How CBD affects the brain and body? Learn about CBD benefits, legalization and side effects!

Topics concerning CBD (cannabidiol) have sprung quite an interest in the public during the last few years. As regulation laws on cannabis around the world change, interest in CBD and its health benefits has increased worldwide.  A lot of people have started to search for products with CBD, as an alternative to other forms of treatment. The interest specially increased, after the state of New York, America, legalized the use of cannabis last year. There is still much to be known about cannabidiol, and its effects, but there is already a lot of existing information about some of its qualities. Keep on reading to find out what they are and how CBD affects the brain and body.

How CBD affects the brain and body?

Before explaining how CBD affects the brain and body, let’s first quickly mention what it actually is. CBD is a natural compound found in hemp and cannabis. CBD must not be confused with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is a compound also found in the same Cannabis sativa plant as CBD. THC is responsible for giving the mind that high sensation. Whereas, CBD is widely used for treatment and therapeutic purposes. When it is ingested, cannabidiol reacts with the human endocannabinoid system. This results in a feeling of pleasure and ease for the body and mind. Here are some of the more wide-known ways in which CBD affects the brain and body.

1. Cannabidiol can reduce pain

Everyone suffers from some sort of physical pain now and then, but for some this might be a full-day experience. For people, who suffer from chronic illness that can cause them great amounts of pain, CBD can be quite helpful. Research suggests that cannabidiol is a safe and non-addictive option to a lot of prescribed drugs for pain management. CBD can be used to help with conditions like seizures, inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, nausea, fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc.

2. CBD for your mental health

In our current busy world, the environment surrounding us can get so chaotic that we might start to experience feelings of anxiousness and psychological pain. This can lead to a state of depression. Unfortunately, nowadays, a lot of people suffer from depression, and for some, standard treatments such as therapy and prescribed medication are not the answer. According to research, CBD can be of help to people dealing with depression, as it can calm the body and mind. The explanation behind this is that CBD effectively reacts with the chemical serotonin, which is responsible for your mood and emotions.

3. Cannabidiol calms the brain

People also take CBD to deal with build up stress. Each of us experience stress on a daily level. However, for some, stress levels can get too high which can result in sudden weight gain or loss, insomnia, disease, etc. Excess production of cortisol (the stress hormone) can lead to many risks for your health. There are many ways in which you can reduce your cortisol, and CBD can also be a viable option. It has been shown, that cannabidiol affects the blood flow pattern to regions of the brain, which results in a reshaped attitude of the brain towards stress.

4. CBD can protect the brain

Another way in which CBD affects the brain is by protecting it from damage that can be caused by oxidative stress and other forms of harm. According to research, cannabidiol was found to have neuroprotective properties. By interacting with CB2 receptors, the CBD compound creates an anti-inflammatory response in immune cells in the brain. This can help with brain inflammation. It is said that CBD also minimalizes oxidative brain tissue damage, which is often seen in cases of dementia.

Is CBD legal in the UK?

Cannabidiol is legal in the UK, but there are some strict guidelines that must be followed. First, CBD use is legal as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. Second, the product is legalized only if it has come from an industrial hemp strain that has been approved by the UK. This does not mean that anyone can grow hemp, weed, or cannabis in the UK, which is actually illegal. There are a number of regulations concerning those which want to produce CBD. As an example, one of the things you require is to have a licence from the UK Home Office.

Is CBD legal in America?

According to federal law in America, CBD can be used across all 50 states if the product has been produced from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC. However, every state can have specific regulations on CBD usage, so it is better to consider each state separately. The FDA has strict regulations about any unapproved health product that can contain CBD. Hence, the Agency can go after sellers that offer products with CBD and market its health claims. A lot of shops that sell such stock have opened in the state of New York, which currently is trying to handle the problematic situation.

What are the CBD side effects to the brain?

Before trying anything with the compound CBD, first be aware that there can be side effects if you take too much. They don’t occur often, but be sure to know that CBD overuse can result in feelings of nauseas, irritability, appetite changes, weight loss and fatigue. Mixing cannabidiol products with pain medication, blood thinners, antihistamines, and other common medications can have a negative result on your wellbeing, so be careful.

Hopefully, all the aforementioned data helped you out in understanding how CBD affects the brain and body. Before deciding on taking cannabidiol products for any reason at all, make sure that you are well-informed of the causes the products can have on you. CBD can help you out with dealing with stress, but it is not the only natural product to do so. Why not check out our article on 10 essential oils that can also aid you in your battle against stress?