How Does CBD Work?
Within each of our bodies exists an endocannabinoid system, a biological network of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors. This system helps regulate various processes in our bodies, including memory, pain, stress, gut, appetite, and immune response. By introducing cannabinoids like CBD, we have the means to interact with our endocannabinoid system and influence how these processes are regulated.
CB1 Receptors
Concentrated in the brain and central nervous system.
CB2 Receptors
Concentrated in the organs associated with the immune system.
Higher Learning
Research tells us how exactly CBD interacts with our bodies at a molecular level. Let’s explore.
5-HT1A - Serotonin Receptors
Zanelati et al. (2010) found that CBD can induce anti-depressant-like effects by activating the 5-HT(1A) Serotonin receptors at higher doses. These receptors connect with various neurological processes, including addiction, aggression, anxiety, appetite, blood pressure, memory, mood, nausea, and sleep.
GPR55 - Orphan Receptors
Ryberg et al. (2009) discovered a novel cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, nicknamed the Orphan receptor because its physiological role was unclear and had yet to fall under another family of receptors. GPR55 is widely expressed in the brain, especially in the cerebellum, and regulates blood pressure and bone density. Having discovered its affinity for cannabinoids, GPR55 is considered a potential CB3 receptor — especially interesting as CBD behaves as a blocker with Orphan receptors.
TRPV1 - Vanilloid receptors
Anand et al. (2020) found that CBD at low doses can inhibit or desensitize neuronal TRPV1 signaling. TRPV1, also known as the vanilloid receptor, is associated with inflammation, body temperature, and pain perception.
PPARs - NUCLEAR RECEPTORS
Lee and Devitt-Lee explain PPARS (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) are found on the surface of a cell's nucleus and, when activated by hormones, endogenous fatty acids, or various nutritional compounds, can promote or prevent transcription of specific genes. Many of the genes regulated by PPARs involve energy homeostasis, lipid uptake, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic functions. While more research is needed, CBD via PPAR activation is effective in treating lung cancer, Alzheimer's, and Schizophrenia.
CBD as a reuptake inhibitor
Carrier, Auchampch and Hillard (2006) explain that CBD molecules hitch a ride on the fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) responsible for bringing lipid molecules to the cell's interior, in order to get past the cell's wall and activate the receptors inside. As it turns out, CBD has a strong affinity for three kinds of these FABPs and competes with other compounds for a limited number of rides. As a result of this process, CBD can help slow the body's breakdown of its endocannabinoids like adenosine. CBD's anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects appear to be a result of inhibiting adenosine reuptake.
CBD as an allosteric modulator
Bakas et al. (2017) and Laprarie et al. (2015) explain that being an allosteric modulator means that CBD can change how a receptor transmits a signal by changing the receptor's shape. Some studies have shown CBD modifies the shape of the GABA-A receptor in a way that enhances the receptor's ability to bind with GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in our central nervous system. CBD appears to reduce anxiety by changing the shape of the GABA-A receptor in a way that increases GABA's natural calming effect.
CBD appears to be a negative allosteric modulator of the CB1 receptor, meaning that it changes the shape of the CB1 receptor in a way that weakens its ability to bind with THC; lowering the ceiling on THC's psychoactivity and gives some credibility to the myth that CBD can help save you from being too high.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the flower of the cannabis plant. Like THC, CBD is one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids commonly found in cannabis that give the plant its unique therapeutic profile. Both CBD and THC have significant therapeutic attributes, but unlike THC, CBD would not cause a person to feel 'stoned' or intoxicated.
HOW DOES CBD WORK?
Within each of our bodies exists an endocannabinoid system, a biological network of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors. This system helps regulate various processes in our bodies, including memory, pain, stress, gut, appetite, and immune response. By introducing cannabinoids like CBD, we have the means to interact with our endocannabinoid system and influence how these processes are regulated.
CB1 Receptors
Concentrated in the brain and central nervous system.
CB2 Receptors
Concentrated in the organs associated with the immune system.
Higher Learning
Research tells us how exactly CBD interacts with our bodies at a molecular level. Let’s explore.
5-HT1A - Serotonin Receptors
Zanelati et al. (2010) found that CBD can induce anti-depressant-like effects by activating the 5-HT(1A) Serotonin receptors at higher doses. These receptors connect with various neurological processes, including addiction, aggression, anxiety, appetite, blood pressure, memory, mood, nausea, and sleep.
GPR55 - Orphan Receptors
Ryberg et al. (2009) discovered a novel cannabinoid receptor, GPR55, nicknamed the Orphan receptor because its physiological role was unclear and had yet to fall under another family of receptors. GPR55 is widely expressed in the brain, especially in the cerebellum, and regulates blood pressure and bone density. Having discovered its affinity for cannabinoids, GPR55 is considered a potential CB3 receptor — especially interesting as CBD behaves as a blocker with Orphan receptors.
TRPV1 - Vanilloid receptors
Anand et al. (2020) found that CBD at low doses can inhibit or desensitize neuronal TRPV1 signaling. TRPV1, also known as the vanilloid receptor, is associated with inflammation, body temperature, and pain perception.
PPARs - NUCLEAR RECEPTORS
Lee and Devitt-Lee explain PPARS (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) are found on the surface of a cell's nucleus and, when activated by hormones, endogenous fatty acids, or various nutritional compounds, can promote or prevent transcription of specific genes. Many of the genes regulated by PPARs involve energy homeostasis, lipid uptake, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic functions. While more research is needed, CBD via PPAR activation is effective in treating lung cancer, Alzheimer's, and Schizophrenia.
