What is Cannabidiol? Plus, the benefits of Cannabis

From then on, all CBD products are legal as long as they contain 0.3 percent or less of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. State laws did differ and still do sometimes. Because of the controlled substances act, all states can decide the legality of products like CBD, so always make sure to check with your state to understand their stance on CBD.

The booming era of medical cannabis led to the soaring popularity and demand of cannabidiol. Much of cannabidiol’s appeal is due to its low content of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component that is psychoactive and induces a high. But what are the health benefits of CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) can have positive benefits to a person’s health in many different ways.

According to a 2018 Study by Corroon J, Phillips JA (2018) A cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users published in PubMed Central (PMC) at the U.S. NIH’s National Library of Medicine, some CBD benefits include:

• chronic pain
• arthritis or joint pain
• anxiety and depression relief
• help with sleep disorders
• natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties among many others.

Overall, CBD may also help manage and support conditions like, blood pressure abnormalities, neuropathic pain, inflammation, stress, and more. Preliminary studies also show a therapeutic potential for more severe conditions like multiple sclerosis, autoimmune conditions like fibromyalgia and lupus, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.

All animals on this planet, including humans, have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system produces the body’s own endocannabinoids, which help to regulate various organs and systems in the body.

With research, we have been able to discover that the ECS is actually a crucial system that most of us have never been taught about. It is in charge of managing vital bodily functions like metabolism, immune function, sleep rhythm, appetite, and more.

With ECS receptors all over the body including the brain, spine, nerves, immune system, skin, and more, the endocannabinoids that we produce ourselves have great impact on our internal balance.

Most people don’t know that our bodies actually produce their own endogenous cannabinoids that mimic the function and purpose of cannabinoids like CBD. Our endocannabinoids are called anandamide (aka the bliss molecule) and 2-AG.

We also produce enzymes (amide hydrolase and acid lipase) that work with the ECS to break down the endocannabinoids that have served their function.

Just like some of us can have immunodeficiencies or low levels of iron for example, we can also have endocannabinoid deficiencies.

If we know that our ECS plays a crucial role in helping us maintain balance and optimal function in various organs and systems, what would happen if we weren’t producing enough endogenous cannabinoids?

One 2016 study discusses the possible correlation between an endocannabinoid deficiency and the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and other chronic treatment resistant conditions.

Healthcare professionals are not yet widely recognizing endocannabinoid deficiency as a diagnosis, due in part to lack of easy testing.

There are several ways you can support your body’s ECS function and endocannabinoid production. This includes taking cannabidiol regularly along with other dietary supplements that

CBD Naturally helps

CBD helps mimic the function and purpose of some endogenous cannabinoids. CBD may be effective if taken regularly. Tinctures are the strongest and most potent CBD products. CBD also comes in other forms like capsules, syrups, gummies, sprays, balms, and more.

Capsules are best for those that want something flavorless whereas gummies are flavored to mask the earthiness of CBD and balms help with localized musculoskeletal pain. Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking any CBD products, to make sure they won’t interact with any medication you’re taking.

Avoid Stress & Exercise Regularly

The ECS works best when your system is void of stress. When we experience high levels of stress, our bodies go into fight or flight mode leaving ‘unessential’ mechanisms void of energy and incentive.

This is why the ECS loves exercise. It helps de-stress the body and stimulate the brain to produce optimizing hormones and molecules. Exercise has been shown to help increase endocannabinoid production as well as receptor sensitivity.

Eat the Right Stuff

Also, nourish your body with cannabinoid rich/stimulating foods, anti-inflammatory foods, and exercise regularly to stimulate brain activity.

If your body has trouble producing its own endocannabinoids, there are certain foods that can help stimulate production as well as supporting the ECS function. Some of these foods are:

• Dark chocolate: Chocolate has been known for stimulating the release of anandamide, aka the bliss molecule), helping produce more of it to help restore the body.
• Broccoli
• Ginseng
• Clove
• Black pepper
• Carrots have also been found to contain cannabinoids.
• Chia/flax/hemp seeds
• Walnuts
• EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

To enhance production, it is also wise to remove pro-inflammatory foods like:

• Fried foods
• Added sugar
• Animal products
• Refined oils (canola, sunflower, and more).

A focus on fiber, legumes, grains, and essential fatty acids is key.

Unlike prescription medications, CBD does not have a long list of negative side effects. However, there are a few that may be uncomfortable.

The most common includes a dry mouth, changes in digestion and bowel movements, and sleepiness. These are short term and are easily reversible. The only known rare side effect that is more impactful is the risk of liver toxicity, but this is an effect not fully researched yet.

Cannabidiol’s long-term effects are not yet fully understood. More research is needed to better understand the endocannabinoid system, endocannabinoid deficiency, and the concrete benefits of cannabidiol. It is also unclear if consistent use of CBD has any long-term implications or benefits.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of the hundreds of plant compounds that have been identified, so there is still much to discover and study in order to fully answer what is Cannabidiol, and what other health benefits this plant has to offer.

While it is unclear what the future of hemp and cannabinoids holds, we are confident that is bright and promising. It’s a long road ahead, but one that can positively impact the world.