What Is CBD: Benefits, Types & How It Works

What Is CBD — And How We Believe It Works, In Your Body & Mind

If you’ve ever wondered “what is CBD, really?”, you’re not alone - I started in that same place right when i discovered the category. I had absolutely zero experience with cannabis and did not even know where to begin. So I started Kyoto Botanicals because I wanted more than vague promises — I wanted clarity, honesty, and products that truly support balance and well-being. Here’s how I see CBD and why it matters.

The Endocannabinoid System: Your Body’s Natural Balancer

Each of us is born with an endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network of CB1 and CB2 receptors spread throughout your brain, nervous system, immune system, and organs. The job of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis: sleep, mood, digestion, inflammation, immune response — that often delicate balance everything depends on.

CBD (cannabidiol), one of many cannabinoids in hemp, interacts with this system. It helps the ECS modulate and gently guide those receptor systems toward harmony, rather than overwhelming or over-stimulating them. Thus, CBD works as a supplement in your body to help your body bring cannabinoids to where it needs them.

Cannabinoids: What Are They?

Cannabinoids - of which CBD is one - are naturally occurring compounds that are produced within the human body (endocannabinoids) and within some plants (phytocannabinoids). These naturally occurring antioxidants and neuroprotectants are found in high amounts in hemp and can be used as a supplement for our own endocannabinoid production.

Within the human body, these compounds interact with our endocannabinoid system to help it maintain its natural state of homeostasis, or balance. Just like everything else, not all of us have the exact same body and some people have naturally higher or lower levels of both endocannabinoids and receptor sites, so all of us respond differently to the phytocannabinoids found in hemp when we take CBD products.

Key Mechanisms of Action

  1. Modulation of Endocannabinoid Receptors (CB1 & CB2)

    • CBD functions more subtly than THC which is why you don't get the rapid onset of a certain feeling when you take it. This means CBD can reduce the intensity of CB1 activation by other compounds, helping to balance the entire system.

    • For our CB2 receptors, which seem to be more associated with immune response and inflammation, CBD likely enhances signaling so that our body can potentially reduce inflammation and support immune cell functioning.

  2. Increasing Endogenous Cannabinoids

    • The body naturally produces endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). As we discussed earlier, these endocannabinoids are already inside you and naturally bind to CB1 & CB2 receptors.

    • The latest indication is that CBD may help to slow down your body's natural degradation of your endocannabinoids allowing these beneficial molecules to stay around longer and potentially improve homeostasis.

  3. Interaction with Other Receptor Systems

    • While research is still in its infancy, it does appear that CBD may interact further within other systems in our body.

What Kind of CBD Matters

Not all CBD is created equal. Here are key differences I care deeply about — and you should, too:

  • Full-spectrum hemp extract — includes cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids + a trace of THC (below 0.3%) for the “entourage effect,” which may improve benefits.

  • Broad-spectrum or THC-free CBD products — for folks like me who have THC sensitivity but still want all the benefits of cannabis without any of the associated "high" from THC.

Legal Definition & Safety

Hemp is legally defined in the U.S. as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. That means products like ours — made with hemp, not marijuana, and with all of the THC removed — are legal in the US. Our CBD is carefully processed and tested so you can trust it:

  • Every batch goes through third-party tested labs to check cannabinoid profile, potency, impurities, and residual solvents.

  • We ensure safety and transparency so you know exactly what’s in the bottle, drop, cream, or gummy.

Why Choosing the Right CBD Product Matters

Because your wellness routine deserves more than guesswork. Here’s what you stand to gain when you choose carefully:

  • Clearer effects (relief, calm, focus, sleep) because the product works the way nature + science intended.

  • Peace of mind from purity, transparency, and sustainable packaging — caring for your body and the planet.

  • Flexibility — if THC-free works better for your lifestyle, or if full‐spectrum’s entourage effect gives you more benefit, you can choose what fits you and we would be happy to recommend some trustworthy companies for you.

My Promise to You

When I select a CBD product, I do so with the mindset I have every day as I work to deliver the best CBD in the world, be honest and be respectful - of myself, of my family, of my products and most importantly of you, the customer. Because for me, your wellness is not just a mission — it’s personal.