According to an article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, cannabinoids have the potential to treat many medical conditions. These conditions include neuropsychological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the National Institute of Health published several clinical studies showing that cannabinoids can treat heart disease, diabetes, and more. Cannabinoids (substances derived from the cannabis plant) work with cannabinoid receptors in the body. As scientists research the relationship between CBD and cannabinoid receptors more and more, we see how useful CBD can be.

What is CBD?

Before learning how CBD and cannabinoid receptors work together, it’s essential to understand what CBD is. While cannabis and cannabinoid research is ongoing, we have been using the cannabis plant for centuries. The cannabis plant has several components, which people use for different purposes:

• Hemp: This is the fiber produced from the stem of the cannabis plant. People use hemp in jewelry, clothing, and paper products, and more. Hemp plants are cannabis plants bred to have minimal THC.
• Terpenes: These aromatic compounds give cannabis its unique smell and flavor. Myrcene is the primary terpene in cannabis.
• THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive chemical found in the cannabis plant. When people talk about marijuana plants, they are typically referring to cannabis plants with high levels of THC. THC alters your mental state
• CBD: Also called “cannabidiol,” CBD is the second chemical extracted from the cannabis plant. It does NOT produce a “high” feeling. The World Health Organization declared that CBD has no public health risk or abuse potential when used alone. They base their recommendations on the cannabis and cannabinoid research performed by scientists around the world.

How do CBD and Cannabinoid Receptors Work?

So now that you know what CBD is, how does it work in the body? Recent clinical cannabis and cannabinoid research is promising for many different types of patients and their families.

As noted, CBD does not give you a “high” feeling. However, CBD works by affecting the endocannabinoid (EC) system in your brain. Your brain cells (neurons) communicate by sending chemical messages to one another. The pre-synaptic neuron sends the message, and the post-synaptic neuron receives the message. Then, the post-synaptic neuron may pass the message on by taking a pre-synaptic role and communicating with the next cell. Imagine it like skipping a rock across a pond. The message jumps from neuron to neuron so that your body can move, speak, feel, etc. Instead of a stone, your cells use chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin to communicate.

Additionally, this communication triggers neurons that produce another type of chemical called cannabinoids. They travel backward from the post-synaptic cell to the pre-synaptic cell to regulate the flow of the messages. In other words, naturally-produced cannabinoids work like a traffic cop, monitoring the speed and density of traffic. Learn more about how neurotransmitters work.

Cannabis and cannabinoid research shows that CBD does not attach to CB1 and CB2 receptors. So, it does not overwhelm the system like some other drugs might. Instead, it works indirectly to support your natural cannabinoids. Therefore, studies suggest you could see medical benefits with therapeutic CBD use.

Is CBD Right for You?

Every person’s body is different. While you should consult your doctor, the National Institute of Health suggests CBD can help with many clinical problems. These include mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, both chronic and acute (stress-related). Also, cannabis and cannabinoid research suggests it can help with physical medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and arthritis. Some studies suggest it can also help with substance abuse withdrawal. Of course, people also use CBD to combat all types of chronic and acute pain.

The research on cannabis as a treatment for many medical conditions is still in its infancy. However, some research supports the use of cannabis, especially CBD products, for ADHD treatment. By understanding the potential effects of CBD, you can decide if it is the best choice for you. Consult a doctor when considering smoking cannabis and ADHD treatments.

Understanding the EC System and ADHD 

To understand how cannabis and ADHD are related, we must first understand a bit about how the brain works. Your brain cells (neurons) communicate everything from movement to speech with the help of the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Messages travel from one neuron to the other with the help of chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They jump the gap between cells so the message can be passed on at lightning speed through your body.

As messages flow from one neuron to another, cells also naturally produce cannabinoids. These cannabinoids travel backward to control the flow of the messages. Think of them as traffic cops controlling a busy intersection. It’s a delicate balance, and imbalances can cause several mental health conditions.

In a person with ADHD, the body isn’t producing neurotransmitters correctly. So, the flow of “traffic” is unbalanced. In some cases, the neurons do not have enough neurotransmitters. In other cases, the neurons release neurotransmitters too quickly. Severity and manifestation vary from person to person, making the diagnosis of ADHD and its treatment difficult.

How does CBD Affect the Body (And What it Means for ADHD Patients)

CBD is one of several chemicals produced from the cannabis plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which means it does not give you a “high” feeling. The World Health Organization says that CBD is not a public health risk, nor is it addictive.

When introduced to the body, CBD works with natural cannabinoids in the EC system. Yes, this is the same system responsible for ADHD symptoms. Naturally, some patients and parents are asking: could CBD treat ADHD symptoms effectively?

Studies on the treatment of ADHD with CBD are still very new. Anecdotally, many ADHD patients use CDB to control symptoms. A 2017 study of 30 ADHD-diagnosed adults self-medicating with cannabis found possible improvements. As the researchers noted, we need more studies on mental health disorders and CBD. However, this is a promising first step.

Additionally, some studies suggest that CBD can help with mental health issues often found alongside ADHD, such as anxiety. A 2016 case study also showed that CBD might help with symptoms such as sleep issues.

Smoking Cannabis and ADHD Treatments

If you have ADHD, you may want to try CDB to see if it helps alleviate the symptoms of this disorder. The relationship between smoking cannabis and ADHD undoubtedly needs more research. However, under the supervision of a doctor, this might be a part of a treatment plan you want to consider.

The National Institute of Health has published several studies about how CBD could help treat several other disorders. So, in the coming years, we’ll likely see more CBD research on everything from high blood pressure to diabetes.

If smoking is not right for you, CBD also comes in edible forms. Learn more about CBD to see if it is right for you.

Do you currently experience muscle, joint, or chronic pain? If you do, then you know the discomfort and frustration you feel regularly. Sometimes, it can feel like the end is nowhere in sight. You’ve tried countless medications and prescriptions in the past, and now, you want a simple solution. The good news is that there may be an answer with hemp and CBD. If you’re looking for information about the correlation between hemp and pain relief, then you’ve come to the right place.

It’s important to note that the use of hemp and CBD for medical reasons is very new. Therefore, information is continually changing and updating. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor before use. Lastly, it’s essential to understand the difference between CBD, hemp, and marijuana.

Is There a Difference Between Hemp and CBD?

If you’ve heard of one, chances are you’ve heard of the other. Yet, are hemp and CBD interchangeable? Hemp oil, sometimes referred to as hemp seed oil, comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. Unlike CBD, hemp oil does not contain any cannabinoids. Instead, it’s a vibrant blend of protein, polyunsaturated acids, and vitamin E. Moreover, it’s one of the few oils to contain both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Both of these are essential to the human diet. On a side note, as you may already know, hemp is the most durable natural fiber in the world. Hemp is ideal for rope, clothing, paper, and housing material.

Meanwhile, CBD comes from the entire hemp plant. So, you could say that CBD has hemp oil in it. The hemp plant belongs to the Cannabis Sativa family. This is also the same family that includes the marijuana plant.

Hemp and Pain Relief – Does It Work for Arthritis or Joint Pain?

Medical hemp is still reasonably new, with developing hemp and CBD research every day. Some people use hemp or CBD as a pain reliever from inflammation. Instead of using over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, those people have turned to high-quality hemp flowers for relief. Hemp studies have shown promising results of hemp and pain relief when tested on mice.

Other people believe that hemp may be able to treat arthritis or joint pain. In the United States, arthritis is the leading cause of disability, and it affects over 50 million Americans. The two most common types of arthritis are Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA). While studies are not yet conclusive, there is the promise of CBD being an effective treatment for adults who have arthritis or chronic pain.

Other Uses

Besides pain, there is also research to suggest that hemp or CBD might be a proper treatment for acne. Hemp seed oil contains fatty acids that could help balance the skin and prevent the inflammation that causes breakouts. Additionally, CBD may also help clear existing acne. There is also research in the works on hemp and CBD easing muscle tension, treating anxiety, and improving your brain and heart’s health. Lastly, it may cure epilepsy. In fact, as of right now, the FDA has only approved CBD for two rare and severe types of epilepsy. This decision became final in June of 2018.

How Long Does CBD Take to Work?

Everyone’s body is different, and with hemp and pain relief and CBD, no one method fits all. Some people notice a difference instantly, while others see delayed results. Therefore, you’ll have to experiment to see what works best for your body.

Considering trying CBD or hemp? Consult your doctor today to see if this treatment might be right for you.