Cannabis has more than 100 compounds. One of the therapeutic compounds found in the plant is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC chemical that creates a high sensation upon consumption, CBD delivers treatment to multiple conditions. Keep reading to find out how CBD works and why it’s useful in treating anxiety and depression. 

How CBD works

The first step of understanding how CBD works is to acknowledge how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions. The ECS’s role is to ensure that the body’s homeostatic balance is maintained. In this regard, ECS regulates various functions through various components, including endocannabinoids (eCBs), cannabinoids (CB), and enzymes. Whereas eCBs are messengers coming from ECS, CBs are the receptors of these messages. The role of the enzymes is to breakdown the endocannabinoids.

Our bodies have two kinds of eCBs: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidoylglyerol (2-AG). AEA plays a crucial role in different body functions, such as appetite and memory regulation. The 2-AG, on the other hand, is involved in multiple purposes, such as maintaining heart wellbeing and psychological states. 

Once the message is sent through neurotransmitters, the ECS has two cannabinoid receptors to receive it: CB1 and CB2. The two receptors are found in the various parts of the body, and the messages they receive have effects such as sensibility, mood, and immunity. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and regulate functions such as the perception of pain, memory, and spirit. A small amount of CB1 is found in the rest of the body and plays a role in cardiovascular health, hormone production, and digestion.

CB2 receptors are mainly located in the body’s immune system and regulate how it responds to pathogens. 

When you’ve got a disease, the homeostatic role of ECS is disrupted because either CB1 or CB2 is not functioning optimally. Therefore, to boost the receptors, we’ve to take medication to activate them.

Why is CBD useful in the treatment of chronic conditions?

While different conventional medications can be useful in treating various diseases, they present multiple side effects, especially in the treatment of chronic conditions. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t have adverse side effects. The mild effects that some people may experience when taking it are critical because they enable the body to tolerate the drug.

Why CBD is useful in the treatment of anxiety and depression

Biologically, anxiety, and depression may occur when the body doesn’t produce enough serotonin. Serotonin is a compound that plays a role in one’s general health and happiness. Research shows that individuals with a meager amount of CB1 experience stress and depression. For people suffering from anxiety and depression, CBD boosts the production of serotonin through the activation of CB1. In this way, therefore, CBD delivers treatment to individuals suffering from stress and anxiety.

The good thing about CBD is that it doesn’t present adverse side effects even if used for a long time. Additionally, CBD can also treat other conditions like insomnia that come with stress and anxiety. 

In conclusion, individuals suffering from anxiety and depression can benefit from the tonic effects of CBD. The drug has minimal side effects and is useful in treating insomnia, which accompanies anxiety and depression.

If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctor — if for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking.

NuHemp Ltd are not doctors and we do not provide medical advice. None of the information on this site, including information in any press release or blog post, constitutes legal or medical advice by us. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.

Written by Ezekiel Nyatogo