CBD Therapy: Just The Facts By Nick Edgerton, ND, LAc
resins, and even trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp/CBD products do not cause the psychological changes as- sociated with a marijuana ‘high’.
C Hemp Plants
Hemp plants are non-flowering male cannabis plants.Hemp plants are used in many ways such as fabrics, paper, construc- tion, and food. Hemp oil and hemp seeds (usually seen marketed as ’hemp hearts’) have been a popular health food for decades, rich in antiinflammatory omega-3 fats and a healthy addition to a smoothie or salad. These food products have never been marketed to contain CBD or THC in the past, as the hemp seed only con- tains the slightest trace amounts of these compounds.
Cannabis
The female cannabis plant is usually referred to as marijuana, ‘weed’, or cannabis. The female plant will bud and flower and this is the combustible matter people smoke to get ‘high’. The combus- tible bud has high levels of THC, which is responsible for the psy- chological changes, and small amounts of CBD. The female plant contains hundreds of other plant compounds just like the male plant; however different ratios. THC is considered an illegal drug at the federal level, however, THC is a prescrip- tion medication for several diagnoses in most states. Some states have passed recreational cannabis laws allowing stores to sell marijua- na, such as Massachusetts and Colorado.
CBD and THC have been touted as medicinal compounds. When isolated with modern chemical extraction techniques and then studied, the two compounds have many overlapping effects but are certainly unique. The remainder of this article will focus on CBD and a few of its therapeutic values.
BD stands for ‘Cannabidiol’ which is a compound extracted from hemp. Hemp contains CBD as well as hundreds of other plant compounds, including CBN, CBG, terpenes,
CBD Therapy CBD’s many uses stem from the endocannabinoid system and
the effect this has on the central nervous system. The endocannabi- noid system is a network of receptors that bind just a few distinct endocannabinoid molecules. Yes, our nervous system has a ‘lock and key’ mechanism specific for hemp and cannabis molecules. This system, once activated, is an important regulator in homeo- stasis. Think of it as keeping the nervous system balanced, not too excited or too depressed. In fact, there is evidence of a new diag- nosis: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome, with the principal symptoms being Irritable Bowel Syndrome, migraines, headaches, and chronic fatigue. All of these health concerns have shown benefit with the use of CBD and/or THC. The human body makes two endocannabinoid compounds which fit the endocan- nabinoid receptors, so one is not mandated to consume can- nabinoid compounds. However, depending on a person’s genet- ics, they may make less endocannabinoids and may experience benefits from exogenous supplementation.
The research in endocannabinoids has recently blossomed. Pubmed research for ‘endocannabinoid’ finds 19 articles prior to 1990, and currently in January, 2020 there are 9,928 article
JILL KENNEY, ND NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN
Specializing in the integration of naturopathic medicine with oncology care, combining traditional cancer treatments and natural supportive therapies including personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle treatment plans.
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