functions. It passes through, does its job, and bids your body farewell.
CBD’s gentle approach is precisely the reason why it’s so popular among people looking to support their wellness. Large doses of CBD don’t cause a high, but they can still cause side effects such as drowsiness, and taking CBD with alcohol raises the risk of sedation.
Here’s What CBD Can Do
CBD’s only medically recognized purpose is its ability to reduce the prevalence and severity of seizures in people who live with rare seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex.
The FDA approved CBD under the brand name Epidiolex for patients as young as one year of age. People with seizure disorders can get a prescription for CBD from their care providers.
CBD is currently being studied for its potential benefits as a workout recovery supplement and as a tool for temporarily managing symptoms. Some early studies are promising, but research in people is still limited, and the FDA has not recognized CBD for these purposes.
CBD Needs a Little Help Sometimes
While some people use CBD for general wellness, it isn’t a targeted solution that relieves immediate concerns.
In order to experience meaningful and sustainable benefits from CBD, it needs to be used consistently for a month or more. A few drops of isolated CBD won’t instantaneously improve workout recovery or ease the aches associated with joint disease.
CBD gummies, vape pens, and edibles are often marketed for long-term wellness, but you’re unlikely to experience immediate benefits when you need them most.
Over time, it might support the body’s natural processes that promote recovery and provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t quite “kick in.” Research hasn’t confirmed these effects. You’ll still experience related aches in the meantime.
For immediate relief, look for a targeted solution for issues like sore muscles, muscle spasms, or joint aches.
