Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are produced naturally in our bodies and in some plants; they’re called endocannabinoids in humans and phytocannabinoids in plants.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most common cannabinoid in cannabis, and although it can have an effect on both mind and body, it has little to no intoxicating effect. It’s found in the trichomes on the flower of many cannabis strains.

CBD is extracted from the trichomes and is commonly made available as an oil or in capsule form. It can also be applied topically as a cream or salve, inhaled or ingested in dried flower format, or ingested as an oil or in an edible product.

 How CBD Works

Research into understanding how CBD works is ongoing. Studies to date suggest that rather than binding to the CB1 receptors in the human endocannabinoid system, as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does, CBD acts differently, increasing or improving the production of our own endocannabinoids.

This is because chemically, CBD inhibits the production of an enzyme in our body that regulates and destroys our own excess endocannabinoids. This leads to us having more of our own endocannabinoids circulating in our bodies, which affects our physical state.

Recent studies also suggest CBD may alter the effects of other natural chemicals in our bodies, including serotonin, which modulates mood and stress; adenosine, which impacts our sleep-wake cycle; and vanilloid, which contributes to pain modulation.