effects of CBD
CBD offers many health benefits for the human body. But different people use CBD for different reasons. Some use CBD for its stress-relieving properties whereas some others use them for making them energetic and active. Does CBD help with both conditions?
In this article, we are discussing whether CBD is a depressant or a stimulant. But before that let us understand what a depressant and a stimulant are.
What Is A Depressant?
Depressants are medications that lower the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are often referred to as central nervous system depressants. They reduce arousal, excitement, and stimulation in various parts of the brain by slowing down functional and neuronal activity. They are frequently referred to as “downers” because of their effects. Alcohol and sleep aids are two common depressants.
What Is A Stimulant?
Stimulants are chemicals that increase the body’s neurological and physiological activity. They boost vigor, concentration, and alertness. Caffeine, norepinephrine, etc are some examples of stimulants.
Is CBD A Stimulant Or Depressant?
CBD may have some effects of a stimulant and a depressant, but surprisingly, CBD is neither a stimulant nor a depressant.
Depressants like alcohol slow down your neurological system and it interferes with your ability to think clearly. On the other hand, stimulants like coffee stimulate your nervous system. This results in increased energy levels and alertness.
CBD doesn’t work on the neurological system like stimulants and depressants. The effects of CBD are obtained by its action on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body. The ECS is responsible for homeostasis and maintaining many bodily functions like sleep cycles, temperature, immunity, etc.
How Does CBD Work?
As we already mentioned CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS in our body. The cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the human body including the brain, immune system, blood vessels, etc.
The ECS releases compounds called endocannabinoids to regulate the various bodily functions in our body. CBD and THC mimic these chemical compounds to provide us with the effects they are known for. However, our body produces only trace amounts of cannabinoids, which are used on demand by the ECS. The cannabinoids are not stored in advance. That is why a dose of cannabinoids derived from plants can provide so many health benefits.
CBD acts as a regulator rather than a depressant or stimulant. It achieves its goals by acting on cannabinoid receptors indirectly via hormones, enzymes, and other neurotransmitters.