CBD is the hot word on everyone’s lips. Even in countries where marijuana is not legalized, people are exploring the benefits of CBD. From CBD bath bombs to CBD hemp oil in Canada , you can find almost everything infused with this healing compound.
If you look at the numbers, it's clear to see that the green rush of CBD oil is on an upward trajectory. The global market for CBD is currently at $987.2 million and is expected to reach $5.3 billion by 2025. That’s a huge jump! But there is still some confusion surrounding the effects of CBD and how it makes you feel.
Why is the CBD Market Exploding?
You’ve probably seen CBD products in your local grocery store, pharmacy, smoke shop, and even in cafes. So, why has it become so popular all of a sudden?
As natural remedies go, there isn’t always much scientific evidence to support the claims. With CBD, there is scientific evidence of many health benefits, and we are discovering more every day. For people preferring to use natural healing methods, CBD is a go-to option. On top of that, CBD has no known negative side effects and has not been seen to grow into dependency.
Beyond just the scientific proof of CBDs benefits, there is an endless amount of anecdotal evidence available online and likely from people you know personally. With so many potential uses from one substance, it’s no surprise that sales are booming now that people are aware of it. People are even beginning to give CBD to their pets .
How Does CBD Work in the Human Body?
CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in our body, each having a different effect. The endocannabinoid system is composed of a variety of receptors in the body which endocannabinoids bind to.
There are two main types of receptors in the body, the CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptors are found mostly in the central nervous system. They control movement, pain, coordination, mood, memory and more. The CB2 receptors are located within the peripheral nervous system and influence inflammation and pain as well.
Endocannabinoids are produced by our bodies, while cannabinoids are those from the cannabis plant. For that reason, cannabinoids don’t directly attach themselves to receptors the way endocannabinoids do, but they do activate and influence them. It’s the activation of these receptors that produce some of the many benefits of CBD.
Some research suggests that CBD can also influence other receptors in the body, such as the 5ht serotonin receptor and TRPV1 receptor. These activations may help treat psychotic disorders and reduce inflammation and pain.
How Does CBD Make You Feel?
When you ask people how they feel when they take CBD, you’ll likely get many different answers. It’s got tons of therapeutic benefits, but the feeling isn’t as strong as you might think. When taking CBD, the initial feeling is similar to when you’ve just worked out or when you laugh. The flood of endorphins you will experience will instantly lift your mood. Many also describe a better sense of well-being overall, heightened awareness and better ability to focus.
The initial feelings people have when they take CBD tend to diminish fairly quickly, but that’s not because it’s not working. Those taking CBD do so to treat a condition or something they are struggling with. So rather than experiencing a particular feeling, they will experience a reduction in their symptoms. There are four main concerns that CBD helps to address:
- Insomnia - Those who struggle to sleep properly can benefit from using CBD. If you tend to have a million thoughts in your head every time you try to sleep, CBD can help mellow those out. By calming your mind, you will be able to fall asleep quicker and have better sleep quality.
- Anxiety - CBD helps those with anxiety similar to the way it contributes to better sleep. When you have anxiety , it can be hard to quiet your mind, and CBD may help. On top of that, when CBD activates your serotonin receptors, it also reduces anxious feelings.
- Pain - Many people who have chronic pain want to avoid taking prescription painkillers long-term and are looking for a natural solution. CBD can provide relief to them, reducing overall pain and allowing patients to function semi-normally again. Typically, those using CBD for chronic pain need to take a higher dosage.
- Inflammation CBD reduces inflammation in the body, so it is an excellent option for those with fibromyalgia, arthritis or athletes. Several preliminary studies, like one using topical CBD on mice models of arthritis , showed CBD reduced painful inflammation. Another study reported CBD works specifically on inflammatory and neuropathic models of pain.