Your body has a secret... It's called the Endocannabinoid System. This system consists of receptors located throughout the body. CB1 Receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 Receptors are found in peripheral organs, specifically those associated with the immune system. 

CBD binds with these receptors and aids the body in regulating numerous functions like: mood, sleep, appetite, motor control, pleasure, pain, immune function and memory!

THE DETAILS

We could get hyper-scientific and talk how CBD is a Allosteric Modulator and that it is metabolized by hydroxylation to form acidic metabolites with the help of P450 enzymes.... but I don't think anyone cares. So let's talk about what you do care about:

How does CBD do all the miraculous things people claim?

Pain Management.  CBD acts as a "vanilloid receptor antagonist". While that might sound like a bad guy from Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, I assure you, it is not. What that means is that CBD is a substance that blocks TRPV1 activity. TRPV1 is a receptor in the nervous system responsible for distributing the sensation of pain. CBD can promote pain relief by moderately desensitizing the receptors that trigger the feelings of pain in the body.

Emotional Health. Pharmaceutical medications designed to regulate intense stress and emotion work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This results in an increase in available serotonin to the synaptic space (the area between neurons where the information is transmitted). This helps the brain transmit more serotonin signals (serotonin is the chemical in our brains often referred to as the "happy chemical) which reduces intense stress. Current research shows that CBD can help boost signaling through serotonin receptors. 

On top of that, CBD can also aid in Hippocampal Neurogenesis. This basically means CBD might aid in the birth of new neurons in the hippocampus, or the major part of the brain responsible for learning, emotions and memory. For reasons outside the scope of this article, this is a good thing and extremely valuable in reducing stress, increasing happiness and minimizing the risk of extreme sadness or emotional imbalances.

Ultimately our goal is Homeostasis, which is just a fancy word for balance, equilibrium or stability. CBD is so powerful because it acts as a regulatory compound on so many of the body's natural systems and processes. It helps regulate pain, it is a neuroprotectant that aids in stress management, and it encourages the body to produce healthy levels of hormones that affect attitude, energy, mood, appetite and libido. On top of all of that, when you consider where the CBD comes from, when properly administered you have a wealth of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins.

In our ongoing search for physical, mental and emotional health, we have found that there are so few contenders that pack all of the punch that a quality, full spectrum CBD supplement can. Is it the only way? Of course not. Is it the most efficient way? Maybe. Let us know what you think. Comment or send us an email sharing your CBD story and we would love to share it with others who could benefit from having the support and help they need to get their health and lives in balance!