The science behind CBD: Everything you need to know

If you’re new to CBD, you’ve probably got a few questions – will it work for me? How should I take it? Is there any evidence behind it? 

Here, Pure Sport co-founder, Adam Ashe, simplifies the science behind the cannabinoid and answers some of the most common questions consumers have, from what it is, to how it works and how you can be sure it’s safe.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol. There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis/hemp plant, CBD is one of these. 

How does CBD work in the body?

It was discovered in the 90s that the human body has an Endocannabinoid system.

“Endo” stands for endogenous which means naturally occurring within. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids which bind to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.

There are two main Endocannabinoids which are produced in our bodies – Anandamide and 2-AG. These are very similar to other neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin which a lot of people are more familiar with.

CBD has a huge part to play in the workings of Anandamide levels within our body.

Anandamide gets its name from the word Ananda which in Sanskrit means ‘bliss’. This molecule operates throughout the Endocannabinoid system and is involved with appetite, memory, mood, and has been identified as the source of euphoria we feel after doing intense exercise.

Anandamide is degraded or broken down in the body by the FAAH enzyme. CBD inhibits the FAAH enzyme which results in increased anandamide levels in the body, leaving us feeling balanced and more relaxed. 

How does CBD help with pain/inflammation?

CBD is best used longer term for the treatment of pain. CBD can cause a change in our perception of chronic pain by toning our nervous system over time. This can result in subtle changes in the way that we feel pain. 

How does CBD help with anxiety?

In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with Social Anxiety Disorder. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received the CBD experienced overall lower levels of anxiety. One of the big reasons that we see people using CBD is to combat symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. 

How does CBD help with sleep?

By preventing anandamide levels from begin broken down, using CBD can leave us feeling more calm or relaxed. I have been using CBD daily for 3 years now and my own experience is that when I use it, I feel a sense of calm and my body feels like it’s going into recovery mode.

I’m someone who tracks my sleep with a smart watch and my quality of sleep is consistently better after using CBD. When the body is relaxed and in homeostasis (in balance) it is able to rest and recover. 

I’m worried that CBD is a drug? How can I be sure it’s safe? 

CBD is a naturally occurring compound, it comes from a plant and is not a pharmaceutical. There are over 100 different cannabinoids.

Hemp, which is where 99 percent of CBD products come from is one of the oldest used plants in history. It’s been used for thousands of years and has extremely low levels of THC.

THC is the psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. It’s always best to make sure you are buying CBD from a trusted source. Third party batch testing should be done on every product to ensure safety and quality.

At Pure Sport CBD we are doing this to a higher degree than anyone in the market and our CBD is certified to be 100 percentt free from THC, so it is completely safe for drug tested athletes and professionals alike.