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The human body undergoes many physiological changes in response to CBD. Most of these happen at the neurological level in the form of brain receptor interactions.

In simple terms, a receptor is a protein which binds to a specific molecule. In this case the specific molecule would be CBD.

There are two main receptors in the brain that influence pain perception and inflammation in the body. They are the TRPV1 and GPR55 receptors.

CBD is reported to be most potent at TRPV1 receptors. CBD works to bind to and activate these receptors. Active TRPV1 receptors can lower inflammation and have an analgesic (pain-reducing) effect.

The next important receptor that interacts with CBD is GPR55, a very common receptor in the brain. When activating this receptor, it aids in the natural breakdown of our bones. Sometimes this receptor can become overactive and lead to osteoporosis.

CBD is a GPR55 antagonist, meaning it blocks the activity of this receptor, which can lead to healthier bone structures and even potentially stop the spread of cancer cells.

CBD has demonstrated robust anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on a wide variety of cancer types both in cultured cancer cell lines and in mouse tumor models. In comparison, CBD generally has milder effects on normal cells from the same tissue/organ. The anti-tumor mechanisms vary based on tumor types, ranging from cell cycle arrest to autophagy, to cell death, or in combination. In addition, CBD can also inhibit tumor migration, invasion, and neo-vascularization, suggesting that CBD not only acts on tumor cells but can also affect the tumor microenvironment

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease.

In MS, the immune system targets the myelin sheath, a protective coating that wraps around nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. When the immune system attacks this barrier, it causes inflammation and damage, which can impair the nerve signaling that facilitates movement, breathing, thinking, and more.1

The severity of MS symptoms varies, depending on the location of the attack and the extent of the damage to the myelin sheath, but they most often include fatigue, muscle weakness or stiffness, and cognitive dysfunction.

The body processes cannabinoids via cannabinoid receptors, which are found in the brain and in immune cells.2 This is all part of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates inflammation, immune function, motor control, pain, and other bodily functions commonly affected by MS.

This connection helps explain why CBD can be beneficial for MS. Cannabinoids have been shown to reduce inflammation and regulate immune response.2 CBD does this without mind-altering properties, making it appealing to people looking for relief from MS symptoms without the “high” of marijuana.

CBD can promote appetite through endocannabinoid receptors in two different ways. 

The first way is CBD’s effect on CB1 receptors, which are mostly located in the central nervous system, part of which is the brain. CBD can promote the production of certain hormones, like ghrelin, which is responsible for hunger, as well as dopamine and serotonin, which are known as “mood hormones”, which can stimulate appetite in those who are lacking it in stressful situations.

Another way is through the CBD binding directly to CB2 receptors, which are present in peripheral tissues, including the gastrointestinal system. CBD therefore plays a role in the production of saliva and stomach acid, which contribute to hunger and better digestion.