How do cannabinoids work?

The first cannabinoids were first discovered in the early 20th century, but in recent years they have suddenly become wildly popular. You see them everywhere: in oils, gummies, creams and even supplements. From relaxation to focus and from better sleep to reduced stress, the benefits seem endless. However, many people do not know exactly what cannabinoids are, let alone how they work. In this blog, you will read in a straightforward way what cannabinoids are and what their effects on your body mean. Read on and find answers to all your questions!

How do cannabinoids work inside your body?

Your body has a special system that works closely with cannabinoids: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays an important role in all kinds of body processes, such as mood, sleep, appetite, pain and memory. It is a kind of control centre, so to speak, that helps your body stay in balance.

When you ingest cannabinoids, via CBD-oil, capsules, or any other form, they bind to receptors in the ECS. The main receptors are CB1 and CB2:

• CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain and nervous system
• CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and organs

Depending on the type of cannabinoid and the location of the receptor, different effects can occur. For example, THC produces a psychoactive effect (it gets you ‘high’), while CBD does not give a high, but helps with relaxation or stress reduction. People often get THC and CBD mixed up, but the differences are huge.

The effects of cannabinoids in supplements

The popularity of cannabinoids in supplements form is growing rapidly. And not without reason. By incorporating cannabinoids into capsules or tablets, consumption becomes a lot easier and more consistent. You know exactly how much you take in and don't have to drizzle or oil under your tongue or to vape.

In supplements, the non-psychoactive variants are often used, such as CBD, CBG or CBN. These substances each have their own properties:

• CBD (cannabidiol) is known for its sedative effects
• CBG (cannabigerol) is often praised for its focus-enhancing and antibacterial properties
• CBN (cannabinol) is associated with better sleep

Many people use these supplements to support their daily well-being. For example, less stress, better sleep, increased focus or a more relaxed feeling.

Tips for choosing a cannabinoid supplement

Want to try cannabinoids for yourself in the form of a supplement? If so, it is useful to pay attention to a couple of things:

• Check the ingredients list: does it clearly state which cannabinoids are in it?
• Pay attention to the THC content: choose a product without or with a very low percentage of THC
• Look at the form: capsules are ideal for a constant dosage
• Opt for quality: buy from a reliable provider that works with lab tests

Are cannabinoids legal and safe?

A question often asked is whether cannabinoids are legal.

Yes, products containing CBD and other non-psychoactive substances are allowed in the Netherlands, as long as they comply with the law. THC, however, is strictly regulated and can only be used in certain medical situations or under strict conditions.

As for safety, CBD is completely safe to use. Start with a low dose when using it for the first time. Are you taking medication? If so, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even in case of doubt.

When can you use cannabinoids?

People use cannabinoids for different reasons. Here are some examples of situations where cannabinoids can be a supplement:

• You have trouble relaxing or often feel stressed
• You sleep restlessly or wake up often
• You want to be able to concentrate better
• You are looking for a natural alternative to pain relief

Note: cannabinoids are not medicines and never replace medical treatment. Think of it as a natural complement to a healthy lifestyle.

Cannabinoid user experiences

Many people share positive experiences with cannabinoid supplements nowadays. They feel calmer, sleep better or concentrate better. Of course, it works differently for everyone, but the growing number of users speaks volumes. Below are two quotes from users who have experiences with cannabinoids, found on the platform Reddit. 

‘I swear by it personally. It has greatly helped my mood and anger. I do edible gummies.’

‘I found 100 mg every 6 hours as useful as opiates for post-surgical pain. It was better for the pain than oxycodone.’

Wondering what cannabinoids can do for you? If so, it is worth discovering more about them. Always start with a low dose, choose reliable supplements and experience the effects for yourself. You may just find that the effects of cannabinoids turn out to be positive for you.