Your Endocannabinoid System and CBD
Before anyone can come to a deeper understanding of this miraculous plant called Cannabis and all the benefits that we can receive from it, it is essential that you have a general understanding of the scientific and physiological underpinnings of these benefits.
The essential science of our Endocannabinoid System and CBD originates in our own bodies.
The primary benefits of Cannabis as medicine are found in a primary group of neuromodulatory lipids and receptors in the brain that is involved in a number of mental processes including pain, mood, hunger, sleep, memory and even fertility.
Scientists believe that our endogenous cannabinoid system, otherwise known as the “Endocannabinoid System”, has been with us since not only the beginning of Man’s evolution but 100’s of millions of years before in earlier living mammals and organisms.
Scientists believe that the main purpose is to regulate homeostasis which is defined as Nature’s tendency toward a relatively stable balance between interdependent elements, especially those elements maintained by critical physiological and psychological processes.
CBD Oil Benefits List:
- Pain relief
- Reduces anxiety
- Neuro-protectant
- Anticonvulsant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antidepressant
- Anti-psychotic
- Antibacterial
- Antispasmodic
- Cancer growth inhibitor
- Immunostimulant
- Reduces blood sugar
- Promotes bone growth
- Reduces nausea and vomiting
- Improves/heals skin conditions
CBD Therapies:
- Chronic Pain
- Cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety & Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Neuropathic Diseases (Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, Crohn’s)
- Arthritis
- Skin Diseases and Acne
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Cardiovascular
- Alcohol, Nicotine, Drug Addiction
- Cure for THC overdose
- Sleep Disorders
The Role of the Endocannabinoid System
Endocannabinoid System Definition
There are 3 basic components to our Endocannabinoid System (ECS): endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that control those endocannabinoid levels.
As previously mentioned, our bodies (as well as other mammals) create endocannabinoids naturally thus the prefix “endo” means “made in the body”. Endocannabinoids and their receptor sites are part of the larger endocannabinoid system that regulates appetite, pain-sensation, mood, memory, and more.
As a modulatory system, the endocannabinoid system also plays an important role in the secretion of hormones in response to stress. Enzymes contributing to energy homeostasis (tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements) relates to food intake, the central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract which also regulates adipose tissue production and glucose metabolism in muscle cells.
Via these CB1 and CB2 receptors, the endocannabinoid system also regulates gonadotropin fertilization capacity as well as contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, curing type 2 diabetes, and treating the severe symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and disorders like epilepsy, anxiety, and stroke with far superior results that prescription medication for many patients.
What are Endocannabinoids?
Naturally produced by the body, endocannabinoids are a type of lipid which includes fats, sterols, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and phospholipids. These lipids affect the nervous system in ways that regulate the body’s various neurological functions, regulation, and repair. It is the endocannabinoid’s fate that is to be attracted to endocannabinoid receptor cells – which in turn affect these homeostatic changes, activities, and functions within the organism.
Endocannabinoids were named after the Cannabis plant because it was the plant that led to the discovery of this intricately synergistic system within organisms. We are only now just beginning to appreciate the possibility and potential of these interactions. It is because endocannabinoids and plant cannabinoids can intersect within various systems of the body that the medical mysteries are constantly being realized.
What are Cannabinoid Receptors?
Two Types of Endocannabinoids connecting to these Receptors:
Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Each one connects to specific receptors. For example, anandamide (aka the “Bliss Molecule”) engages with CB1 receptors while 2-AG receptors dock up with CB2 receptor cells.
Each of these relates to and regulates different functions of the body… Peripheral Nervous System, Immune System, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary System as well as many internal organ functions.
CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the nervous system, reproductive organs, glands, and organs while CB2 receptors are dominant in white blood cells, spleen, and tonsils. Both receptors are found throughout the immune system and play an important role in overall physical well-being.
What is Receptor Expression?
Imagine an individual that has more CB1 receptors than average, or in other words over-expresses CB1. That person may be very sensitive to the THC cannabinoid. Another patient may be under-expressed with CB2 receptors meaning they are less affected by the CBD cannabinoid and will need more medication than other patients.
Receptor expression also refers to the density of these two receptors in various locations in the body. According to the British Journal of Pharmacology, a study published in 2010 shows that the density of these receptors varies among different regions of the body.
Specifically, the brain, central nervous system, and immune system were identified to demonstrate variations in local densities among patients and participants.
For instance, CB1 receptors were characterized as “highly expressed in the central nervous system” with relatively low to moderate expression in the peripheral nervous system. Interestingly, THC was found to be the most ‘receptive’ among both CB1 and CB2 receptor sites as opposed to CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and organic molecules.
What is Endocannabinoid Anandamide?
AKA: The “Bliss Molecule”
The discovery of a specific “bliss” receptor ensued following the discovery of morphine as the most effective painkiller of its time. Similarly, the bliss receptor of THC and its antagonist CBD, both from the Cannabis plant, was discovered in 1992 by the famous Israeli researcher, scientist, and distinguished professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. The Endocannabinoid System and CBD discovery (including most of the significant early work on Cannabis as medication) is attributed to Dr. Mechoulam.
Originally named N-Arachidonylethanolamide, it has now been referred to as the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, or AEA… or more popularly referred to as the “bliss molecule” functioning as a special ingredient to the recipe of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body – as do the opiates like morphine.
What is CED'S?
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CEDS) has been identified as a root cause of a number of nervous system disorders. Researchers and medical community professionals are coming to the understanding that low endocannabinoid levels are at the cause of many serious diseases.
Ongoing research supports evidence that endocannabinoids play a vital role in the regulation of inflammation, insulin, fat retention, and stamina. Correlations between endocannabinoid deficiency defined as low endocannabinoid levels and symptoms of CEDS continue to point toward CBD (cannabidiol) as a logical treatment.
Ok fine, YOU may not be convinced, but the truth is that rectal (or vaginal) delivery of CBD can actually make it easier and more effective for those whose intestinal tract is either compromised or otherwise not medically advisable. Often, it does make sense to avoid the digestive system entirely for the administration of medications like CBD - other times it is totally appropriate and even recommended. Consult your physician.
So, What is Nano CBD?
CBD and Nanotechnology
So, what’s all this we are hearing and seeing regarding “nano CBD”?
For our Members at Cannabis Animus, there’s nothing necessarily new about nanoscience and it relates to nanotechnology and CBD. But for those of you who haven’t gotten up to speed yet, I humbly suggest that you consider my article called “CBD and Nanotechnology.”
All of the biosciences throughout modern times have faced the fundamental design of the collective cells in our bodies.
They've realized that there’s something highly significant that encloses every cell in your body.
According to The Smithsonian Institute, there are over 3.2 Trillion cells in your body.
Now, consider the fact that there’s a critical element to all these cells, and that is that there is something that encloses each and every one of them. This enclosure is as much involved in protecting the cell as it does with it’s job of allowing certain elements inside.
This enclosure has been described in the aforementioned sense as “the blood-brain barrier”. And this is the purpose of nano-sizing the CBD molecules (or other medication or nutrient molecules) so that they are small enough to provide closer-to-100% bioavailability as compared to the high losses from digestive and filter organ processes.
So Where Do We Fit Into All This?
The Cannabis plant produces a similar substance to our body’s endocannabinoids called CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol.
The Cannabis plant produces a similar substance to our body’s endocannabinoids called CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol.
Despite our Federal Government’s obfuscation of the truth, anti-marijuana propaganda, the War on Drugs, scientific research, and medical facts,
Americans are becoming increasingly aware that CDB (cannabidiol) binds to these endocannabinoid receptors creating desirable effects.
The significance of this knowledge is ultimately relieving the pain and symptoms of millions who suffer from numerous diseases including cancer. It is even curing them without destructive treatments like Chemotherapy and subsequent radiation treatments in some cases.
It is with increasing frequency that physicians and scientists all over the world have been documenting the positive effects of medical marijuana, hemp oil, and the most effective nano CBD oil which until fairly recently has been self-prescribed by their patients.
Summary
CBD helps your body optimize its potential by nourishing your endocannabinoid system naturally. And a healthy endocannabinoid system supports homeostasis and balance within the structures of body’s regulating systems giving your body the power to heal itself.
It is believed that CBD does not necessarily treat a specific disease or symptom as much as it facilitates the body’s natural systems and mechanisms much like lubricating oil facilitates the efficient operation of an engine. The better the oil’s lubrication characteristics, the better the engine’s performance.
Once again, our Endocannabinoid System and CBD are evidence of Mother Nature and the riddle of the healing process for you and me to benefit from. We now know that Endocannabinoid System Deficiency is a state of disease that can, and often does, lead to serious yet avoidable health problems.
Can you add to this information? Please don’t go without leaving a comment below!
Very educational and timely. I have about 830 users of cbd tell me of the transforming effect of cbd in their lives. The changes are nothing short of dramatic and life changing!
Excellent article, very enlightening… I especially liked your Nanotechnology approach to CBD!
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