Within the last few years, the popularity of CBD has skyrocketed. This natural product is now a common remedy for many ailments and has even become a usual ingredient in many products, such as beauty products or beverages. In this article, we explore the benefits of using CBD for energy. Is it really effective? How does it work? Keep reading to learn more!
CBD, Cannabinoids, and the Endocannabinoid System
CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid. That is, an active constituent of cannabis. Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, but the most abundant (and best-known) are CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the main responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects. But CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. In fact, cannabidiol even moderates the psychoactive effects of THC.
Like the rest of cannabinoids, CBD acts on your endocannabinoid system. All animals (and therefore, humans as well) have an endocannabinoid system, the same way we have a respiratory system, a cardiovascular system or a digestive system. Our endocannabinoid system comprises:
- Endocannabinoids: Endocannabinoids are molecules that your body produces and are similar to cannabis’s cannabinoids. That is why they are also known as “endogenous cannabinoids.”
- Cannabinoid receptors: These are the receptors to which the endocannabinoids bind in order to activate the endocannabinoid system. They are located throughout your body. The main cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2, found in the central and peripheral nervous systems respectively.
- Enzymes: The main enzymes of the endocannabinoid system are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol acid lipase (MAGL). These enzymes break down endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their mission. Thus, they prevent endocannabinoids from continuing signaling the endocannabinoid system.
Even if the endocannabinoid system is not as well-known as other body systems, it plays a crucial role in your overall health, as it regulates:
- Memory
- Appetite
- Pain
- Energy
- Fertility
- Mood
Needless to say, the cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant affect the endocannabinoid system. Hence, cannabis and its compounds will also have an effect on all those areas that the endocannabinoid system controls.
Benefits of CBD
CBD acts on your body in different ways:
- Blocking the breakdown of endocannabinoids: Hence, when using cannabidiol the effects of endocannabinoids will last longer.
- Activating 5-HT receptors: 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors are serotonin receptors found in your central and peripheral nervous systems. Cannabidiol activates them, which may result in rapid anti-depressant effects.
- Blocking the G protein-coupled receptor 55: By blocking the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), CBD may reduce inflammation and pain.
- Activating TRPV1 receptors: Also known as the vanilloid receptor 1 or the capsaicin receptor, the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 regulates inflammation, pain, and body temperature. By activating it, CBD relieves pain and inflammation. This action is also very related to CBD’s antioxidant effects.
- Activating CB1 and CB2 receptors: Unlike other cannabinoids, cannabidiol does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead, it activates them and stimulates them.
Thanks to all these actions, CBD has shown promising effects on different conditions and health issues, including:
- Chronic pain
- Acute pain
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Insomnia
- Type 2 diabetes
- Acne
- Psoriasis and eczema
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anorexia
- Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Hepatitis C
Moreover, CBD can be a very effective remedy to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. Also, many vets are now praising the effectiveness of CBD for treating dogs and cats’ health issues. And of course, you can also use CBD for energy. Would you like to learn how? Keep reading the section below!
CBD for Energy: How does It Work?
Knowing what cannabidiol does and how is also very important for understanding CBD for energy. Is CBD for energy really effective? This is what cannabidiol can do to give you an energy boost:
- Balancing and increasing your serotonin levels by its action on the 5-HT receptors
- Energizing and strengthening your cells thanks to its antioxidant effects
- Boosting your mood and increasing your motivation
- Relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Alleviating pain
- Helping you sleep better
How to Use CBD for Energy
You will find that cannabidiol comes in different formats. Also, you can find CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD creams or gels, CBD capsules, CBD-infused drinks… You will surely find a format that suits you better.
CBD has few side effects; they are usually mild, and most users do not experience them. However, you should be aware that cannabidiol might cause dry mouth, nausea, low blood pressure, and drowsiness. Also, if you are taking medications, you should bear in mind that CBD inhibits the action of liver enzymes cytochrome P450. These enzymes are responsible for cleaning toxins and medications from your body. When the action of these enzymes is inhibited, medications and toxins stay longer in your body. In turn, this action may result in a higher risk of side effects or other consequences to your health.
Moreover, cannabidiol can increase the action of blood-thinning drugs, which means that it could increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, if you want to use CBD for energy, please bear these interactions in mind.
Finally, even though CBD is not psychoactive and will not make you high, if you use a full-spectrum CBD product you could run the risk of failing a drug test. The reason is that full-spectrum CBD also contains very small amounts of THC (the maximum THC amount allowed is 0.3%). But even those small amounts may appear in a drug test. Therefore, if you need to pass a drug test, you may want to look for THC-free isolate CBD products.
