Mike is the co-founder of Adapt and holds a degree in neuroscience. When not looking at the latest research or speaking with customers, you'll find him experimenting with different ways to help people get that extra 10% out of life.

In recent years, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has taken the wellness world by storm. It's everywhere—infused in oils, gummies, coffees, even skincare. But with all the hype, you might still be asking: What exactly is CBD? Or, more importantly, is it worth your attention? Let’s break it down into the essentials.

 

What is CBD?

CBD is a natural compound extracted from the cannabis plant. Specifically, it comes from hemp—a cannabis variety with minimal THC (the psychoactive ingredient that makes you feel “high”). CBD isn’t intoxicating, which means it won't alter your mental state like marijuana. Instead, it’s often celebrated for its therapeutic potential.

Here’s where it gets interesting: CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network of receptors and enzymes that helps regulate mood, sleep, pain, and immune responses.

How does CBD work?

Think of the ECS as a series of locks scattered throughout your body, with cannabinoids (like CBD) acting as the keys. These "keys" influence receptors, particularly CB1 (mainly in the brain) and CB2 (spread throughout the immune system).

Instead of binding directly to these receptors, CBD works behind the scenes. It encourages the ECS to produce more of its own cannabinoids and slows their breakdown. The result? Improved regulation of processes like stress response, inflammation, and sleep cycles.

Take anxiety, for instance. A small study in 2019 showed that participants with social anxiety experienced reduced symptoms after taking CBD before a public speaking test. And while results like these are promising, we’re still uncovering exactly how CBD achieves these effects on a molecular level.

What is the impact of CBD?

Although CBD is often marketed as a miracle cure, the science is still playing catch-up. A few noteworthy studies include:

1. Chronic Pain Relief: A 2018 review found that CBD reduced chronic pain in patients and improved sleep quality.
2. Epilepsy Treatment: The FDA-approved drug Epidiolex, which contains CBD, has shown effectiveness in treating rare forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome.
3. Stress Reduction: Studies on rodents have demonstrated that CBD reduces cortisol levels, hinting at its potential for managing stress.

The bottom line? CBD has potential, but its benefits are best explored with realistic expectations and proper guidance.

What are the alternatives to CBD?

CBD isn’t the only player in the game when it comes to natural stress or inflammation relief. Here are some alternatives:

1. Adaptogens: Compounds like Ashwagandha, Reishi mushroom and Passion Flower (found in Adapt Relax) have been used for centuries to support stress resilience and brain function.
2. Omega-3s: These fatty acids are crucial for brain health and can help regulate inflammation.
3. Magnesium: Known as nature’s relaxant, magnesium supports muscle recovery and stress reduction.
4. 5-HTP: A precursor to serotonin, this supplement may help improve mood and sleep.

Each has its own strengths, and some (like adaptogens) can complement CBD in a holistic wellness routine.

 

Parting Thoughts

CBD isn’t a silver bullet, but it can be a valuable part of a wellness toolkit. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, improved focus, or better sleep, the key is to approach it with curiosity and a willingness to experiment responsibly.

For those who want to explore beyond CBD, adaptogens like Lion’s Mane and Reishi offer complementary benefits—helping your mind and body adapt to life’s demands (see what we did there?).

The future of CBD research is exciting, and while we wait for more conclusive evidence, it’s already clear that the conversation around cannabinoids is only just beginning.

 

Want to dive deeper into the science behind wellness? Check out our blog for more on adaptogens, functional foods, and cognitive health.