CBD is a buzzword at the moment and I am sure you have heard about it in connection with chronic pain and treating kids with terrible epilepsy.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a natural and crucial part of the way the human body functions. It has such far reaching effects that the thought is that the ECS has an important role in homeostasis. Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment, no matter what is going on around it. This is critical to life but also regulates many day-to-day functions, such as:
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Immune function
- Inflammation, including neuroinflammation
- Mood
- Sleep
- Reproduction/fertility
- Motor control
- Temperature regulation
- Memory
- Pain
- Pleasure/reward
The ECS does this via cannabinoid receptors found in select tissues. We have (at least) two types of cannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 which is in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord)
- CB2 which is in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialised cells in the immune system
Cannabinoid receptors are believed to be among the most plentiful in our central nervous system, and some researchers hypothesise that we could have a third, undiscovered one, as well.
Once the endocannabinoids have done their job and brought things into balance, certain enzymes come along to break them down and prevent them from going too far and upsetting the balance in the opposite direction. It’s a precise response.
Because cannabis products can stimulate activity of the ECS, they’re obvious targets for potential treatments, and a ton of research is going on around the world.
We’re already seeing a lot of research on cannabinoid-based treatments and we’re likely to see more as we gain a better understanding of the system and the substances. Changes in legal status have also driven research.
CBD had been used for many thousands of years until it was unfortunately prohibited in the 20th century due to its connection with cannabis. CBD and hemp are now fully legal in the UK and the EU but sellers of CBD oil cannot make medical claims regarding its benefits. CBD oil in the UK is legal as it has to contain a very low level of THC (that is the part that makes you ‘high’ if smoking marijuana). It should also contain terpenes that work with CBD but is often removed as it makes the product taste more bitter. It is derived from the hemp plant.
Medical marijuana which is available on prescription for a very small number of patients and conditions does contain CBD and THC. I think it’s likely that going forwards that this will be available for more conditions as the research becomes available. In addition, synthetic forms of cannabis are being developed by pharmaceutical companies.
Taking CBD oil helps your body to create more of the cannabinoids that your ECS needs to help maintain balance and wellbeing in the body. It is vital to keep this system working well as it helps our immune systems, protects our brains, helps us manage stress and generally keeps our bodies in balance.
Certainly, cannabinoids such as marijuana and CBD oil appear to hold a lot of promise as treatments for a wide range of ailments. However, keep in mind that any treatment—even natural ones—can cause unwanted side effects. We sell a good quality CBD oil at Walnut Grove so please talk to us for advice if you think it might help your condition.
