The Science Behind CBD: What You Need to Know

When pilot programs first reintroduced hemp cultivation to American soil, many US adults were hesitant to try hemp-derived CBD products. The hazy federal landscape made marketing a challenge. Despite the number of people mistakenly believing hemp and marijuana were one and the same, natural curiosity prevailed. Just four years later, about 6% of adults were purchasing hemp-derived CBD products (primarily online) based on the recommendations of their family and friends.¹  

Today, CBD is sold just about everywhere. But many frontline associates working in convenience stores, corner pharmacies, and even many specialty shops don't know enough about the products lining their shelves to answer some of our industry's most frequently asked questions. At CBDistillery®, we believe in providing the details consumers need to make informed decisions about hemp-derived cannabinoids – without fluff, fillers, or distractions. Here's what you need to know about the science behind CBD. 

What Is CBD?  

CBD is the commonly used scientific abbreviation for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid first identified and isolated by American chemist Roger Adams in the 1940s. The scientific community, however, was relatively unimpressed with the discovery until the publication of the first journal report approximately 20 years later. The amount of research published remained relatively low until 2010, then rapidly accelerated when hemp was officially declared a federally approved agricultural commodity.² 

Today, cannabidiol is widely known as the most abundant of 113 cannabinoids in hemp flower extract.³ It's also produced in much smaller amounts in most marijuana strains. Although most initial reports were based on lab results and animal studies, CBD is widely recognized as a pleiotropic plant element – a single cannabinoid with the potential to provide a diverse range of potentially beneficial effects.⁴ 

How CBD Works in the Human Body  

CBD works by interacting with more than 65 molecular targets. The cannabinoid is shown to activate serotonin receptors, increase dopamine levels, activate GABA receptors, inhibit the overproduction of glutamate, increase adenosine levels, and more.⁵ Although the neurotransmitters influenced by CBD play vital roles in multiple aspects of overall well-being, it's the cannabinoid's interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) most often credited for CBD's impressive range of potential benefits. 

The ECS is the largest regulatory system in the human body – a complex network comprised of two main cellular receptors (CB1 & CB2), specific neurotransmitters (the endocannabinoids anandamide & 2-AG), and the metabolic enzymes that break down those neurotransmitters once their messages are delivered (FAAH & MAGL).⁶   

How CBD Compares to THC  

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have the same molecular composition. Both cannabinoids are made up of 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and two oxygen atoms. There are, however, slight differences in the way their atoms are arranged.⁸ The 3-dimensional shape of THC allows the cannabinoid to bind with the ECS receptors CB1 in your brain, nerve cells, and connective tissues like a key inserted into a lock. Activating CB1 with THC temporarily modifies the flow of information between nerve cells while also increasing the amount of dopamine circulating in your system.⁹  

CBD also inhibits THC's impact on CB1 by binding to a different site on the receptor, altering its shape, and rendering CB1 less responsive to THC's influence.¹⁰ In other words, THC activates CB1 while CBD modulates the receptor. That's why the natural 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio in unaltered full spectrum hemp extract poses little risk of intoxication. 

Exploring the Potential Benefits of Incorporating CBD into Your Wellness Routine  

The purity, potency, and quality of the hemp-derived CBD products selected to support your wellness routine play a significant role in your overall experience. The best CBD is extracted from naturally farmed non-GMO hemp flower – plants grown without pesticides – by brands investing in third-party batch testing to screen their products for heavy metals, pesticides, extraction residue, and microbial contamination. If you can't find a certificate of analysis to confirm third-party testing, shop elsewhere. 

When you enjoy a CBD gummy or swallow a softgel, the cannabinoids make their way from your stomach to your liver through the hepatic portal system. Only the cannabinoids that remain after this "first pass" effect circulate through your body. You also have the option of holding a CBD oil tincture beneath your tongue for 45-60 seconds before swallowing or applying a CBD topical for targeted relief. Based on a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results for an impressive number of concerns – experiences backed by scientific evidence. 

Relaxation  

The effects of stress are cumulative.¹¹ While there isn't a lot of research investigating the use of CBD for the type of relaxation needed for stress relief, multiple studies suggest positive results for stress-induced (temporary) anxiety. During a 2011 investigation, for example, participants given CBD before a simulated public speaking event reported less discomfort, stress-induced cognitive issues, and lower anxiety levels than the control group.¹² Of our survey participants, 76% prefer CBD over alcohol for relaxation. 

Better Sleep  

In a small-scale study involving 103 adults, researchers reported that 79% of their participants experienced a positive impact on sleep scores within 30 days of consistent use. Researchers specifically credited the cannabinoid's "calming" effect.¹³ In a similar 2-year investigation with more than 400 participants, researchers reported "statistically and clinically significant" results using CBD-dominant products.¹⁴ Of our 1,900 survey respondents, 89% report better sleep. 

Mild or Temporary Anxiety  

A 2015 report detailing CBD's possible impact for various types of anxiety in preclinical, human experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies also suggests the potential for favorable results. Researchers, however, stress the need for further study.¹⁵ Of our 2019 survey respondents, 89% of customers responding to our inquiry said CBD helps calm their minds, 88% told us that CBD helps with mild or temporary anxiety, and 82% prefer CBD over meditation to help calm their minds and bodies.  

Discomfort after Physical Activity  

Post-activity discomfort is a sign that your body needs time to recover. Pushing through the pain and inflammation increases the risk of permanent injury. Although CBD's impact on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is not entirely understood, research suggests possible benefits for returning to pre-EIMD soreness levels faster.¹⁶ Of our 1,900 survey respondents, 84% report that CBD helps with pain after physical activity, and 90% prefer the effects of CBD over turmeric for relief. 

Consumer Safety: CBDs Possible Side Effects & Potential Risks  

Hemp-derived CBD products are generally well-tolerated and safe for most adults. There's little risk of chemical dependency or withdrawal symptoms, and the World Health Organization found "no evidence of public health-related problems."¹⁷ But like any other plant oil or extract, side effects are possible. Some CBD users find that oral administration can cause dry mouth, fatigue, changes in appetite, nausea, or diarrhea¹⁸ – symptoms that often resolve with smaller serving sizes. 

At this point, it's important to note that CBD may not be the best choice for everyone. Cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, and other plant-derived cannabinoids can cause adverse effects for people diagnosed with certain medical conditions. CBD can also interact with or interfere with the absorption of several prescription medications, over-the-counter treatments, and herbal supplements.^19,20 If you have questions or concerns, consult your healthcare provider. 

Could You Benefit from Incorporating CBD into Your Wellness Routine?  

Cannabis researchers have been investigating CBD's health and wellness potential for decades. The cannabinoid is generally well tolerated, poses no risk of chemical dependency, and has an impressively low risk of (minor) side effects. Although individual results can vary, most CBDistillery® customers responding to our survey report positive results for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity within 7-14 days of consistent use.    

When you choose CBDistillery® hemp-derived CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, gummies, and pet products, you can shop with confidence. Our non-GMO domestic hemp is naturally farmed, we rely on the cleanest extraction methods available, and our products are rigorously tested, quality-assured, and made with 100% clean ingredients. If you're leaning toward trying CBD but not quite sure where to start, consider scheduling a personal consultation. 

References 

1. Diena Y. (2023) 94+ CBD Statistics, Facts & Demographics. Ambitions. 

2. Lephart E. (2023) Cannabidiol (CBD) with 4',7-Isoflavandiol (Equol) Efficacy is Greater than CBD or Equol Treatment Alone via Human Skin Gene Expression Analysis. 28(7) Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 154. doi: 10.31083/j.fbl2807154. PMID: 37525926. 

3. Rudd J. (2023) CBD vs THC – What Are the Main Differences? Analytical Cannabis. 

4. Lingresti et al. (2016 September 14) From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. 

5. How CBD Works: CBD and Neurotransmitters (2019) The CBD Insider. 

6. Ren S, Zhang Y, et al. (2020) Potential Application of Endocannabinoid System Agents in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases—Focusing on FAAH/MAGL Inhibitors. 41(10) Acta Pharmacol Sin 1263-71. doi: 10.1038/s41401-020-0385-7. PMID: 32203086; PMCID: PMC7608191 

7. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

8. Baldwin, J. (2021) CBD vs THC: What Are the Differences? Weed News. 

9. Currin, G. (2020) How Does Cannabis Get You High? Live Science. 

10. Alger B, Ph.D. (2013) Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System. 14, Cerebrum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997295/ 

11. Wright S, RN, BSN. (2022) The Benefits of Relaxation and Techniques to Try. Psych Central. 

12. Bergamaschi M, Queiroz R, et al. (2011) Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. 36(6) Neuropsychopharmacology 1219-26. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.6 

13. Millar S, Maguire R. (2020) Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). 13(9) Pharmaceuticals 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219 

14. Shannon S, Lewis N, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. 23, Perm J 18-41. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041 

15. Blessing E, Steenkamp M, et al. (2015) Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. 12 Neurotherapeutics 825-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1 

16. Hatchet A, Armstrong K, et al. (2020) The Influence of Cannabidiol on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. 7(2) Int J Phys Ed, Sports and Health 89-94. https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2020/vol7issue2/PartB/7-2-4-412.pdf 

17. World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2 

18. Chesney E, Oliver D, et al. (2020) Adverse Effects of Cannabidiol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Neuropsychopharmacol. 45, 1799-806. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-020-0667-2 

19. Rae A. (2022) What drugs should not be taken with CBD? Weedmaps. 

20. Bykov K. (2021) CBD and Other Medications: Proceed with Caution. Harvard Health Publishing.