What Does CBD Stand For (and What Does it Do)?

We often write our blogs assuming those reading them know what CBD is, but that’s not always the case! We realize that many are still just new to the CBD world. And we do get questions that remind us of that, such as “What does CBD stand for?”

To us, that’s an incredible thing. It just goes to show that more and more people are learning about CBD and hemp. And that’s an important part of spreading the word, encouraging more research, and breaking down any lingering stigmas.

So, what does CBD stand for, and what does it do?

What Does CBD Stand For?

What does CBD stand for? CBD stands for cannabidiol. It’s one of the primary active compounds, called cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant.

As of right now, we know that there may be over one hundred different cannabinoids in cannabis, but the two main ones are CBD and THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol. 

THC is well known as the psychoactive cannabinoid, the one that causes a “high” feeling. CBD, on the other hand, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, so while it does a whole lot, it won’t make you feel high.

There are two different types of cannabidiol:

1. Hemp-based CBD oil 
2. Marijuana-based CBD oil

Both contain CBD, and both come from the cannabis plant, but hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the plant. The main source of most CBD oil on the market today is the hemp plant.

CBD oil from hemp naturally contains a higher CBD to THC ratio than the marijuana plant. The THC count is usually very low (>.3%). 

RELATED: Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same thing? They both come from the hemp plant, right? Read this next.

How Does CBD Work?

If you’re new to CBD oil, along with wondering “what does CBD stand for,” you’re probably asking how does it work?

Well, you have this incredible system in your body called the Endocannabinoid System (ES), made up of 3 specific elements: endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.

There are two types of cannabinoid receptors in your body:

• CB1 receptors – found mostly in the brain and central nervous system (CNS)
• CB2 receptors – live throughout the rest of the body: the organs, the glands, and probably most important, the immune system

When something is out of whack, the ES communicates with the different parts of the body as an alert. Then, your body produces endocannabinoids ‘on-demand’ and these interact with the cannabinoid receptors throughout your body. 

You can also increase the cannabinoids in your body with CBD oil.

CBD oil works by indirectly impacting the various receptors, causing some sort of change. 

Research suggests that almost every type of disease has to do with some sort of change with CB receptors.

Here’s an example. CB1 receptors exist on nerve fibers outside of the CNS and communicate with the brain. Cannabinoids stimulate CB1s on pain sensory neurons. This impacts how you feel (or don’t feel) pain.

But it isn’t just pain. CBD activates serotonin receptors – these are linked to anxiety. That’s why so many rely on CBD oil for things like stress, anxiety, or depression.

And now you know 🙂

Have other questions about CBD? Check out some of the most frequently asked questions right here!