What is CBD? A Guide to Cannabidiol's Effects, Safety and Benefits

February 8, 2021

CBD 101: Understanding Cannabidiol

Home Blog CBD 101: Understanding Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol (CBD) is everywhere these days. It's gradually become a topic of everyday conversation. But just because it's so wildly popular doesn't mean everyone is familiar with how this incredible hemp-derived molecule works.

"What is CBD?" "What are the effects?" If this confusion sounds familiar, let us help you understand this calming compound better. Here is your no-nonsense guide to CBD, from how it works to its safety profile and what people are exploring it for.

What Is CBD?

magnifying glass inspecting a cannabis plant

What does CBD stand for? CBD, aka cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is especially prevalent in hemp-type varieties, which are legal categories of cannabis just like marijuana (the definitions of which we get into later).

Cannabis plants don't just produce CBD but over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD are the most predominant cannabinoids, although you may hear about other minor cannabinoids as well, like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv).

All of these cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system regulates bodily functions like sleep, pain sensation, mood, and immune response. While each cannabinoid, including CBD, has slightly different mechanisms of action, their effects all generally revolve around balancing these core functions.

CBD Effects

CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn't produce any mind-focused stimulating effects like THC. However, it still offers pleasant physical and emotional effects. While everyone's experience is unique, here is what you can generally expect CBD to feel like:

Relaxation and calmness throughout the body
Relief from physical discomforts
Sleepiness (with higher serving sizes)
Calmness and improved capacity to manage daily stress
Improved mood and sense of well-being
General sense of balance or equilibrium

Effects typically begin within 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of CBD product. The duration of effects can last anywhere from two to six hours, which also depends on the product used and the serving size.

Full-Spectrum CBD Effects

Interestingly, cannabinoids tend to work together to produce synergistic effects. This idea comes from a scietific theory called the Entourage Effect and it's why you'll often see CBD combined with other cannabinoids to produce more targeted or enhanced effects. For example, a full-spectrum CBD contains a myriad of cannabinoids and terpenes, and our Cereal Bites contain a balanced serving of THC and CBD.

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

Let's go deeper into how CBD works within the ECS to produce these effects. The ECS is an expansive system of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and chemical transmissions (called endocannabinoids).

It just so happens that cannabinoids from hemp fit perfectly into this system for similar effects. But, individual cannabinoids pack slightly different effects, most notably with THC and CBD.

If we look at THC, this cannabinoid binds directly to the CB1 receptors located in our brain to create its intense, psychoactive effects, while CBD takes a more indirect approach. CBD does not directly activate receptors. Instead, it fine-tunes the signaling of these receptors through different subtle mechanisms.

For example, CBD acts as a negative allosteric modulator at the CB1 receptor, meaning it can decrease CB1 receptor signaling and activity. It also amplifies the signaling at the CB2 receptor, which could have anti-inflammatory effects. CBD prevents the endocannabinoid anandamide from breaking down, which means it can keep working longer.

In essence, CBD's effects come from working through a number of different channels, many of which are not fully understood yet.

CBD Safety

cbd products across table including tinctures capsules etc

If CBD is still under investigation and its mechanisms of action are not completely figured out, is it safe? While we might not yet understand this cannabinoid’s nuances, we have a pretty good idea about it's safety profile.

Is CBD Safe?

In study after study, CBD has established a great track record regarding safety and side effects. As one recent scientific review noted, CBD is extremely well tolerated, has a low potential for misuse, and has no psychoactive effects.

In the words of another review, "The often described favorable safety profile of CBD in humans was confirmed and extended by the reviewed research."

But maybe you're a skeptic and looking for a greater level of proof. Even the World Health Organization says, "CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile," and "To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."

CBD Side Effects

Like anything we choose to put into our bodies, CBD can have unwanted effects that are exceedingly rare (and mild when they do occur). So why should you care? Because the more you know about CBD, the more you can dial in serving size for more effective results.

The most commonly reported side effects of CBD include:

Dry mouth
Mild stomach discomfort
Drowsiness
Low appetite

If you are trying CBD and start to notice any of these side effects, try dialing down the serving size. You'll want to speak with your doctor if the side effects are more serious.

CBD Benefits

man using a cbd oil tincture on a hemp farm

Cannabidiol, whether its CBD gummies, CBD tinctures, or CBD-infused chocolate treats, is still pretty new, which means it's still undergoing clinical study.

Sure, we know quite a bit more about its potential benefits, but few of these applications have gone all the way through to robust clinical trials. Beyond one pharmaceutical preparation for epilepsy and seizures, CBD isn't yet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved.

So, with that said, here are just a few notable areas of CBD research getting the most attention these days:

Daily Stress and Mood

CBD has the potential to alleviate daily stress and promote a sense of calm. Calmness is actually the most frequently reported CBD benefit. Many find it helps them feel more relaxed and centered, which can be particularly beneficial in managing the stress of everyday life.

Physical Comfort and Wellness

Other people find that CBD helps reduce discomfort. It's actually the third most reported reason for taking CBD, as many find that it helps with a sense of overall body relaxation and comfort, making it easier to cope with physical sensations.

Sleep Support

For those seeking better sleep, CBD may also provide support for this concern. According to one review looking at why people take CBD, a whopping 77 percent of respondents found CBD helpful for getting a more restful night's sleep. For many, CBD has become a non-negotiable aspect of a healthy nighttime routine.

CBD Legality

CBD, when derived from hemp, is legal under federal law in the United States. This is thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation, production, sale, and consumption of CBD products.

According to this regulation, hemp is defined as any cannabis plant containing less than 0.3 percent Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive compound found in higher concentrations in marijuana.

Obviously, this is a bit confusing. Just remember that while hemp and marijuana both technically fall under the Cannabis sativa L. species, they are legally determined based on how much THC they contain.

Also, although federal law allows for hemp-derived CBD, state laws still vary. Some states have specific regulations or bans on certain cannabinoids, including CBD. Therefore, it is essential to double-check your local laws before ordering.

The good news in all of this? When you shop with Hometown Hero, you can be confident that we comply with all state regulations. If your state has these laws on the books and you place an order with us, we'll ensure you do not unintentionally break any laws.

Looking To Begin Your Journey with CBD? Start Here

Considering CBD's relaxing, soothing effects and excellent safety profile, it's no wonder why so many people are exploring how it can help along their personal wellness journey. As research continues, our understanding of CBD's full potential will only grow, offering even more insights into how this compound can be utilized for health.

CBD offers a safe path forward if you're seeking to alleviate daily stress, enhance your bedtime routine, or explore new ways to soothe discomfort. When you're ready to dive in, check out the variety of CBD options from Hometown Hero.

Until next time, happy exploring, and mind your mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.