CBD 101: Some highlights from our CBD Talk last month

What is CBD & Where Does it Come From:

CBD aka cannabidiol is the most prominent phyocannabinoid contained in the hemp plant. It is non-intoxicating, non-toxic and attaches to the endocannabinoid receptors in our cells.
THC is also a well-known cannabinoid, which is the intoxicating compound in cannabis that can cause an altered state which may get you high. Marijuana contains a great number of cannabinoids, including CBD, but the CBD content within marijuana usually exists at lower levels.
Industrial hemp has been grown around the world for centuries. Hemp is often harvested for a variety of uses, which include the manufacturing of rope, fabric, building materials, and even biofuel. More recently, industrial hemp has been recognized for its naturally high CBD content and naturally low THC content (less than 0.3%).
Today, legislators recognize industrial hemp as a source of CBD that is healthy, safe, and legal for human consumption, because of the research that shows that it is non-intoxicating.

BENEFITS:

The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the Central Nervous System. Because of this relationship, pytocannabinoids, which come from plants (specifically Cannabidiol, aka CBD, from Cannabis) can have many benefits to the human body. 

Endocannabinoids are produced naturally and work holistically to maintain healthy functions throughout your entire body.
Your brain, immune system, organs, connective tissues, and glands all make use of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Your ECS helps to create bodily homeostasis, or balance. This homeostasis is key to maintaining a number of bodily functions, including your feelings of pain, mood, appetite, memory, digestion, respiration, and many, many more.
CBD is a safe, natural way to support the overall health of your body’s ECS. Reducing issues like Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression.

Cannabis has been used to treat pain for centuries. CBD is one of the main components of cannabis known for its pain-relieving effects. Studies have shown that CBD may help to reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity at the cellular level, where it reduces inflammation.

What is the Endocannabinoid System/ECS:

Your Endocannabinoid System/ECS is an incredibly important bodily system that is closely linked to our Central nervous System and to our IMMUNE System.

We have CBD receptors throughout our bodies, guarding a wide variety of cell types & responses. Different cell types have different receptors, which are sensitive to different types of endocannabinoids. The two main receptors of the ECS are CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are essential for a Healthy Functioning Brain and are one of the most common receptors in the entire Nervous System. Depending on what region of the brain they are located in, they can be moderators of your memory, mood, motor function, or your perception of pain. 

Although CB1 receptors are most common in the Central Nervous System, we find them throughout the human body at lower densities. In other parts of the body, CB1 receptors also have roles in pregnancy, hormone production, cardiovascular health and digestion.

CB2 receptors are most often found on the cells of our Immune System. They help moderate Inflammation and our Immune Response to pathogens. If you use cannabis products to combat conditions of an overactive immune system (i.e. arthritis, asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders or digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease) you can thank your CB2 receptors.

How To Take It:
Full Spectrum vs Isolates: When it comes to medicinal benefits whole plant medicine is the best. All scientific studies have shown that whole plant medicine is far superior to isolates: up to 330 times better than isolated constituents alone. For maximum benefit, it is important to have as many constituents as possible to bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in your cells. This is known as the Entourage Effect.

In Conclusion:
Although CBD is non-toxic, if you are on any prescription medications or have any existing health challenges, check with your health care professional before taking. 
Most of the science on cannabis has been done in other countries, like Israel & Turkey. There are limits to what research can be done in this country, due to the stigma around THC and marijuana. Legislation is changing, along with the legalization and decriminalization happening in this country, surrounding cannabis. More research is being done and is needed to learn more about the many benefits of this amazing plant.
Melissa is available at Maggie's Market to answer any questions or concerns about CBD. We sell Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolates.


Still curious about CBD?
We will be hosting a CBD talk on
Friday, Feb 7th at 5:30 PM
at Maggie's Market.
See you then!