How CBD Works

CBD produces its effect in the body by attaching to the natural receptors. The main two receptors for cannabinoids in the body are called the CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are present throughout the body, but primarily located in the brain. The CB1 receptors deal with coordination and movement, pain, emotions, and mood, thinking, appetite, and memories, and other functions. CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.

Benefits

There's plenty of evidence that CBD helps treat a variety of ailments. People are turning to oils, gummies, and other CBD food and drink products to manage physical pain, debilitating headaches, and sleeplessness. Retired NFL players and spa clients are even using CBD skin products to fight signs of aging. There's already scientific evidence — some of it funded by the U.S. government — that CBD has legitimate medical benefits.

Small-scale human studies have pointed to CBD's anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties, according to NPR reports. More study is underway to see how CBD helps patients with PTSD, alcohol abuse disorder, how CBD might help curb drug cravings in people with opioid addiction. According to the National Institutes of Health, Cannabinoids like CBD may also be effective at treating cancer-related side effects.