Prior to the outlawing of cannabis in 1937, major pharmaceutical companies produced a wide variety of cannabis-based medicines, but cannabis has actually been used as a medicine for thousands of years. Although it has a long history, the recent discovery (1992) of the body’s widespread endocannabinoid system (ECS) has thrust cannabis back into the limelight again as a viable medicine.
CBD and THC are both cannabinoids found in cannabis. However, while THC produces a “high” in the user, CBD does not. CBD-rich hemp oil is available over-the-counter in all 50 states, without a prescription.
It was discovered that the Hemp Family of plants (cannabis, marijuana) is loaded with cannabinoids that stimulate our ECS receptor sites. These sites are found in the brain, organs, glands, connective tissue and immune cells and plays regulatory roles in many physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood and memory. The primary purpose of this system revolves around maintaining balance in the body.
Cannabinoids found in all varieties of cannabis work in harmony with the cannabinoids we naturally produce when our system is functioning properly. It is now coming to light that we may very well be “Endocannabinoid Deficient” and supplementing with Cannabidiol, known as CBD, may provide just what we’re missing to restore optimum health.
Make no mistake about it, the endocannabinoid system, although newly discovered, is just as important as any other bodily system, like the muscular, cardiac, circulatory or digestive system. The ECS requires its own specialised medicine as found in the Hemp Family of plants, which is also known as cannabis, and which includes all strains of marijuana.
Cannabidiol or CBD is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in industrial hemp. CBD is present in both cannabis as well as industrial hemp. It is important to note that the prevalence of CBD can vary greatly from strain to strain.
Unlike THC (the other prevalent cannabinoid), Cannabidiol is non-psychoactive while having the potential to possess a variety of therapeutic properties for folks with many medical conditions including cancer, epilepsy, anxiety, pain and many others. THC and CBD seem to have an inverse relationship. In other words, the more CBD , the less THC.
Scientific and clinical studies continue to underscore CBD potential as a possible treatment for a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, MS, chronic pain, schizophrenia, PTSD, antibiotic-resistant infections, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. CBD has demonstrated neuroprotective and neurogenic effects, and its potential anti-cancer properties are currently being investigated at several academic research centres in the United States and elsewhere.
CBD works well for such a wide variety health challenges because it enhances your Endocannabinoid system. This is the system within your body which regulates proper functioning of your cells.