How Does CBD Work In The Body?

a woman wondering how CBD oil works in the body

“CBD calms me down.”

“CBD makes me feel better.”

“CBD helps me focus.”

Ever heard other people say things like that? Have you ever wondered why the best CBD has those effects?

This guide takes a closer look at CBD, how it works IN the body, and how it works ON the body (i.e., the skin). Here’s a snapshot of what’s inside this CBD guide:

  1. How does CBD work in the body?
  2. Benefits of CBD on skin
  3. How long does CBD stay in your system?
  4. CBD side effects

How Does CBD Work In The Body?

The human body has receptors — these are molecules inside (or outside) of cells that can bond with substances when they come in contact with those cells.

The human body also has different systems — think respiratory to help you breathe, the digestive system to help you eat, and so on.

Each system has its own set of receptors to help the system function.

There’s a special system in the body called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. In this system, neurotransmitters bind to endocannabinoid receptors that are expressed throughout the central nervous system (and possibly other systems in the body).

We need more research on the ECS, but some research suggests that it may play a pretty big role in the body’s major functions, including pregnancy, pre- and postnatal development, appetite, pain sensation, movement and motor coordination, memory, mood, and more.

CBD is a cannabinoid that is chemically similar to endocannabinoids. And when you take CBD, some studies suggest that it binds with endocannabinoid receptors and engages the ECS.

Some other studies suggest that CBD can bind with other receptors in the body and brain, like serotonin receptors. This may explain why many people take CBD to help manage mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, both of which are linked to serotonin levels in the brain.

Benefits Of CBD On Skin

Acne, eczema, psoriasis — people use CBD on their skin to help manage all kinds of different skin conditions.

Conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause redness and itchiness. People who use CBD to help manage those conditions may experience reduced symptoms with regular use of a topical (i.e., creams and lotions infused with CBD).

CBD topicals may help hydrate, reduce inflammation, and reduce irritation, which can be particularly helpful for people with red, dry, and inflamed skin.

How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?

Like most things, the answer is … it depends. For some people, CBD stays in the system for a few hours, but for others, it could be up to a month (like THC). It largely comes down to individual body chemistry, how much you take, and how often you take it.

CBD has a half-life of a few hours to about a week. A half-life, in this case, is how long it takes for the body to get rid of half the CBD. In most cases, the body needs about four or five half-lives to fully eliminate CBD.

If you use CBD sprays or drops, the half-life is about one to ten hours. But if you take a lot of it every day, that could jump up to a two to five-day half-life. If you smoke CBD, the half-life is about 30 hours or so.

Multiply those half-lives by four to five times, and you get a few hours to about a week until CBD is totally gone from your system. But! Keep in mind that this is different for everyone — it could take even longer than a week to completely rid your system of CBD (and other cannabinoids if you use broad-spectrum and/or full-spectrum CBD).

CBD Side Effects

One of the great things about pure CBD oil is that side effects are rare, and when they do occur, they’re usually mild. Some common side effects include nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, and changes in appetite.

However, if you’re on certain medications or have certain health conditions, CBD might not be the best choice for you. Always check with your healthcare team before making any changes to your routine. They can help you check for contraindications, recommended doses, and more.

How Acknowledge CBD Products Stand Out

At Acknowledge, we believe transparency is the key ingredient in trust. We want you to know exactly what you’re putting in your body, so we keep our ingredients simple, have our products third-party tested, and provide in-depth COAs.

Our CBD oil is carefully sourced from our regenerative farm in Maryland’s Pleasant Valley. We value sustainable practices that support the land, our products, and the health and well-being of our customers. If you’re looking for a CBD brand that you can trust, shop Acknowledge. If you have further questions, please reach out to us today.

The content provided by Acknowledge CBD is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this site. Reliance on any information provided by Acknowledge CBD is solely at your own risk.