Hemp and Marijuana are from the same species of Cannabis sativa. Federal law defines Hemp as cannabis Sativa plants that have less than .3 percent THC. THC is the psychoactive chemical “high” from marijuana. 2018 President Trump signed the Hemp Farming Act into law which removed it from the Controlled Substance Act where it had been since 1937.
Dr. Mechoulam from Hebrew University first isolated and studied THC and the endocannabinoids- anandamide and 2 AG. Ananda means “bliss”.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The complex network of cannabinoids we produce(endocannabinoids) and the cannabinoid receptors ( CB1 and CB2) that accept them. The ECS touches nearly every physiologic system and orchestrates communication throughout the body. Endocannabinoids maintain health by influencing and modulating every organ including the brain, gut, bone, immune, lungs, heart, kidney, skin, etc. There are now 1000s of peer-reviewed studies to explain this and how supporting this system can be useful in the treatment of disease.
Plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids)
Plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) most studied are THC and cannabidiol (CBD) however over 100 others have been identified just not named and studied as thoroughly. Hemp is a full spectrum phytocannabinoid – it has all of them and .3 to 0 percent THC.
CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain and regulate pain, memory processing, movement, motor control, and many neurological functions such as the ‘stress response’ and relaxation. They are also located in the cardiovascular system, digestive system, liver, lungs, and immune system.
CB2 receptors are also in the brain and immune system but are present throughout the entire body as well. ie; bones, gut, peripheral organs, and skin. CB2 has many roles including immune modulation, bone mass enhancement, brain protection, pain, and inflammation control.
The ECS maintains “ homeostasis”. You need more your body produces more or vise versa. The levels are kept in check by enzymes. CBD interferes with this enzyme to keep the levels of anandamide high. Anandamide gives pain relief, reward, the runners high, mood elevation, and cell regulation. Reports show super happy people have higher levels of endocannabinoids and less happy people have lower levels. CBD can attach to opioid receptors in the brain, increase blood flow to the brain and decrease production of inflammatory compounds.
Studies show that ECS deficiency is associated with anxiety, fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and many other inflammatory and neurological conditions.
Supporting the ECS
Moderate exercise, massage, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, essential oils, a diet high in omega 3s (fish oil, walnut, flaxseed)
Foods that interact with the ECS- cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, chocolate, black pepper but minuscule.
Full-spectrum phytocannabinoids – Hemp. Even Mechoulam says the plant is a better agent than the natural products isolated from them.
What to look for in a supplement
NO THC!! In states where marijuana is legal, the CBD may be derived from the marijuana plant. You could get THC.
CBD from Hemp will have .3-0 percent THC
tsa.gov – they do not check for marijuana or CBD- but CBD is illegal in some states so if they find it they will refer you to a law enforcement officer. Currently, nothing posted on Hemp. The label Hemp oil is not a problem just do not have the word CBD.
FYI – Hemp seed is NOT a source of CBD but it is a healthy fat.
Dosing – straight CBD start low – 25mg. and build up, too high of a level can get nausea, vomiting, drowsiness.
Full-spectrum dose as listed on the bottle.
Road to Ananda Carl Germano, Dr. Mercola website,
Image by Julia Teichmann from Pixabay