HOW DOES CBD WORK?

The human nervous system contains a large number of receptors. Receptors are like mobile telephone masts transmitting signals. But if a mobile mast accepts an electromagnetic wave as a signal, receptors use specific molecules to transmit messages.

One of the receptor systems is the so-called endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS receptors are located in the human brain and in the peripheral nervous system – spinal cord and nerves. In the brain, the receptors reside in areas responsible for perception, concentration, memory and movement. That’s why the ECS is involved in the regulation of many physiological processes including the feeling of pain, mood, and appetite. Interestingly, the ECS also plays a part in the neural system response to physical excise. “Runner's high” is caused by ECS action..

The ECS receptors are CB1 and CB2, 5-HT1A, μ, and δ. The receptors bind cannabinoid-like molecules produced by the nervous system, endorphins. One of the endorphin molecules transmitting signals in the ECS is 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). It binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabidiol, CBD, also bind to these receptors and replicates the effects of 2-AG.

CBD binds to the same receptors as psychoactive THC but has an opposite effect. If THC gets your nervous system into overdrive CBD makes it slow down.