CBD oil has a place in many people's daily routine. Almost everyone is familiar with CBD. What effect does CBD have on our bodies? What can CBD oil do for you? How does CBD oil work? Read on and find out everything you need to know about how CBD oil works!
In this article, we discuss:
- Cannabidiol, or CBD; you can find it in hemp
- The effect of CBD oil (whether or not) in combination with other cannabinoids
- Cannabinoids actually belong to us
- There are CB1 - and CB2 receptors
- The endocannabinoid system
- The right balance is crucial!
- Self-regulation, what is it?
- CBD; a perfect complement to our body's own cannabinoids
- Hemp contains more than just cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Flavonoids and chlorophyll
- Which CBD oil do you choose? Full spectrum CBD oil, or still prefer Pure CBD oil?
- What does CBD oil do in our bodies?
- CBD oil dosing
- Want to know more, or try CBD oil yourself?
Cannabidiol, or CBD; you can find it in hemp
Although cannabidiol is the substance name, we actually all shorten it to CBD. CBD is a substance found naturally in hemp. Many more cannabinoids are found in hemp (or cannabis) - as many as over a hundred - of which CBD and THC are the most familiar to many. The effects of these two best-known cannabis compounds are incomparable. CBD has no psychoactive effect, making CBD suitable for many more people. THC does have a psychoactive effect and is not legal in the Netherlands.
CBD oil should only contain a maximum percentage of THC; 0.05%. This percentage is so low that one will not experience the psychoactive effects with the use of CBD oil. If CBD oil in the Netherlands contains more than 0.05% THC, it may not be sold. All CBD oil sold at Hempishop is produced according to legal guidelines and will never contain a higher percentage of THC.
Hempishop sells the best quality CBD oil From Wedihemp and Endoca. This oil does contain a host of other beneficial cannabinoids besides CBD, such as:
- CBDA
- CBG
- CBN
- CBV
If you want to understand the effects of CBD oil on our bodies, it is important to first learn a little more about other cannabinoids. We explain it to you!
The effect of CBD oil (whether or not) in combination with other cannabinoids
How CBD works depends on other cannabinoids. This is why there are often other cannabinoids in CBD oil. But what is the function and action of all these cannabinoids in CBD oil? And what are cannabinoids anyway?
Cannabinoids from hemp have a particularly versatile role. Their first purpose is to protect the hemp plant from diseases and pests. They also influence which insects come onto the plant; unfavourable insects stay away. This therefore theoretically allows one to grow hemp without dependence on pesticides.
Of course, all these cannabinoids are special in several ways, including in relation to humans. Most cannabinoids have physiological effects on our bodies. THC, for instance, is capable of producing psychoactive effects. Other cannabinoids (such as CBD), are also used in a diversity of health applications. The function of cannabinoids is not limited to the hemp plant, but also focuses on humans.
Cannabinoids actually belong to us
Previously, it was not well understood why the hemp plant was so valuable. Its physiological effects on our bodies were visible and noticeable, but how could that be?
This has everything to do with our body's own cannabinoids; called endocannabinoids. These look exactly like the cannabinoids in the hemp plant. This was discovered in the 1990s by a group of scientists.
Humans are capable of producing cannabinoids endogenously (from inside the body)! Our bodies are naturally capable of producing substances that have corresponding effects to the cannabinoids from hemp.
An important endogenous cannabinoid (anandamine) is responsible for several processes, including;
- Pain
- Stress
- Fear
- The so-called 'runners high'
With this science, it is easier to understand that a substance from cannabis, can have similar effects on our bodies. Consider the effects of THC and CBD oil.
In brief: Endocannabinoids have many similarities in properties to the cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Our body's own cannabinoids interact with receptors in our brain, immune system and nervous system. Cannabinoids from hemp do the same. Receptors belong to the 'endocannabinoid system' (ECS). These are found throughout our body.
There are CB1 - and CB2 receptors
CB1 receptors are found in our brain and central nervous system. Because of their location in the brain, they affect our emotions, memory and can regulate pain impulses. They also play a significant role hormonally. Sleep regulation, pain perception and appetite are all influenced by the CB2 receptor.
In the peripheral nervous and immune systems, CB2 receptors are predominantly found. Among other things, CB2 receptors play a role in pain perception, inflammation and our resistance.
The endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system is actually a very extensive network. Within this network are several receptors (receptors). Each receiver has its own molecules attached to it. These bind to the receptor, to which it can send a signal.
Our whole body is full of these receptors and both cannabinoids and endocannabinoids fit on them. When such a receptor is activated by (endo)cannabinoids, it stimulates the cell to start making or breaking down certain substances. That cannabinoids can bind to receptors CB1 and CB2 within our endocannabinoid system has been discovered by science and is thus a proven fact.
The right balance is crucial!
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) - with all its receptors - affects the functioning of the following bodily functions, among others:
- The temperature of our body
- Our emotions
- The day and night rhythm
- How we experience pain
- Our immune system
The endocannabinoid system depends on proper balance. Within the ECS, nerve cells transmit signals to the brain in case of imbalance. In such an imbalance, (endo)cannabinoids are deployed. This allows the balance to be restored. Homeostasis is maintained, which is incredibly important; our bodies can continue to function optimally.
Self-regulation, what is it?
Self-regulation, also known as homeostasis, is our body's ability to maintain health. It continuously keeps the internal environment in balance, even when the situation changes.
However, there are certain factors that greatly influence your self-regulation and are capable of disrupting it:
- Your diet
- Stress
- The amount of movement
- Medicine use
- A lack of sleep
When any of the above factors are abnormal, you may suffer from various physical and/or psychological complaints. What you do best then is to bring your body back into balance. This can be done by getting enough rest, ensuring the necessary relaxation, adequate exercise and eating healthy.
CBD; a perfect complement to our body's own cannabinoids
Cannabinoids attach to receptors within our endocannabinoid system. CBD has the ability to support our body naturally. CBD oil affects the endocannabinoid system and thus has a direct impact on the body functions that belong to it. The action of CBD oil balances numerous processes in our body, thereby returning homeostasis to your body.
Side note: CBD is by no means a panacea, nor is it a medicine. It is wise at all times to discuss the use of CBD products with your doctor.
Hemp contains more than just cannabinoids
We also find other valuable substances in the hemp plant. We are talking about terpenes, flavonoids and chlorophyll. These - like cannabinoids - are very valuable substances.
The authentic smell and taste of hemp is caused by its terpenes. Cannabinoids interact with the other substances, creating the 'entourage effect'. This effect enhances the action of cannabinoids in CBD oil.
Terpenes
The amount of terpenes found in a CBD product depends on several factors. For instance, the production process of a Raw CBD oil takes place in the so-called cold way. This makes such a type of CBD oil rich in terpenes.
Other factors such as the strength of the sun while the plant is growing, the amount of water and soil quality also affect the production of terpenes. What can be a slight drawback for some people when it comes to a higher amount of terpenes is that Raw CBD oil has a stronger taste. Not everyone likes that.
Flavonoids and chlorophyll
Flavonoids from hemp have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. You therefore often find these substances in various dietary supplements.
Chlorophyll - like terpenes - also affects flavour, but it has much more influence on the colour of hemp. Chlorophyll (chlorophyll) is responsible for photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants convert light into energy. The chlorophyll creates oxygen, which reaches our cells. Chlorophyll also affects taste, which is why CBD oil can sometimes taste a little bitter. In Pure CBD oil, the terpenes and chlorophyll have largely been filtered out, giving it a milder taste, but this does not detract from its effect.
Which CBD oil do you choose? Full spectrum CBD oil, or still prefer Pure CBD oil?
CBD oil is CBD oil, right? No! There is a significant difference between Raw and Pure CBD oil. This difference arises from the way it is produced. CBD oil Pure is heated, while a Raw CBD oil is produced by CO2 extraction.
The difference in production is responsible for a different CBD profile. CBD oil Raw contains other cannabinoids such as CBDA, CBG, CBN, CBC and CBV in addition to CBD. You will also find terpenes and other substances in this CBD oil. Raw CBD oil is also called 'full spectrum cbd oil'; an oil that contains all substances.
This combination of substances is responsible for the entourage effect. They have a reinforcing effect on each other in CBD oil.
CBD oil pure contains mainly CBD thanks to the production process. All other cannabinoids and substances have mostly dissipated due to heating.
NOTE: For CBD oil to work, one is not better than the other. Both CBD oils are valuable. The method of production primarily affects the taste. Pure CBD oil has a mild, nutty taste. CBD oil Raw is slightly more bitter and a bit stronger in taste.
What does CBD oil do in our bodies?
It depends on several factors, how CBD oil works in our body. The type of CBD (Pure or Raw) has an influence, but also which way you use it. Do you opt for capsules, an oil, an ointment? Moreover, the percentage of CBD is very decisive, when it comes to how CBD oil works on our body.
How quickly CBD oil works is also determined by the method of use: CBD works fastest when dripped under the tongue. Already after about 20 minutes, it will then work. This is because the salivary glands ensure faster absorption of CBD into the blood.
You can also use CBD in capsule form. When you use these, noticing the effects of CBD oil may take a bit longer. This is because in this case the CBD has to pass through the stomach first. CBD does stay in the body longer when used this way!
CBD oil dosing
The dosage of CBD oil is personal and depends on many factors. The advice at all times is; start low, go slow. That way, you can calmly experience what CBD does to your body. You can always increase the CBD over a period of a few weeks, until you achieve a desired effect.
Want to know more, or try CBD oil yourself?
As hemp and CBD specialists, we know better than anyone else: when you want to start using CBD oil (or any other CBD product), it is very important to purchase it from a reliable address. Look no further, we can provide you with expert advice and get you started with a certified CBD product. We are happy to look and think with you, so that you too can have a successful experience with CBD! Also read the CBD oil most frequently asked questions and take contact on for more advice.