Indented sections in grey are written by a trained and published biochemist - Chad Sallaberry.
Researchers and scientists have been studying addiction for a long time now and have made great progress. However, there still remains a lot of unknowns in science around addiction and how it affects our overall motivation and behaviors.
In the first article we spoke about dopamine, the chemical we produce inside our bodies, that is known by scientists as the molecule of “more”. We learned that dopamine is the driver molecule that motivates us and gives us the energy and fuel we need to accomplish things in life.
We all naturally produce the molecule of more “dopamine'' inside our bodies. This is an amazing feat of evolution and is one of the primary drivers that has allowed humans to advance as a species. It has driven us to find shelter, food, plan ahead, and is what drives us to accomplish great things in life. It's also the source of our creativity, loves novelty, and is driven by our deepest beliefs about ourselves.
Certain substances such as meth and cocaine have tremendous effects on our dopamine system causing HUGE spikes followed by huge crashes, leaving us with the feeling that we want more to satisfy our urges.
The problem with dopamine is that it does not produce a feeling of fulfillment and is only concerned with driving us for MORE, whether that be through drugs, work, or even in our love life.
For example, we are all familiar with the honey-moon phase of love and the feelings we have when we first meet a person at the beginning of a relationship. Dopamine is the main driving force for this feeling and we find ourselves going through a great deal of effort to be with this person. We all know how this love drunk feeling doesn’t last forever, and eventually it fades away. When this feeling fades, a lot of us decide that this is not the relationship for us and decide that there must be another person out there for us, who can make us feel that way again.
The truth is this feeling is just our biochemistry, specifically dopamine, that is excited about the novelty of new relationships, and what possibilities it may bring to us. Whenever this novelty fades, so does the feeling, and this is the reason why we begin to question our relationships. In order for us to change this pattern in our lives, we must begin shifting our biochemistry from dopamine to the “here and now” molecules like serotonin, oxytocin, and even endocannabinoids. Here and now molecules are the part of our biochemistry that allow us to enjoy the “here and now”. They are responsible for our feelings of connectedness, bliss, and enjoyment of the present moment.
It is important for us to understand the role of dopamine and how it motivates our behavior so we can harness its power towards the goals and things we want to achieve in life. Since dopamine is the molecule of more it means that it is never satisfied and will continue driving us back towards actions that it feels are the most important to us. If our dopamine is wired incorrectly towards drugs and substances that artificially boost our dopamine, then these will become the dominant forces that drive our behavior.
We believe that one of the biggest secrets, to the massive problem of addiction, is through our endocannabinoid system. Our ECS is the balancing system that influences and modulates all of the other systems inside the body. Once we understand the connection between our ECS and our dopamine system then we can begin to solve the problem of how to balance it, correct it, and point our motivation towards our goals and the things we want to achieve in life.
In order for us to better understand what we can do to overcome our addictions we first must understand the mechanisms of how addiction interacts with the biochemistry inside our bodies.
The ECS has been shown to be able to manipulate dopamine signaling on the mesolimbic pathway¹. This is relevant as the mesolimbic pathway has been identified as one of the most notable areas in the brain that influences addictive tendencies. The reason for this is the amount of dopaminergic receptors present there². Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that belongs to the class of catecholamines³. It is notable for being the neurotransmitter responsible for “reward” behaviors in the brain. More specifically, it is responsible for both the craving and acceptance of these rewards. For example; when you anticipate having a bite of chocolate, finishing a project at work, or getting a raise, the feelings of both anticipation and subsequent euphoria is due to dopamine release from the synaptic cleft and subsequent binding to dopamine receptors⁴. These receptors can be classified as D1,D2,D3,D4,D5, based on genetic location and function⁵⁻⁶. For the purpose of addiction, D5 is not relevant. D2 and D1 on the other hand is especially relevant due to its impact on the learning process⁷.
The dopamine system inside our bodies that science currently uses to measure the impact on our addictive behaviors on, is called the “mesolimbic dopamine system”. We know this because we have the most dopaminergic receptors inside this system. We release dopamine for both the “anticipation” of what we will get from a behavior as well as for the “reward” we get from that behavior. We also know that the ECS also has receptor sites located within this mesolimbic dopamine system, which can play a role in modulating and affecting this system.
To better understand the role dopamine plays in addiction, it is good to understand the pathway where the majority of addiction-based dopamine binding occurs. The mesolimbic system stems from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to mainly the nucleus accumbens (NA)⁸. In the mesolimbic system, there are a plethora of interactions between dopamine and its receptors, with a notable amount of interactions involving the D2 receptor. A study has shown that the degree of D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway was positively correlated with the amount of value placed by an individual on a dopamine stimulating task⁹. So just based on receptor quantity, it will impact how value and reward are perceived by an individual. Another study showed how cocaine, morphine, and certain amphetamines can cause sensitization of dopaminergic neurons through this system. Administration of these drugs resulted in an increase of available dopamine in the cleft ¹⁰. As they are highly addictive substances, it makes sense that they would impact these neurons rich with dopamine. Another study showed that in chronic cocaine abusers, when they are not taking the drug, there is markedly less dopamine activity in areas rich with D2 receptors¹¹. Illustrating how long term abuse can negatively impact this system. Finally, one more thing to consider is dopamine’s role not just in reward and pleasure, but pain. We talked about how the mesolimbic pathway runs mainly from the VTA to the NA. However, another part of this pathway involves starting in the substantia nigra (SN) and going to the NA¹². This tract has been closely associated with dopamine’s regulation of pain, showing a second side to dopamine’s impact in reward in addiction¹³.
Scientists have located specific dopamine receptors known as D1 and D2 receptors that greatly influence our behavior and drive towards certain actions. The degree that our behavior affects our dopamine pathway is the degree to which our motivation or pull to this behavior will be. When studies have been conducted around users of meth, cocaine, and morphine we see a SIGNIFICANT impact on our D2(dopamine) receptors which explains why these substances can be so ADDICTIVE and why it’s so hard for people to change this behavior. When users of these types of drugs stop using the substances, not only is there an intense pull back towards them but also the user will experience physical pain and withdrawal symptoms as well. This makes it even harder on the addicted user to overcome the destructive behavior in their life and is why so many people who are addicted to these substances have difficulties kicking them for good.
So in breaking down all of these studies, what exactly can we learn about dopamine’s role in addiction? First off, we can see its role in addiction by it being impacted both in the short term and long term by addictive substances. Its ability to fire and create “euphoric cravings” upon anticipation of a substance can draw an individual to an addictive substance, whether it be food, drugs, or even work. As well, the additional feeling of joy from accomplishing the task is similarly the result of mass dopamine firing. However, this fleeting pleasure is one of diminishing returns when abused. As we saw in long term cocaine users, the resting levels of dopamine actually decreased, instead of the increase seen with short term use. Last but not least, dopamine’s role in pain regulation. We hear of addicted individuals having a physical response from not having said addictive substance, and this makes sense because dopamine also plays a role in the regulation of pain.
Our tolerance to a specific behavior and drug can build over time. Tolerance is partly driven off of dopamine levels. When we repeat certain behaviors over time we begin to see less overall dopamine levels from the result of our behavior. We then seek more of that behavior to achieve the same rush and feeling we had the first time we engaged with it. The more we seek, the more our tolerance grows, and the more we engage in this behavior to achieve the same dopamine rush. If the addictive behaviors we have are also toxic for us, like drugs such as cocaine, then we are therefore collecting higher amounts of toxicity from our addictive behaviors inside the body. Obviously some addictive behaviors carry more consequences and have more adverse effects than others do.
Now that we have an understanding of biochemistry and the different aspects that form and create our addictions. How can we go about resetting this biochemistry? How can we reduce our tolerance? And the strong pulls and urges we have back to our old patterns?
The ECS’s homeostatic nature is key to realizing how it can help repair some of the damage done to our native neural pathways caused by addiction to anything from work, to harmful drugs such as heroin. The ECS not only has receptors directly on the mesolimbic pathway, including the VTA and NAc, but on areas that directly influence activity in these regions, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), basolateral amygdala (BLA), hippocampus (HIPP), ventral pallidum (VP), globus pallidus (GP), dorsolateral striatum (DLSTr), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA)i. This not only allows the ECS to modulate dopamine receptor expression via dopamine release, but also through impacting both glutamate (the main excitatory neurotransmitter) and GABA (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter).
We stated earlier that our endocannabinoid systems primary role is to create homeostasis and balance inside our bodies. Our endocannabinoid system has receptor sites in every system inside our body. These ECS receptor sites communicate together to maintain homeostasis and correct imbalances in our body, including helping maintain a healthy balance in our dopamine systems. Scientists and researchers have found endocannabinoid receptor sites directly in the regions of our brain that are responsible for addiction and our motivations. Given the nature of the ECS, we can conclude that the ECS plays an important role in balancing this system and restoring it back to baseline.
With this known, it is most useful to think of the ECS effect on addiction on three fronts; the ability to alter motivation towards a drug, the ability to restructure receptors at the synapse/alter synaptic plasticity, and finally to alleviate the urge to relapse with said substances. In terms of motivation, this is important because as we mentioned this is the key to how dopamine draws one towards a drug. It was shown that by either agonizing or antagonizing the CB1 receptor, there was an increase or decrease of drive reported in the model organism for ethanol (representative of alcohol), opiates, and nicotine¹⁴⁻¹⁵. In cocaine, both agonism and antagonism of the CB1 receptor resulted in a decreased motivation for drug administration¹⁶. This shows that manipulating CB1 can possibly remove the urge addicted individuals feel to use addictive substances. The second feature is the ability to restructure the synapse and alter synaptic plasticity. The ECS is responsible for regulating normal signaling in dopaminergic neurons. This signaling has been shown to be disrupted when cocaine and other drugs, such as opiates, are present. This disruption is considered a large reason why there is an increase of dopaminergic signaling following cocaine introduction, due to the interferences of the ECS to promote GABAergic (inhibitory) signaling. This shows how the ECS is responsible for maintaining the proper amount of dopamine in the synaptic cleft, which can directly influence synaptic plasticity¹⁷⁻¹⁸. Finally, the ECS is implicated with preventing the urge to relapse. This is a theory based on two mechanisms. The first was mentioned above, how antagonizing the CB1 receptor can decrease motivation for drug use. The second is how averse or traumatic memories are often associated with drug use and abuse. The ECS plays a large role in formation and retaining memories, and it has been shown that by inhibiting CB1 signaling, you can reduce these aversive memories, helping prevent drug relapse¹⁹. Through understanding addiction and the different ways the ECS can interact with these dopaminergic neurons, it is evident to see the massive role the ECS plays in addition, and how manipulating it can help repair the damage caused by the neuronal re-wiring caused by addictive substances.
So how exactly can our endocannabinoid system affect our addictions? There are 3 primary methods that have been studied and observed by scientists.
Altering Motivation Towards the Addiction:
The draw, urge, and motivation towards a drug is caused by the chemical Dopamine. Research has shown that when our CB1 receptors are stimulated this affects Dopamine levels and our motivation back towards that behavior. Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD, can either Antagonize, interfere with dopamine signaling, or can be an Agonist, stimulate dopamine signaling. This is the reason why Cannabis has been studied for both a potential addictive substance and also for its ability to HELP with addictions. In the next article we will be going into more depth on the specific cannabinoids and terpenes that interfere or stimulate our dopamine response.
Regulate the Firing of Dopaminergic Neurons:
When someone ingests cocaine, alcohol, or meets a new potential partner, dopamine is fired at an increased rate between one neuron to another. Although this can be exciting at the beginning, we must understand that this firing is also driving our motivation and behavior. When our dopamine systems are firing quickly towards behaviors that are not in our highest good this can be problematic in our lives. Our ECS helps regulate this rate of neuronal firing by a process that scientists call “retrograde signaling”. Dopamine is fired from synapse(one neuron) to postsynapse(another neuron) when it is released inside our body. The ECS uses “Retrograde Signaling” which means it can fire in the opposite direction from post-synapse to the synapse and therefore will modulate the rate of this dopamine firing.
It's important for us to understand that we are just now learning the science behind addiction, and the biochemical changes that occur in our bodies. The more we gain a better understanding of addiction, the more we are learning how it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and must be treated as such. Once our body creates dopamine, pointed towards driving a certain behavior, it can be extremely difficult for people to make changes.
Matt Chandler, has struggled with addiction several times throughout his life. He believes everyone has degrees to which they struggle with addiction and some people are naturally more prone to addiction than others. Growing up, Matt was highly driven, always anticipating and wanting more, and found that he had a hard time feeling satisfied in life. In general he was higher on the dopaminergic scale (naturally producing more dopamine) than others which helped him in school, sports, and activities, but also came with the feeling of not enough and the urge to accomplish more.
As he was growing up Matt was exposed to oxycontin and opioids, whenever he was injured from sports activities. Once he ran out of the opioids he was prescribed for the pain from surgery, he felt a very strong urge to get more. He noticed how his mind was dominated by the thought of getting more and how it altered his behavior and thoughts. He knew deep down that this wasn't right for him but found it tremendously hard to stop. It started out with telling himself “I'm done taking these“ (typically after the initial feeling would wear off). Then he would get a powerful urge and craving for more and begin noticing himself justifying why everything would be ok if he just had one more, or would try to convince himself that this habit really wasn’t that bad.
For Matt, this was a constant back and forth for a while! Addiction also affected him throughout his early 20s with alcohol and even in his work through his late 20s. All of these addictions had him trapped to some degree and affected his health and overall happiness. He felt so pulled towards work, alcohol, and occasionally other drugs that he felt he was not present and couldn't fully enjoy just being with his family. He deeply desired more of a connection but felt that he couldn't stop the other addictions either. Over time it made him feel depressed and overall unfulfilled in life. He had developed a chemical imbalance in his dopamine system and had wired himself to constantly seek out “more”
Now that we have a deeper understanding of the science behind addiction, and also how it affected his life in such a drastic way, how can we use the information we have learned to address our addictions and change our patterns to support the goals we want to achieve in life?
In this article we covered the dopamine system, and how its primary role in the body is to drive us for “more” and to motivate us to achieve the things that we’ve decided are important to us. We also spoke about the endocannabinoid system’s role in helping balance us, and how we can harness its powers to reduce our cravings and motivation towards specific behaviors and help us from relapsing back into these behaviors.
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A potential way to help alleviate harmful addictions may lie related to a plant often associated with addiction; Cannabis.
All of us have faced addiction in our lives and the majority of us are constantly battling with some form of addiction. When we hear the word addiction the first thing that comes to most of our minds are addictions to drugs like cocaine, meth, tobacco, pain killers, and maybe even Cannabis.
There is much more to addiction than drug abuse and most of us are consciously unaware of the various addictions that pull on us. Think about the pull you have to specific foods, the hard times you have shutting off from work, or even the unhealthy relationships you continue to go back to in your life.
These are all forms of addictions which stem from the beliefs we have about ourselves. These behaviors are then fueled by our biochemistry with molecules like dopamine, which motivates and drives us for MORE.
For instance, dopamine is known as the molecule of “More”. Dopamine does not use reason or ethics for how it chooses to motivate us. It simply fuels us to create and drives our behaviors to continue seeking whatever direction or goal we point it towards. It's a POWERFUL force inside of all of us that drives our biochemistry and dictates our feelings and behaviors towards a specific action and belief.
If we truly want to break the addictions in our lives that are not serving us, we must begin with understanding how the body and its systems that motivate our addictions and behaviors work. Once we have a better understanding of how things work, we can begin to work with our bodies' natural and evolutionary systems, harness their powers, and point them towards the goals we want to achieve in our lives.
The endocannabinoid system, which was only recently discovered in the late 1980s, is becoming heavily studied for its role in regulating numerous biochemical functions inside the body. The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) has the potential to ameliorate the dysfunctional behavior of dopaminergic receptor expression, that results from addiction, caused by either substance abuse or unbalanced lifestyle behavior choices such as overworking, overeating, and even from social deleterious life behaviors (overworking, overeating, etc..).
In other words, we believe the ECS can play a big role in helping us tweak our biochemistry to reduce the cravings and urges we get through addiction.
Currently the first response to treating addiction from a medical point of view, has been to attempt to flush out the substance from our system, so we will no longer be altered by its presence. However this method does not address the urges and cravings we get for “more”, once we stop participating in the behavior, which is the biggest factor that keeps us addicted to substances and/or behavior.
Is there a way to address these cravings and urges on a biochemical level? Is there a way for us to do this holistically through nature?
Two factors prevalent in all addictions are tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance can be illustrated as one abuses or uses a drug or by the repetitive behavior one makes in their life. Tolerance tells us that it takes more of said drug or behavior to elicit the original desired response. As tolerance builds, the body becomes dependent on the drug, and stopping the drug or behavior causes withdrawal and leaves us feeling unfulfilled in our life.
Withdrawal is what happens when one cuts off the substance or behavior that the body has become addicted to. Withdrawal symptoms can range from minor issues such as headaches, to factors severe as cardiac arrest depending on the substances and dosage⁵.
A way to help visualize this is by thinking of a bucket. Ideally, this bucket would be filled with water. Normally, a substance introduced would “fill” a bucket. As one introduces a large amount of the substance to the body, the bucket “overflows”, and to compensate, the body wants to hold the water by introducing more buckets. As time goes on, and you introduce more of the substance due to tolerance, you need more and more buckets to make sure there is no overflow. Then if you were to stop introducing the substance, the body now has lots of these buckets open with no water in them. The result is withdrawal symptoms. In this analogy, the buckets are dopamine (DA) receptors, and the liquid would be Dopamine(DA). This is because the main system that seems affected by addiction is the Mesolimbic Dopamine pathway, and the dopaergic receptors which are present throughout⁶.When we start understanding and becoming more aware of how this biochemistry works, we can then begin to consciously direct it to support our goals and where we want to go in life.
Our addictions are driven by the dopamine system. When we are not careful in directing where this dopamine is pointed it can drive us to places we don't want to be. Once we are there it also can feel overwhelming to get out, because our dopamine system has wired our patterns and behavior in this direction.
When we begin the process of stopping a habit, substance, or activity that interacts with our dopamine systems, we quickly begin noticing withdrawal symptoms which results in a STRONG pull back towards that activity. Depending on the degree in which dopamine is released and how long we have engaged in this same pattern, the stronger the pullback towards that activity will be.
The result is our biochemistry becomes imbalanced and it becomes very hard to escape from our patterns. Strong willpower and support are just one piece to the puzzle while the biochemical imbalance we have created is another piece.
Our body's endogenous cannabinoid system has been shown to play a major role in altering receptors in our dopamine system. One reason for this is that in this mesolimbic pathway, CB1 receptors (one of the main receptors in the ECS) are densely located throughout the mesolimbic system⁷. This allows the ECS to modulate DA levels throughout this system⁸. Not only this, but the ECS has also been shown to be densely expressed in the prefrontal cortex, which is relevant as the mesolimbic pathway runs through this section of the brain⁹⁻¹⁰. In this area, the ECS can modify not only DA levels but Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels as well¹¹. GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, has also been shown to play a role in addiction, and impacting DA levels¹². This helps illustrate the potential for the ECS to counteract the changes caused by substance abuse.
In the following posts, this series will continue to take an in-depth look at the mesolimbic pathway, DA binding, and the role the ECS can play in repairing both short-term and long-term damage caused by substance abuse.
Our body’s endocannabinoid system has been termed by scientists as the “Master Regulator” of the other body systems. This is because its primary role is to bring homeostasis and balance back to our bodies. It has been found through research that our ECS has an influence on almost all of the body's daily and automatic functions. It works differently than the other systems with retrograde signaling, which in short means it can help speed up or slow down specific functions in the body to maintain homeostasis and balance.
In the following blogs and articles, we will be taking a deep dive into how our ECS is connected to our dopamine systems and what imbalances there are when we look at addiction.
Once we have established these imbalances we will be able to more accurately pinpoint how our ECS can be used to address them. We will then explore the Cannabis plant and how the compounds found in Cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, can be used to support our ECS system to help us change our patterns and overcome our addictions.
It’s important for us to remember that we ALL face addictions in our lives and we all struggle with this on some level or another. It's not a matter of poor morals and bad ethics but rather a problem with the actual wiring of our systems and biochemistry. Yes we may choose to partake in a certain drug, activity, or relationship but once the connection is established and reinforced with time and our patterns, it can be extremely DIFFICULT for us to undo.
We are just now learning more about addiction and the biochemical imbalances that occur from it. Only from this understanding can we begin the work to understand how to make the changes we want.
For example, we all have seen a homeless alcoholic who chooses to leave his family and home to pursue more alcohol. There is extremely powerful biochemistry that pulls this individual towards more alcohol and for them alcohol is the priority and need to fill in that individual's life. We may think to ourselves when we see this individual, how could this person continue to choose alcohol over their family? To the alcoholic their brain and biochemistry is WIRED by dopamine to make Alcohol the top priority in their life. To them their actions and decisions feel perfectly logical and make sense. Dopamine has taken over and prioritized the alcohol as the single most important thing to them and justified their actions.
This is why we must approach addiction on a biochemical level and learn ways we can work with our biochemistry to make the addiction less of a pull and priority in our life.
I was enamored with the potential of the endogenous cannabinoid system from a young age, and wanted to learn more. To do that I realized I first needed to educate myself in the field of biochemistry in general. I attained my B.S. in biochemistry with a minor in molecular biology in 2019, While also publishing The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator in 2018. After this, I wanted to gain a greater knowledge of biochemistry, and went on to earn my M.S. in biochemistry from UCCS in the summer of 2021. There I researched Alzheimer's disease, and learned more on neuronal function, neurodegenerative diseases, and the pathology of addiction. I published a second paper “Tau and membranes: Interactions that promote folding and condensation” In press. Through my time in my masters, I also took two courses in particular, a biochemistry of neurodegenerative disease, and biochemistry of drugs, which both helped me further my understanding of addiction, healthy brain function, and what happens when certain neural pathways go awry.
Now that we have established that addiction is an imbalance in our biochemistry and therefore our wiring to pull us towards a certain direction, don't you think it's important to better understand how it all works?
Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to understand our behaviors and what pulls us in the direction of these behaviors?
Wouldn’t it be beneficial to learn how we can use our bodies' natural systems such as the ECS to counteract and balance the systems and wiring that we would like to change?
This is exactly what we will be doing throughout this series and will build week by week on just how to do that.
The next article will explore both dopamine and the mesolimbic system where it binds and causes addictive tendencies. As well, we are going to look at how our ECS can affect our dopamine systems and therefore our addictions. What imbalances does addiction cause in our dopamine systems and how we can potentially counteract these addictions through the ECS.
Then we will take a look at Cannabis and how this plant's natural compounds can work to support our ECS in calling in the changes we want in our life and to aid us through the strong pull towards our addictive behaviors.
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People consume cannabis in different forms and for a variety of purposes, but many do not know that our bodies would be incapable of interacting with or harnessing the benefits of cannabinoids like THC and CBD if we didn’t have a biological system known as the endocannabinoid system. This system, commonly referred to as the “ECS,” was first discovered by scientists in the early 1990s. To this day, researchers are still working to understand its function and how cannabinoids interact with it. Their discoveries suggest many potential benefits.
What Is the ECS and What Is Its Function?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate many body functions and plays an important role in homeostasis. The term “endo” is short for “endogenous,” which refers to substances naturally produced by the body.
The ECS is made up of three main parts:
This system is vital to maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. Homeostasis is the ability of the body to keep everything from temperature to hydration “just right.” In order for our body systems to perform all of their functions properly, the body must be in homeostasis. The ECS regulates certain bodily functions in order to keep the body in homeostasis. For instance, the ECS keeps the body from getting too hot or too cold by regulating its temperature and keeping it within the narrow window that represents stasis. The ECS also regulates appetite, letting us know that our bodies need sustenance when we are hungry.
Some of the important bodily functions that the ECS regulates include:
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are like the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, but they’re produced by your body. They bind to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body and help your body maintain homeostasis. The two main endocannabinoids that scientists have discovered so far are:
Cannabinoid Receptors
In order to regulate these systems and keep the body in homeostasis, the ECS employs cannabinoid receptors. There may be more than two types of cannabinoid receptors, but the two that have already been identified are:
Cannabinoid receptors are found everywhere throughout the body, so they are an exceedingly common type of receptor.
Enzymes
These proteins help break down cannabinoids after the cannabinoids have completed their work. The two enzymes found within the ECS are:
How Do Cannabinoids Interact with the ECS?
The endocannabinoid system is the main reason that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD have an effect on our bodies. Cannabinoids, including the well-known ones like THC and CBD and lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, are being studied for use in treating many different human illnesses and ailments. As scientists continue to evaluate the ECS and the potential benefits of different cannabinoids on it, promising new treatments are arising to help treat a variety of medical conditions.
]]>Thanks to increasing interest in and legality of cannabis, cannabinoids, the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, are now being studied more widely. Scientists have begun to discover their numerous potential health benefits, including the effects that cannabinoids have on the skin.
One such cannabinoid is known as “cannabigerol,” or CBG. While research is ongoing, one of the many possible benefits that CBG may possess is a potential for improving the look and feel of skin. Let’s explore how this compound affects the skin and why many skincare brands have CBG on their radar as the next big beauty product.
What Is CBG?
While you’ve likely heard of other compounds found in cannabis, such as CBD and THC, CBG is a compound that has only recently begun to enter the public consciousness. CBG, like CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. And like CBD, it won’t get you “high.”
Some scientists refer to CBG as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because an immature cannabis plant grows with CBG in great quantities. By the time the plant matures, that CBG has mostly turned into the more well-known compounds CBD and THC. The plant is left with only a tiny fraction of CBG, which makes it a precious cannabinoid indeed.
Like other cannabinoids, research shows that CBG interacts with the endocannabinoid system, commonly called the ECS in the scientific community. This system exists in every human regardless of whether they use cannabis. The ECS helps regulate a variety of everyday bodily functions and processes, including sleep, mood, memory, appetite, reproduction, the immune system, pain, and hormones. Of course, scientists are interested in how cannabis might help the ECS work more effectively, and their initial discoveries are hopeful.
Can CBD Be Used for Anti-Aging?
Study continues about CBG’s potential use in skincare, but what we know so far is promising. While scientific research on CBG has been more limited than that on CBD, there are indications that CBG could possess properties that may help slow the aging process.
Despite the slim research, cannabinoids’ potential anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties are well-known. Due to research suggesting CBG’s potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this cannabinoid might prevent cell-damaging free radicals from prematurely aging a person’s skin. Studies have also shown that CBG and other cannabinoids may help manage skin inflammation and promote homeostasis, which can help prevent acne and other skin conditions.
Researchers are exploring another possible anti-aging benefit of CBG: its capacity for use as a moisture-retention tool. As skin ages over the course of a person’s life, the cells lose their ability to retain moisture. That leaves the skin defenseless against the aging process, dryness, and flakiness. But like CBD, CBG has been shown to act as a kind of barrier, promoting moisture retention, helping keep skin hydrated and moisturized. That could slow the skin aging process and may help users achieve a younger appearance.
In Summary
Scientific research on cannabinoids like CBD and CBG is in its infancy, but scientists have been studying the ECS since its discovery in the 1990s. Scientific research has shown that the ECS is vital in the maintenance of healthy skin. Because CBG has been shown to have a more potent impact on the ECS than CBD, CBG could prove to be a promising skin therapy in the years to come.
More studies are required to understand the effects that CBG can have on the aging process, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties might help ward off cell damage that leads to premature aging. Moreover, CBG’s potential moisture retention properties could give skin a natural defense against the aging process.
]]>Anxiety affects more than just people. Our four-legged best friends can feel it too. Although more research is needed to understand and prove its benefits, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has shown promise in treating dog anxiety. It could help dogs feel less stressed and anxious. You might wonder whether it could be useful for your pet, and we have information that might answer your questions. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of anxiety in dogs and examine how some studies suggest that CBD might benefit a stressed, scared, or nervous pup.
What Makes Dogs Anxious?
There are many stressors that can make a dog feel frightened or anxious, just like humans. Most of the anxiety dogs experience is either behavioral, such as separation from their owner, or situational, such as loud noises, big crowds, and traveling.
Some of the common symptoms of dog anxiety include:
How Does CBD Help with Dog Anxiety?
There are many causes of dog stress and anxiety, which can make removing triggers difficult. Whether they’re in a new and strange place, with a large or unfamiliar group of people, or suffering from age-related confusion or memory loss, normal aspects of modern life can become stressors that can make dogs feel anxious.
Research suggests that CBD may serve as a natural alternative to prescription medications that might cause your dog to suffer unnecessary side effects. As with humans, there are cannabinoid receptors throughout your dog’s body that make up the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds to these receptors to help relieve anxious feelings throughout your pet’s body.
Will CBD Make My Dog “High”?
In short, it won’t. There’s a significant difference between the two chief cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is the psychoactive compound found in some strains of cannabis. It’s also the ingredient that makes people feel “high” when they ingest or inhale it. THC contains almost no CBD and is regulated and restricted by federal and state governments. Unfortunately, THC can be toxic to dogs.
CBD, on the other hand, is extracted from industrial hemp and contains almost no THC at all. That ensures that neither you nor your pet will experience the psychoactive effects of THC due to CBD. CBD for pets typically contains less than .03% THC. CBD might help your dog feel calmer and less stressed, but it won’t cause any kind of “high.”
How to Give My Dog CBD
There are many different ways to give your dog CBD, and CBD oil is one of the best options. Bottled CBD oils come with droppers that you can use to measure your dog’s dose carefully. A full-spectrum CBD oil might be a good choice for your dog. Full-spectrum oils contain the highest possible levels of cannabinoid compounds, which could increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
The ideal dosage varies from dog to dog, which means you might need to experiment with different dosages to see what works best for your pet. Most dogs benefit from a 1-5 mg dose for every ten pounds of body weight.
In Summary
Just like humans, pets can reap the potential benefits of the cannabinoids found in CBD. CBD contains almost no THC, which means that you don’t have to worry about how the psychoactive properties of cannabis could affect your four-legged friend. Research has shown that CBD may reduce anxious feelings and nervousness, lower stress, and improve your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
]]>Can CBG Help with Joint Pain?
Millions of people experience joint pain each year. Any number of human ailments and illnesses, including simply aging, can cause it. At the moment, the typical treatment for this type of pain includes drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prescription painkillers. For those seeking an alternative treatment, some studies have shown that cannabigerol (CBG) has shown promise for potentially reducing stiffness, soreness, aches, and pains in both joints and muscles.
What Is CBG?
Many people have heard of CBD and THC, two of the active compounds found in cannabis, but CBG isn’t quite as well-known. Like other cannabinoids, CBG is a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants. Like CBD, it is non-psychoactive. CBG has been called “the mother of all cannabinoids” by researchers because CBG is a sort of building block for more well-known cannabinoids. Essentially, it’s the parent of compounds like CBD and THC.
This particular cannabinoid is plentiful in cannabis plants, but it eventually transforms into CBD and THC. By the time a cannabis plant has fully matured, the amount of CBG constitutes a tiny fraction of its initial presence. Because CBG accounts for less than one percent of a cannabis plant’s mass, it’s considered a rare cannabinoid alongside other minor cannabinoids like THCV, CBN, CBC, 8-THC, CBDA, and others. In fact, over 100 different cannabinoids have been discovered by scientists so far.
Like CBD and THC, CBG works with the human endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, initially discovered by scientists in the 1990s. This system regulates important bodily functions, including pain, appetite, sleep, hormones, and the immune system. All humans and other mammals possess an endocannabinoid system, which means that the body is naturally able to interact with cannabinoids such as CBG.
Is CBG an Effective Treatment for Joint Pain?
While CBD and THC have both been the subject of significant, if restricted, research, only a few studies have been published that indicate CBG’s potential for pain treatment. Despite this, some scientists believe that CBG might be more effective at interacting with the ECS and could boost the effectiveness of CBD when the two are used in combination.
One study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that CBG possessed powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. That could potentially make it ideal for treating joint stiffness and soreness in humans and other mammals. Because inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to neurodegeneration and lead to chronic pain, some researchers think that CBG could also be a powerful preventative treatment. It might actually protect against future pain.
Another study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management suggests that CBG might prove to be a more potent pain reliever than CBD and THC. As with all scientific studies, these initial conclusions could be strengthened or weakened by future research.
While studies have suggested that CBG could be an even better treatment for joint pain than other more popular cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, more research is needed. CBG’s potential for use as a preventative treatment is exciting for all who suffer chronic pain. But one thing does seem clear: when CBD and CBG are combined, the potential for joint pain relief is much greater.
In Summary
While the studies on CBG’s potential use as a treatment for joint pain are limited, the findings thus far have been encouraging. Particularly when it’s combined with CBD, CBG has the potential to reduce swelling and soreness in joints. It could also prevent the type of neurodegeneration that eventually leads to chronic joint pain. CBG shows great promise for those who seek a new method of pain management.
]]>Everyone knows how painful headaches can be. And they can be difficult to treat. Headaches can cause prolonged, throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, dizziness, distorted vision, and a host of other symptoms. Sometimes over-the-counter medications simply aren’t sufficient.
Your brain and the rest of your nervous system are filled with cannabinoid receptors. These make up the human endocannabinoid system. It’s an important biological system that regulates major body functions, including appetite, digestion, sleep, immunity, hormones, inflammation, pain, and pleasure. Humans and all other mammals possess this system, which helps keep the body in homeostasis.
When a person consumes cannabis, the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS bind to cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and others. Each of these cannabinoids is processed from cannabis in a different way and has different effects on the body. For instance, when THC binds to your cannabinoid receptors, you might feel elation and other positive feelings. Other cannabinoids such as CBD and lesser-known ones such as CBG aren’t psychoactive but studies suggest they could help relieve pain, feelings of nausea, anxious thoughts, muscle spasms, swelling, and other ailments.
When traditional treatment methods for headaches have been exhausted, people often turn to alternative forms of pain management. Prescription pharmaceuticals aren’t the only option for people who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines. Some choose therapies such as acupuncture and specialized massage. Others find cannabis helpful.
Although studies are limited and more research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of cannabis as a headache treatment, there’s some evidence that suggests cannabis might not only relieve painful headaches but could also help prevent them from happening.
In 2019, the Journal of Pain published a study that found that cannabis used to treat headaches and migraines reduced the participant’s pain by 50 percent. Moreover, they found that cannabis concentrates were even more effective than cannabis flower at reducing symptoms. Over 1,300 individuals participated in the study. According to the study, more men than women reported a reduction of symptoms due to cannabis use.
The study documented that the sample group required higher doses to achieve the same effects the longer they used cannabis as a pain management treatment. That indicated to researchers that regular use could increase a subject’s tolerance.
Risks of Cannabis Use for Headaches
Many individuals who suffer from headaches understandably want the quickest method of pain relief. Inhaling cannabis offers quick onset of relief, but smoking cannabis does come with risks. Smoking can cause irritation to the throat, airway, and lungs, which can cause issues over time. Thankfully, there are alternative ways to consume cannabis today, such as edibles, vaporizers, tinctures, and oils.
Some evidence suggests that long-term use could cause users to build a tolerance to cannabis, which requires an increasing amount of cannabis to treat the same symptoms over time. There are ways to reduce this risk, such as by starting with a very low dose and increasing the dose until the desired effect is reached. Taking breaks between periods of use may also help reduce tolerance.
As more studies of cannabis begin and come to their conclusions, scientists may find other solutions to the potential risks of using cannabis to treat headaches. Cannabis industry insiders and researchers both expect increased funding and interest in the study of its use over the coming decades.
In Summary
More studies are needed to prove that cannabis is an effective treatment for headaches and migraines, but the existing evidence is promising. Many people who have tried over-the-counter medications and prescription painkillers are unsatisfied with their efficacy and side effects. Cannabinoids, in their various forms, could present the answer.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, cannabis has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure skin problems. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have skin problems, talk to your doctor.*
The skincare industry is booming. Many experts attribute this to more informed consumers and social media influencers whose public skincare regimen often is used to advertise younger-looking, wrinkle-free skin. For the first time in a long time, the skincare industry is growing at a faster rate than cosmetics.
The sale of skincare products increased by 13% in 2019, while makeup grew only 1% during the same year. A growing desire for healthy skin products and an increasing interest in skincare routines are at the heart of a high-growth market.
One of the natural choices people are making includes CBD skincare creams. In 2019, a report by Grandview Research, Inc. estimated the CBD skincare market would reach $1.7 billion by 2025, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 32.9%. North America leads the market with a share of more than 40%, and hemp-based products generated $147 million in revenue in 2018.
There's a reason behind the growth in the market that is not all related to consumers following the latest social media influencer or natural trend. As we discuss below, there are reasons why CBD skincare creams are proving to potentially be effective. But first, let's quickly explore the environmental factors that affect skin aging.
Twenty years ago, this mainstream list of environmental factors that negatively affect your skin health may have made the “woo-woo” list. However, scientific evidence continues to support the unseen damage your skin experiences that ultimately results in premature aging. As your skin ages, it becomes rough, loses elasticity, and becomes more transparent. Much of this is related to the loss of elastic tissue in the skin and the thinning of the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin.
Over time, damage from ultraviolet light, also called photoaging, can reduce elastin and break down collagen. This leads to sagging, loose skin. Given the right nutrients, the skin can begin to help repair itself. However, long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the primary external factors associated with skin aging.
Other external factors include air pollution, smoking, and poor nutrition. Each of these factors affects the skin uniquely. But each also increases the inflammatory process, which in turn develops the visible signs of aging skin more quickly.
The Cannabis sativa plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids. In the 1990s, when researchers were analyzing the effect of cannabinoids on the body, they discovered humans have a network system of receptors that respond to cannabinoids. Receptors are structures on the outside of cells that bind with chemicals and tell the cell what to do.
The scientists named the network of receptors after the cannabinoids they were studying. The system is the endocannabinoid system. Further research led to scientific evidence that your body is hardwired to respond to cannabinoid-like chemicals it produces naturally.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of those cannabinoids that science has isolated and studied. In addition to being one of the most studied, it also plays a significant role in skincare creams and products. This may be due in large part to the role it may play as an anti-inflammatory agent in the endocannabinoid system.
Dermatologists have discovered a relationship between cannabinoids and the immune system that have a significant effect on skin conditions, such as pruritus, eczema, and psoriasis. In each of these conditions, CBD potentially acted as an anti-inflammatory.
Studies have suggested that CBD skincare creams may also help balance your endocannabinoid network of receptors in your skin. This helps regulate oil production, reduces inflammation, and hydrates your skin. Each of these benefits ultimately results in clearer and younger-looking skin.
If you're considering CBD skincare cream, choose one with a full-spectrum CBD oil as it contains many of the compounds from the plant that work best in combination. Begin using the product slowly and follow the product label directions. Overusing any product can have a negative effect on your skin. However, when used correctly, many people report exciting results. This is likely the reason the CBD skincare cream market continues to grow.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, cannabis and certain cannabinoids have not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure sleep problems. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have sleep problems, talk to your doctor.*
In the early years of science, researchers believed that sleep was a relatively inactive period. However, recent evidence demonstrates your brain is highly active during sleep, and your body requires sleep for optimal health. If you've been struggling with your health and would like to enjoy better quality sleep, let's discover how research suggests that cannabinoids may help.
Most people spend about one-third of their day sleeping. Getting enough quality sleep is as essential to survival as food and water. However, while it may seem like a simple function, the physiological processes involved in sleep can be quite complex. There are several areas of the brain that help to regulate and modulate your sleep. These include the:
There are four stages of sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) has one stage, and there are three stages in non-REM sleep. During each stage, your brain waves, muscles, heartbeat, breathing, and eye movements undergo specific changes.
Your body has two internal mechanisms that help regulate when you are awake and when you need sleep. These are your circadian rhythm and sleep-wake homeostasis (stability). The first is a biological clock that's based roughly on a 24-hour day. Sleep-wake homeostasis helps you keep track of your need for sleep and remind your body to sleep after a certain amount of time.
Several factors influence your body's need for sleep. These include what you consume, medical conditions, stress, medications, and your environment. However, perhaps the greatest influence on your body's need for sleep is exposure to light. Exposure helps regulate the release of melatonin, one hormone responsible for quality sleep.
A lack of sleep can increase your level of hunger since it affects the appetite-regulating hormone leptin. Sleep deprivation also increases your risk of a traffic accident and can decrease your performance as much as if your blood alcohol level was 0.05%. Interestingly, current research has found evidence that 75% of people dream in color. Before color television was invented, just 15% of people dreamt in color.
The endocannabinoid system was named and discovered in the 1990s. At the time, researchers were analyzing how cannabinoid chemicals interact with the body. During this research, they discovered humans have two types of receptors that bind with cannabinoids.
Receptors are structures on a cell that bind with neurotransmitters (chemicals produced by your body). These neurotransmitters tell the cell to take action. Scientists named the network of receptors after the cannabinoids they were studying - the endocannabinoid system. The receptors are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain, and CB2 receptors are primarily found in the gut and immune system.
This means that your body is hardwired for cannabinoid-like chemicals. You produce these naturally and internally. These endocannabinoid chemicals may help to maintain homeostasis (stability) with many physiological processes. When this system becomes dysfunctional, it can increase your perception of pain, affect your sleep, raise inflammation, and affect your mental health.
This unique network of receptors has a distinct impact on the sleep-wake cycle. There is also evidence to suggest the endocannabinoid system may be used as a therapeutic tool in age-related sleep disturbances. However, the field is not well studied, and researchers are continuing to gather evidence to support the theory.
Sleep is an essential and complex function. Evidence shows that when CB1 receptors in the brain are activated, it may lead to sleep induction. Scientists can block this effect using a selective antagonist. This means they block the CB1 receptor and thus impact the ability of a person to fall asleep. This also demonstrates that CB1 receptors may be important to sleep function.
Specifically, researchers have analyzed cannabidiol (CBD) in pursuit of learning if it may help reduce REM sleep behavior disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness. Evidence also suggests the compound most responsible for inducing sleep is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp plants have very little THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. When purchasing CBD oil, it's important to seek out full-spectrum oil. This also contains several other cannabis compounds, including low amounts of THC. There isn't enough to cause a psychoactive effect, but there is enough that research suggests may help induce sleep.
Interestingly, there is a potential bidirectional effect between sleep and endocannabinoids. This means that while the chemicals may affect your ability to sleep and your sleep quality, your sleep also affects the health of your endocannabinoid system. Evidence shows that when you are sleep-deprived, your endocannabinoid system does not work optimally. This, in turn, affects the quality of your sleep.
If you do not want to use medication (which may have significant side effects) to improve your ability to go to sleep and stay asleep, consider using a trial of full-spectrum CBD oil. Research suggests that CBD also may help to protect the nervous system, an integral part of your sleep-wake cycle.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBN has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure glaucoma. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have glaucoma, talk to your doctor.*
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that affect the optic nerve in your eye, and ultimately your eyesight. Many times, the symptoms start so slowly that most people don't notice it. While there is no cure, early treatment can stop the damage and protect your vision.
Anyone, at any age, can get glaucoma. The people who have the highest risk are over age 60, of African-American or Hispanic/Latino descent, or have a family history of glaucoma. The only way to diagnose glaucoma is to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Scientists are not sure of the causes, but most people with glaucoma have high eye pressure. Inside the eye is a fluid called aqueous humor. Your eye constantly makes this fluid. As new fluid flows into the eye, the same amount drains out. If that drainage is not working properly, fluid builds up, and pressure rises. This increased pressure within the eye damages the optic nerve and your vision.
Glaucoma is one of the top causes of blindness in people over 60. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of glaucoma and the stage of the condition. The most common type of glaucoma comes on slowly. You develop patchy blind spots, frequently in both eyes. When left untreated, it eventually causes blindness.
In the early 1990s, researchers discovered that humans have a network of receptors throughout the body that help regulate homeostasis (stability). Receptors are structures located on a cell that binds with chemicals the body produces. When the chemical binds with the receptor, it triggers a reaction.
These reactions help regulate physiological processes like sleep, pain perception, learning and memory, motor functions, emotional behavior, and stress. When the network of receptors does not have enough of the right chemicals, it causes the system to become unbalanced.
Scientists were analyzing how cannabinoid chemicals from the Cannabis sativa plant interact with the body when they made this discovery. This was how the network of receptors got the name endocannabinoid system. “Endo” means made or produced within the body. This means your body is hardwired to interact with cannabinoid-type chemicals that the body produces.
There is scientific evidence that many of the over 100 different cannabinoid chemicals found in the cannabis plant interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. Cannabinol (CBN) is one of those cannabinoids.
CBN is different from cannabidiol (CBD) or cannabigerol (CBG) and is quickly gaining attention in the health and science community. Like CBD and CBG, CBN does not cause the psychoactive effects that are associated with marijuana. These are typically triggered by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBN research is in its infancy. Although CBD oil has more years of study and is well-known, researchers are intrigued by the health benefits early research has discovered.
Although research into CBN has only just begun, some studies are promising and indicate there may be unique and significant health benefits. For example, in 2019, one study demonstrated CBN may help relieve pain in an animal model, especially in myofascial pain that happens in conditions like fibromyalgia.
Another animal study showed CBN may help to stimulate the appetite. This research suggested that CBN may help people who have conditions like cancer or HIV. In a study in 2005, CBN demonstrated the potential ability to delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) in animals, indicating it could be neuroprotective.
Many cannabinoids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in certain studies. This includes CBN, which potentially reduced inflammation associated with arthritis in an animal study. More recently, InMed Pharmaceuticals announced preclinical results from a drug program using CBN.
The CBN-based drug was developed as a potential treatment for eye diseases like glaucoma. The first lab studies indicated CBN may have had a greater positive effect than CBD and THC under similar conditions. The preclinical lab and animal studies were the basis for filing a patent application for the treatment of intraocular pressure reduction with glaucoma.
Although the research into the health benefits of CBN is in the early stages, early results are seemingly positive. Scientists are hopeful that CBN may one day be a part of the treatment of eye diseases that trigger increased intraocular pressure and cause nerve damage, such as glaucoma.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBG has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have IBS, talk to your doctor.*
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder. The causes of IBS are not well understood. It can cause symptoms like belly pain, gas, bloating, and cramping. There are two different types of IBS.
Although physicians are not sure what causes the condition, it can still be treated. IBS affects more than 35 million people living in the U.S. The condition is uncomfortable and sometimes painful but does not lead to cancer. Although the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders states that IBS is not caused by stress or your diet, it can be worsened by these triggers. They recommend keeping a personal diary to help find triggers that worsen your symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects more women than men. Worldwide, experts estimate that up to 15% of the population has symptoms of IBS. Most people with IBS are under age 50, but even older adults can experience IBS. The symptoms may range from mild inconvenience to severe debilitation. The symptoms are often unpredictable. This means the condition may trigger social isolation. Experts believe other factors that play a role in the development of symptoms include:
The Cannabis sativa plant has a long history of human use. Cultivation dates back to the early colonists who grew hemp to make cloth and rope. Both marijuana and hemp are from the Cannabis sativa species. The early plants had very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana.
As the scientists were studying the chemicals found in cannabis plants, called cannabinoids, they discovered humans have receptors built specifically for cannabinoid-like chemicals. Receptors are areas on the cell structure that bind with chemicals and then activate a cell to take action. Researchers called the network of receptors the endocannabinoid system. “Endo” means it is found in the body.
Scientists have identified two types of receptors in the human endocannabinoid system. These are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are most often found in the central nervous system (brain) but can also be found in the gut and immune system. CB2 receptors are found in the immune system and the gastrointestinal system. A small number are also found in the brain. The endocannabinoid system helps maintain homeostasis (stability) within the body. It modulates several physiological processes, such as sleep, inflammation, pain, and stress.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of the cannabinoid chemicals found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Scientists have identified more than 100 cannabinoids that are largely responsible for the effects of cannabis plants. CBG is a non-psychoactive compound and is made from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This is the first cannabinoid the plant produces. CBGA is the starting point for many cannabinoid compounds. This earned CBGA the name “the mother of all cannabinoids.”
Most cannabis plants typically have a low percentage of CBG because much of it is converted into CBD, THC, and CBC. Some hemp producers are investigating different ways of boosting levels of CBG in the plant to take greater advantage of the health benefits.
To date, the research on CBG is just beginning. Researchers must isolate the compound from the plant before it can be tested independently. Some of the current findings suggest that it influences the endocannabinoid system and other parts of the body as well.
Although CBG does not bind strongly with either endocannabinoid receptors in the body, it does appear to reduce the reuptake of anandamide. This is one of the main endocannabinoids your body makes. By reducing reuptake, it increases the level of anandamide in your body, and therefore increases the effectiveness of your own chemical.
Science has discovered evidence that CBG may have antioxidant properties and may help to reduce intraocular pressure, which is important in those who have glaucoma. The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in inflammatory bowel diseases such as IBS. CBD is well researched, and scientists find it may help to reduce intestinal inflammation. While CBG research is in the early stages, scientists are hopeful that further analysis will support the use of CBG in people who have symptoms associated with IBS.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBD has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure insomnia. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have insomnia, talk to your doctor.*
If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you might be wondering if CBD may help. Your insomnia symptoms could be short-term, chronic, or may come and go (intermittent). There are two types of insomnia.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine declared March 12, 2018, Insomnia Awareness Day. The day is intended to highlight the sleeping problems that millions of people struggle with each night. Statistics tell us:
Sleep problems can affect your cognitive function, including your memory and concentration. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Seek medical attention if you have chronic sleeping problems. Treatable health conditions can trigger sleep problems like insomnia. But, if your physician does not find other health problems, let's consider how cannabidiol (CBD) may improve your situation.
If you were asked about the major organ systems in your body, the endocannabinoid system might not come to mind. Your endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors located throughout your body. Receptors are structures on your cell that bind with neurotransmitters (chemicals) that tell cells to take action.
Your body has two types of endocannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2. For the most part, your brain has CB1 receptors and your immune system, and your gut have CB2 receptors. You do have CB2 receptors in the brain, but there are not as many.
Your endocannabinoid receptors interact with cannabinoid-type chemicals your body produces. These are endogenous cannabinoids. In other words, your body is hardwired for cannabinoid-like chemicals to help maintain homeostasis (stability).
CBD is one of the most heavily studied cannabinoid compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. In recent years it has exploded in popularity. This is due in part to the potentially beneficial effects and the lack of psychoactivity associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Interestingly, CBD does not bind well with either CB1 or CB2. Instead, research shows that it helps by improving or delaying the action of other chemicals with your endocannabinoid system. Those chemicals can be produced by your body (endogenous) or cannabinoids included in full-spectrum CBD oil (exogenous).
A dysfunctional endocannabinoid system can affect multiple other organ systems. This is called endocannabinoid deficiency. It's not a disease but rather an underlying condition that may trigger headaches, generalized body pain and affect your gut health. Your CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain help modulate your sleep-wake cycles. If the system is deficient, it can affect your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Research evidence has shown that CBD may have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may have helped the participants in the study to sleep better and potentially calm their anxiety. Short-term studies show patients do not experience withdrawal when use is abruptly discontinued.
There is also research evidence to suggest that CBD may help with several types of sleep conditions. This includes insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder in people with Parkinson’s disease, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Struggling to get a good night of sleep is frustrating. It increases your risk of other health conditions and may affect your cognitive abilities during the day. When your sleep challenges are not associated with an underlying medical condition, CBD oil may help reduce your symptoms of difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBN has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure excessive weight gain. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have excessive weight gain, talk to your doctor.*
If you've been struggling to lose weight, you might have considered using cannabinol (CBN). It’s natural to wonder, does CBN help you lose weight? CBN might affect weight management. But instead of weight loss, it can help stimulate the urge to eat. In animal studies, CBN increased appetite. CBN might be an option for individuals suffering from unintended weight loss or who have difficulty eating regularly.
Obesity is a serious epidemic in the US. The number of overweight and obese individuals has consistently risen since 1999. There are wide differences in weight measurements in different groups of people and across geographical areas.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases defines obesity as someone whose weight is higher than normal when weight is adjusted for height. In 2017-2018, obesity had risen to a 42.4% rate from 30.5% in 1999-2000. Obesity increases your risk for other health conditions. These include stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
These rising numbers have led to a growing weight loss and diet control market. Weight loss products reached a record $78 billion in sales in 2019 but suffered a slight loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and recession. Experts expect the market to rebound. Some of the most popular diets include ketogenic diets and intermittent fasting. Meal replacements are still selling strong, but retail diet pills are not. More people want healthier ways of losing weight.
Your body has an endocannabinoid system made up of receptors, enzymes, and chemicals that scientists identified in the 1990s. Receptors are structures on cells that bind with neurotransmitter chemicals to signal a cell to take action. The receptors in the endocannabinoid system are called CB1 and CB2.
These receptors interact with cannabinoid-like chemicals your body produces naturally. The medical term for these chemicals is endogenous cannabinoids. Your endogenous cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors located throughout your body. The most abundant cannabinoid receptor is CB1, found mostly in your brain, spinal cord, liver, and adrenal glands. CB2 receptors are typically found in immune cells and bone tissue.
It’s important to remember that your body is hard-wired to interact and depend upon the cannabinoid-like chemicals it produces. When your body makes enough, the system helps maintain many physiological processes. Over the past three decades, researchers have just scratched the surface of understanding this system. Research continues to discover how the endocannabinoid system modulates the neurological system, the immune system, and helps maintain homeostasis (stability).
Research suggests that when the endocannabinoid system is dysfunctional, it can negatively affect your health and wellness. Researchers are continuing to evaluate the structure and function of a variety of cannabinoid chemicals. To date, they have identified over 100 cannabinoids from the Cannabis sativa plant.
Your cannabinoid receptors help regulate how much food you eat and how you process it. They are also responsible for managing fat cells. Higher activity of the endocannabinoid system in animals increases their food intake and, therefore, their weight gain. Scientists believe that overactivity of the system may contribute to obesity in humans.
Researchers attempted to block CB1 receptors using the anti-obesity drug rimonabant. While the results were somewhat successful, the drug also induced severe psychiatric side effects. It has become apparent that the endocannabinoid system may not be manipulated easily.
CBN is found in small amounts in the cannabis plant. The concentration of CBN increases as the plant undergoes oxidative stress and ages. This means that as the plant is exposed to heat or oxygen it converts the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to CBN.
Researchers initially believed that CBN was inactive. Later, researchers found it has a three-times higher affinity for CB2 receptors than does THC. CBN is now being studied for its potential to improve rest and reduce wakefulness.
It’s also possible that CBN activates stem cells in the bone. This may stimulate the production of more bone. The chemical has an analgesic effect which means it helps reduce discomfort the same way as THC but without the psychoactive effects.
Ultimately, while there is no conclusive evidence either way, one might infer that an increased appetite and potential to increase bone growth would lead to weight gain instead of weight loss.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBG has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure glaucoma. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have glaucoma, talk to your doctor.*
Glaucoma is an umbrella term for a group of eye conditions that damages the optic nerve and may lead to blindness. Many forms of this eye disease have no warning signs. Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be recovered, so it is essential to identify the condition early and get treatment.
The underlying change that causes damage in glaucoma is a buildup of fluid that puts pressure on the optic nerve. There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common in the U.S. is open angle glaucoma. People with open angle glaucoma experience patchy blind spots in their peripheral or central vision.
Scientists are currently studying the chemical cannabigerol (CBG) to find out if it may reduce intraocular pressure. Reducing pressure on the optic nerve may benefit your eyesight.
In the early 1990s, researchers were exploring the biological effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for producing a “high” sensation. During their research, they discovered a complex system that helps to regulate many different functions in the body, such as those related to sleep and appetite. Researchers called it the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors called CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors interact with chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which are both produced in the body (endogenous cannabinoids) and produced in the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids). CB1 receptors are predominantly found in your nervous system, while CB2 receptors are predominantly found in your immune system.
There are receptors for your endocannabinoid system throughout your body. Researchers have called the endocannabinoid system the “master regulator” and believe it may be linked to multiple processes in the body, including:
Cannabigerol (CBG) is one form of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It's a minor compound, which means it's not present in large quantities, though CBG is more concentrated in younger cannabis plants. This is because CBG breaks down over time to help form other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Since CBG is often present in small quantities, researchers must isolate it to study the independent effects it has on your health. Some research has found that CBG may have a beneficial effect on various areas, such as cellular function.
CBG does not produce a “high” the way THC does, and it may actually help to inhibit the effects of THC by binding with CB1 receptors in the brain.
Some studies have suggested that CBG may help to reduce intraocular pressure. This is the pressure buildup inside the eye that ultimately damages the optic nerve. CBG can be used topically and systemically.
In 2018, eye drops containing cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is the acidic form of CBG, were developed by University of British Columbia research scientists who hope it will one day treat glaucoma as you sleep. Other eye drops used to treat glaucoma have had significant obstacles, including:
The UBC researchers developed a hydrogel filled with CBGA and found the compound was quickly absorbed and did reach the back of the eye. This was an exciting breakthrough since past studies suggested CBG may be effective in relieving glaucoma. Yet, cannabis-based eye drops were difficult to manufacture because the compound does not easily dissolve in water.
Another study found that CBG increased the fluid outflow in the eye by two to three times, which essentially reduces the intraocular pressure. The results led the researchers to suggest that CBG may have therapeutic potential for glaucoma.
As the evidence mounts that systemic or topical CBG may help reduce intraocular pressure, scientists are hopeful that one day the compound will become a regular part of recommended treatment for glaucoma.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBG has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure thyroid problems. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have thyroid problems, talk to your doctor.*
If you have thyroid disease, you might be wondering if cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) can help alleviate your symptoms. The American Thyroid Association estimates that 20 million Americans have thyroid problems. Up to 60% of those aren’t aware of their condition.
People with thyroid problems either have too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is also called underactive thyroid. It happens when your body doesn't make enough hormones to meet your needs. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves the daily use of a synthetic thyroid hormone to reverse the symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism is also called overactive thyroid. This condition is the result of your body making too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps your body control the energy it uses and affects nearly every organ. For example, if untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious problems with your muscles, heart, bones, fertility, and menstrual cycle. Treatment can lead to hypothyroidism when the gland is removed or destroyed.
In the 1990s, researchers confirmed the presence of cannabinoid receptors. These are cell areas that bind with neurotransmitters (chemicals) to signal the cell to take action. Scientists discovered the body has two cannabinoid receptors, which they named CB1 and CB2. In other words, your body is hardwired to respond to cannabinoids through this unique receptor system. Researchers call it the endocannabinoid system.
This is important because it means our body produces endogenous chemicals like cannabinoids that bind with CB1 and CB2. Scientists have discovered your body has cannabinoid receptors within your immune system, kidney, liver, lungs, brain, and more.
Your body uses the endogenous cannabinoids it produces to stimulate cannabinoid receptors. This, in turn, helps maintain homeostasis (stability). Early research found cannabinoid receptors play an important role in pain, anxiety, bone growth, and immune function.
Currently, researchers have discovered that the CB1 receptors are found principally in the brain. They’re also found in fat tissue, the spinal cord, liver, and adrenal and thyroid glands. CB2 receptors are generally found in immune cells but may also be found within bone tissue.
CBG is one cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It's called “the mother of all cannabinoids.” The most widely researched cannabinoids originate from CBG within the plant. These include CBG, THC, CBD, cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and cannabichromene (CBC).
CBG is present in low amounts in hemp plants. It’s not intoxicating, which means it doesn’t cause the psychoactive effects of THC. In fact, evidence reveals that CBG inhibits THC binding with CB1 receptors in the brain and reduces the effects of THC.
CBG’s affinity with CB1 receptors might be responsible for some of its beneficial effects. These include a reduction in nervous and sad feelings, improvement in some digestive problems, and an improved appetite.
CB1 cannabinoid receptors play an important role in the endocrine system, including the production and release of thyroid hormone. Early animal studies showed that cannabis plants could decrease thyroid hormones.
Because CBG is present in small amounts in the plant, researchers must isolate it to understand its benefits. The research on CBG has only just begun. At this time, scientists are hopeful, but there is no conclusive evidence CBG helps alleviate thyroid problems.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBN has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure PTSD. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have PTSD, talk to your doctor.*
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Events such as a serious accident, terrorist act, rape, natural disaster, threats of sexual violence, serious injury, or death can all contribute to the condition. In the past, PTSD was called “shell shock” or “combat fatigue.” But PTSD doesn’t affect only combat veterans. Symptoms can include:
A PTSD diagnosis requires a past exposure to a traumatic event and symptoms that last for more than a month. These must cause significant distress or make it difficult for the sufferer to perform activities of daily living. Not all people who live through a dangerous event develop PTSD. Some factors may increase the risk. Some experts have wondered whether one of those potential PTSD risk factors is a deficiency in the endocannabinoid system.
In the early 1940s, scientists extracted tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) from the cannabis plant. But it was another 20 years before scientists understood the structure and chemistry of these chemicals. Since then, researchers have identified over 100 cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis sativa plant.
It wasn't until the 1990s that research scientists discovered the human body has receptors built specifically for cannabinoid substances. A receptor is a structure in a cell that binds with chemicals and signals cells to perform an action. Researchers discovered two receptor types, CB1 and CB2. These receptors are located throughout your body.
Scientists named the system of receptors the endocannabinoid system because it appeared to react with endogenous cannabinoid-like chemicals. These are chemicals the body makes. In other words, your body produces chemicals similar in nature and structure to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain, and CB2 are generally found in the immune system. One study using brain imaging found links between CB1 receptors in the brain and post-traumatic stress disorder. This might help explain why some people with PTSD who use cannabis report more relief than they do from pharmaceutical drugs and other psychiatric medications.
A second study published in 2020 found that cannabis reduced the severity of symptoms by more than half during cannabis use. This evidence appears to support the theory that people with PTSD may have a deficiency in their endocannabinoid system.
Evidence shows that the endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in stress-related psychiatric conditions like PTSD. Cannabinol (CBN) is one cannabinoid found in cannabis. When THC breaks down in the plant, CBN is produced. For this reason, older plants exposed to oxidative stress, such as heat and light, have more CBN and less THC than younger plants. CBN does not have the psychoactive effects found in THC.
There have not been many studies of CBN and its effects. But there is preliminary information about the therapeutic benefits. As more people use CBD, scientists are how other cannabinoids might have a therapeutic effect. Thus far, there is evidence to suggest that CBN may act as a:
CBN has also demonstrated powerful neuroprotective properties in animal studies. In one study, researchers used CBN to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The researchers found CBN could delay the onset, suggesting it may play a role in the fight against neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers are just beginning to explore the health benefits of CBN. Currently, there is evidence to suggest that CBD might help relieve some symptoms that are associated with PTSD. However, there is little evidence that using only CBN may offer similar results.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBN has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure morning sickness. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have morning sickness, talk to your doctor.*
Morning sickness is not uncommon in the early months of pregnancy. If you’ve experienced it, you know that it’s a misnomer since morning sickness can happen all day long. Symptoms typically start between weeks six and nine of your pregnancy. For the vast majority of women, it is gone by 16 weeks.
Those ten weeks of nausea and vomiting can have a significant impact on your ability to eat and maintain your weight. While morning sickness itself doesn't harm the baby, it might require medical attention if you lose weight. This sometimes leads to hospitalization to protect your health and the health of your baby.
If you've been struggling with morning sickness and have not been able to keep food down, you might be wondering if cannabinol (CBN) could help relieve your symptoms. There are studies in which women report temporary relief from nausea and vomiting by using cannabis. CBN is one chemical found in the cannabis plant.
Researchers began studying how Cannabis sativa affects the body in the 1990s. Not soon after, they discovered humans have receptors affected by cannabinoids. These receptors are structures in your cells that bind to neurotransmitters and signal cells to perform an action.
The body has these receptors in order to interact with endogenous chemicals, which is a term for chemicals the body makes. In other words, your body naturally produces chemicals like the cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. Following this, researchers discovered humans had two types of receptors for cannabinoids. They called this the endocannabinoid system. “Endo” means a chemical or structure that is natural to your body.
The endocannabinoid receptors are called CB1 and CB2. Researchers have found cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. Your brain has more CB1 receptors, and your immune system has more CB2 receptors. The job of these receptors is to bind with chemicals. This triggers physiological processes to help maintain homeostasis (stability) in the body.
The cannabis plant has low levels of CBN. It’s found in low enough amounts to be classified as a rare or minor cannabinoid. The amount of CBN in the plant increases as it grows older and dries. This exposes the plant to air, light, and heat. These stressors cause tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to degrade into CBN.
Since the chemical CBN is found in such small amounts in the plant, researchers must isolate it to study its effects. Interestingly, CBN was the first cannabinoid chemical isolated and identified from the cannabis plant. The discovery was attributed to the poor transportation and storage conditions of the cannabis, which lead to the degradation of THC.
Considerable scientific evidence shows the endocannabinoid system assists in regulating nausea and vomiting. In a wide variety of studies, cannabinoids have exhibited an antiemetic effect. This means cannabinoids have demonstrated the ability to help control vomiting and nausea. In one review of the literature, researchers concluded that cannabinoids could one day be useful in helping to treat nausea and vomiting that is unresponsive to other medications.
Some caution is warranted since cannabis used for morning sickness affects not only the mother. There are multiple case studies of women who found their nausea and vomiting from morning sickness were eased by cannabis. Recent research looked at more than 600,000 pregnancies and births in Ontario, Canada. They compared women who used cannabis against those who did not. They found that the rate of premature birth for women who used cannabis was nearly double those who did not use cannabis.
Research in the last decade has also evaluated the effect cannabis has on the developing brain. Most studies have looked at the use of marijuana during adolescence. They found that marijuana use could potentially change the brain's structure and impact the behavior of the teen. Some researchers believe much of the blame lies with the psychoactive component THC.
Currently, there isn’t enough evidence that using CBN by itself is safe during pregnancy. More research is needed to conclusively identify the cannabinoids responsible for alterations in brain development and premature birth.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBG has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure hair loss. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have hair loss, talk to your doctor.*
Are you thinking about using cannabigerol (CBG) but concerned it might cause hair loss? CBG interacts with receptors that transmit signals on your skin. Some researchers suggest that this could impact your hair follicles located beneath your skin, which hold your hair in place. So far, available scientific evidence does not suggest that CBG triggers hair loss. In fact, it might have the opposite effect.
An interruption in your body’s normal cycle of hair production and loss causes several types of hair loss. Hair growth happens in three phases. The growth phase can last for several years. After the hair stops growing, it separates from the follicle. This phase can last for about ten days.
The hair follicle will then rest for two to three months before the hair falls out, triggering the next growth phase when new hair grows in the follicle. When a health condition or medication interrupts this cycle, hair can fall out faster than the body can regenerate it. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs every day.
There are many reasons your body could begin to lose more hair. These include heredity, problems with the immune system, harsh hair products, certain medication, and some medical treatments. Persistent hair loss could also indicate an underlying health condition. Before trying to treat your hair loss at home, discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician. In some cases, simply changing your diet or changing medications can help.
In 1990, a team from the National Institute of Mental Health announced they had discovered cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This led to the discovery that the body produces endogenous neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters interact with cannabinoid receptors. The term endogenous means that your body produces the chemicals. Scientists called them endocannabinoids and the system of receptors the endocannabinoid system.
Today, researchers have found that the endocannabinoid system consists of at least two types of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are concentrated in your central nervous system, while the majority of CB2 receptors are found in your immune system. Scientists have proven this system is important to maintaining homeostasis (stability) in your body. It influences a variety of physiological processes, including your immune system, central nervous system, and your skin.
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to help regulate essential functions like sleep, appetite, and pain. Bodies should produce enough endogenous cannabinoids. However, low levels of endogenous cannabinoids could affect your bodily systems. People with a lack of cannabinoids could experience symptoms like uncomfortable joints, skin flair-ups, and anxious feelings.
CBG is called “the mother of all cannabinoids” because it is a precursor to many other cannabinoid chemicals. This means CBG is used by the plant to produce several other cannabinoid chemicals, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
In the past 20 years, researchers have found that cannabinoids are significant to skin health. There is evidence that a poorly functioning endocannabinoid system contributes to skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, acne, various tumors, psoriasis, and poor hair growth.
Although CBG is an active ingredient in a cannabis plant, it’s only found in small amounts. In order to identify health benefits, scientists must isolate the compound. Researchers are just beginning to study CBG, so little is known about long-term side effects.
So far, animal studies suggest it is well tolerated. In one study, CBG was used to stimulate the appetite in animals who were well-fed. This increased the amount of food they ate but did not produce side effects observed by the researchers.
Scientists are just beginning to explore the health benefits associated with CBG. Currently, the cannabinoid has been well-tolerated by animal subjects, and there are no reported hair loss side effects.
]]>*Despite what you might read elsewhere on the internet, CBG has not been medically proven to prevent, treat, or cure arthritis. This article discusses ongoing research into the endocannabinoid system and should not be the foundation of any medical or health recommendations or diagnosis. If you have or suspect you may have arthritis, talk to your doctor.*
Arthritis literally means an inflammation of the joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and more than 50 million adults who have at least one type. The condition is more common in women and happens more frequently as people age. The most common type of arthritis is degenerative osteoarthritis. In this condition, the cartilage that supports and cushions the surface of the ends of the bones wears away. This causes bone to rub against bone, which triggers pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Scientists believe several factors may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These include joint injury, overuse, obesity, and weak muscles. The most common joints affected are used frequently and often are weight-bearing. These include your hips, knees, fingers, and feet.
Anti-inflammatory medications are often used to treat the pain of arthritis. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), topical treatments, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Each of these treatments comes with a long list of side effects. Some of the more common side effects of NSAIDs include constipation, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Evidence suggests there may be another option to treat the pain associated with arthritis, without the side effects.
Throughout the human body are receptor sites, called cannabinoid receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system was identified in the 1990s by scientists researching the cannabis plant, and it was discovered that compounds called cannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptor sites in order to help the body regulate core functions, such as sleep, stress, and pain.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are produced within the human body (endocannabinoids) and also within the cannabis plant (phytocannabinoids).
There are two types of cannabinoid receptor sites, including CB1, found in the central nervous system, and CB2, concentrated in the immune system. When your body has a balanced level of cannabinoids that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, it may help you to stay mentally resilient and improve your physical wellbeing.
Many scientists also believe that activation of these CB1 and CB2 receptors may produce analgesia, or reduction in pain. Specifically, scientists are interested to know if when certain cannabinoids bind with these receptors, could they potentially help to block or limit neuropathic pain and reduce neural inflammation. A number of studies have been conducted to shed light on this area of research.
Traditional healers and natural medicine practitioners have been using the cannabis sativa plant for its purported analgesic effect for thousands of years. There are over 100 different cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of them. CBG is unique since it is involved in the formation of several other cannabinoids. This has earned the compound the title “The Mother of all Cannabinoids.”
However, while it is an active ingredient in the cannabis plant, it is only present in small amounts. This means to identify the likely health benefits, researchers must isolate the compound and study it independently.
Inside the body, CBG binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors. We cannot make the claim that any cannabinoid should be used to treat a specific disease or ailment. However, there is some research to show that CBG may one day be more widely used to help support people with inflammatory conditions.
Scientists believe that the endocannabinoid system is one of the keys to regulating pain sensations. One research paper indicates that CBG may be an alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonist and 5HT1a receptor antagonist. What this means is that CBG’s effect on these receptors may help reduce the perception of pain and help alleviate the discomfort, soreness, and aches associated with arthritis.
As research about CBG continues to grow, some experts are hopeful that CBG may one day provide an effective treatment for arthritis pain. For now, the studies are inconclusive.
]]>Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most active ingredient in cannabis after THC, aka tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD is derived from the Hemp plant, which is a species of the Cannabis plant that contains higher amounts of CBD and lower amounts of THC (under 0.3%). CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds found in Hemp, and is not associated with the “high” feeling that THC can produce.
CBD, and the cannabinoids found in Hemp, are currently being studied by scientists for their potential benefits in helping reduce nausea, relieving pain, serving as a sleep aid, and to help balance the core functioning systems in our bodies. CBD is also being researched for its anti-inflammatory properties which could help you recover more quickly from workouts. Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts have been turning to CBD, Hemp, and Cannabis to relieve their post-workout soreness and speed up recovery from injury.
Lifting weights and other strenuous forms of exercise causes microscopic damage to muscle fibers. These muscles then become inflamed, triggering the body to repair the damage, which causes soreness and stiffness. CBD and Hemp products are being used by athletes for their potential use in helping with post-workout muscle tension, soreness, and overall aches & pains. They believe that it helps their bodies relax and better deal with the stress from their strenuous workouts which speeds up recovery and the healing process.
Unfortunately, many people are turning to muscle relaxers to help with their pain and muscle recovery. These muscle relaxers are drugs that are known to contain side effects like trembling, dizziness, fatigue, depression, and confusion. The Hemp plant, however, is a natural alternative that has less overall risk and is known to have less side effects than many pharmaceutical options available today.
CBD and Hemp have many potential uses and can be ingested orally or rubbed on muscles as a topical gel. CBD can also be added to baths to increase the effectiveness of warm baths following a workout. According to a review of over 100 studies published in Frontiers in Neurology in 2018, CBD was researched for its potential benefits of decreasing inflammation, helping alleviate minor pain, improving mobility, and aiding in the function of the central nervous system. The review concluded that CBD and the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant showed promising results for potential use as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiemetic (effective against nausea), antipsychotic, and may help play a vital role in balancing our nervous systems, according to the review.
While many people think about using CBD for its muscle recovery properties as a post-workout supplement, some take CBD before hitting the gym. CBD can potentially give a natural boost to performance. Because CBD is often used to ease anxiousness, many believe it can also help them focus better during exercise. A pre-workout dose of CBD provides a base for the post-workout CBD. When you take your CBD before a workout, make sure that you allow enough time for it to stimulate the native cannabinoids and receptor sites inside your body.
A study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the blood pressure response to stress was reduced among subjects who were given CBD instead of those who were given a placebo during a workout. A review published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management found that CBD was effective in managing aches and pains in people who had frequent pain, without the adverse side effects of many medications.
While more research is needed on the effects of CBD before and after a workout, one study indicated that CBD might even lead to better endurance. According to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, without a balanced endocannabinoid system, a “runner’s high” may not even be possible. Thus, using CBD and Hemp could help increase endorphins during exercise, allowing those who take CBD to achieve a higher level of endurance.
A study in the journal Cardiovascular Research found that CBD may be a vasorelaxant. This means it might ease tension in arteries and veins so that blood can flow better. CBD is currently being studied as an aid in reducing blood pressure as well. These effects may help you lengthen your workout without the usual fatigue and stress. CBD stays in the body for hours, meaning it could potentially help stave off the soreness you feel after training. It’s worth noting that CBD capsules, edibles, oil added to smoothies, and gummies typically take effect after approximately one to two hours. However, tinctures taken under the tongue take effect in about 30 minutes.
For some exercise enthusiasts, the mental benefits of CBD are as important as the physical. In addition to relieving muscle soreness or aches and speeding post-workout recovery, it can help you relax and stay focused. For serious athletes, the calming effect of CBD can take off the edge before a game or competition.
CBD is not the only cannabinoid compound that has beneficial effects before and after a workout. CBG, CBN, and CBC in CBD Oil can all help active people. CBC, or cannabichromene, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp and derived from cannabichromenic acid. CBC has been found to play a significant role in the development of the brain. CBC has antibacterial and antifungal properties and might be useful to combat inflammation you experience after a workout.
Cannabinoids like CBC act on inflammation differently than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do, according to a study in the British Journal of Pharmacology. CBC could be a great natural alternative without the side effects of Ibuprofen and other similar medications. CBC in combination with THC had a significant anti-inflammatory response in a study on animals. Together, the CBC and THC produced a significantly greater effect on inflammation than by themselves.
Cannabinol, or CBN, is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid derived from tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THC-A), the same compound that gives rise to THC. In addition to having sedative properties, studies have indicated that CBN may have immune-regulating properties.
CBD can come from marijuana, but most of the CBD you see comes from hemp, a similar plant with very little THC. Hemp is legal in the United States but is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means selecting which kind of CBD to buy is very important. The most crucial factor to consider is that the CBD you buy is verified by an independent third-party lab so that you know you are getting a product without contaminants and impurities. Make sure to buy CBD from a licensed dispensary or check the label if you are purchasing a product online to make sure it has been lab-tested.It is difficult to determine the length of time you'll experience relief and how long the CBD will remain in your body. However, some factors can help you estimate how long you experience the benefits with each dose.
There are a variety of reasons people consider using CBD. These include improving sleep quality, balancing mood, and managing aches & pain. Additionally, researchers are hopeful that CBD could be used to help reduce the effects of drug dependence, which are at epidemic rates in the U.S.
CBD may also help to control feelings of anxiousness and sadness, and one study found that a single dose had a measurable effect on reducing blood pressure (though at this time, CBD is not medically proven to treat or cure high blood pressure). Because of its role in your endocannabinoid system, there are potentially long-term benefits for some conditions.
CBD oil is also used for occasional instances of anxiousness and panic or short-term pain management. Knowing how long the dose will affect you can help you determine when you might need your next dose and how much to take.
There is a direct relationship between how long the effects of CBD last and your body’s metabolism. Your body mass index and water content also influence how long the effects last and how long they stay in your system. Another significant factor is bioavailability.
This is a term that means how quickly and effectively CBD is available for your body to use. Several factors affect bioavailability, including the dosage, the way you take CBD, and how frequently you use it. There are several ways of taking CBD, which include:
Each of these methods has a different level of bioavailability. For example, inhaling or smoking CBD raises the percentage of the compound immediately available to the bloodstream through the lung tissue.
However, as data has shown, inhaling hot substances increases the risk of damage to your lungs. Taking CBD sublingually, or under the tongue, is a second method of increasing the bioavailability of the compound.
CBD is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes and bypasses your digestive system. This method increases how quickly it works and the amount available to your body.
When swallowed, CBD first goes through the digestive system called the “first-pass effect,” which lowers the concentration of CBD available to your body. Before reaching your bloodstream, the CBD first passes through the liver, where metabolism begins. With lower-concentration CBD edible products, the length of time that you’ll feel the effects will likely be significantly shorter.
Although metabolism and bioavailability of the product are two of the main factors that affect how long CBD benefits last, there are others over which you may have greater control.
For example, the larger the dose of CBD, the longer it stays in your system. However, it is not recommended you begin using high doses if you are new to CBD. It's best to start with a lower recommended dose and increase from there as needed.
Frequency is another factor that affects how long the effects of CBD lasts. The compounds in CBD work by balancing your natural endocannabinoid system.
CBD is a fat-soluble molecule. This means your body stores CBD for short periods in fat cells. The greater the number of fat cells you have, the longer it takes for CBD to leave your body.
With daily use, CBD can build up in the fat cells, helping maintain a better balance of your natural endocannabinoid system. In other words, people who use it consistently may find that the effects last longer without building a tolerance to cannabinoid compounds.
Multiple Compounds Last Different Lengths of Time
The variety of cannabinoid compounds found in the hemp plant also influences how long the benefits last with each dose. The Cannabis sativa plant has over 100 cannabinoids.
CBD oil comes in three different forms: full spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains many of the other naturally occurring compounds extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, including up to 0.3% of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains several of the compounds, but without THC. The CBD isolate is the purest form that contains only CBD.
Several other cannabinoid compounds are in broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oil, including cannabinols (CBN), cannabichromenes (CBC), cannabigerols (CBG), and cannabicyclols (CBL).
These compounds have unique benefits and are also affected by factors that influence how long CBD lasts in your body. It is nearly impossible to make a definitive statement about how long the effects last, but as a rule, it may last several hours.
How to Choose a Quality Product
CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants that legally contain only 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. It’s important to note that hemp is a phytoremediation crop. This means that the plants can extract heavy metals and other contaminants from the soil in which they are grown.
When purchasing CBD products, you have the choice of three options: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Many CBD oil benefits come from the interaction between CBD and the other cannabinoid compounds found in full-spectrum products.
A third factor to consider is third-party laboratory testing that can show exactly what's in the product.
]]>Anxious thoughts and feelings are a normal part of daily life. Yet, sometimes, these feelings can get overwhelming. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of young adults under age 30 who reported feeling anxious rose significantly. Scientists believe the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic triggered this event.
There are a number of things people can do to reduce their anxious feelings, such as exercise, eat a healthy diet, and possibly take medication. Unfortunately, commonly used medications for these feelings of occasional anxiousness come with a long list of side effects, including blurred vision, fatigue, restlessness, headache, and erectile dysfunction, to name a few.
Many people are searching for alternative options that may help with their anxious feelings, which aren’t linked with significant adverse side effects. Some people have reported that CBG helps to reduce these feelings.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a type of cannabinoid, or naturally occurring chemical compound found in the hemp plant. CBG is not present in large amounts but is one of the active ingredients in the cannabis plant. Hemp has over 100 different cannabinoids, each with specific effects on the human body.
CBG starts out in the plant as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which undergoes a transformation to CBG. Many of the cannabinoids with which you are familiar begin as CBGA. These include cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinol (CBN).
CBG is present in low concentrations in the plant. So, someone cannot smoke or consume a particular strain and identify any specific effect contributed to CBG. However, scientists have isolated the compound, which helps them to study it independently and understand how it affects people.
It is important to understand that CBG interacts with your endocannabinoid system. This system is a vast network of receptor sites in your body that helps control pain, mood, appetite, and other basic functions. These receptors are built specifically for the cannabinoid compounds your body produces.
These are endogenous cannabinoids, which means they occur naturally within your body. When a person produces optimal levels of endogenous cannabinoids, they help to support mental resilience and keep us calm. When the system doesn't work optimally, it may result in experiencing symptoms like anxious thoughts and feelings.
The endocannabinoid system was named for the cannabis plant that led to the discovery of the body’s receptors. Increased stress, lack of exercise, and a poor diet are factors that may contribute to endocannabinoid dysfunction.
Scientists have found that CBG is non-intoxicating. It binds with the CB1 receptor in the brain, which is the receptor THC uses to produce a psychoactive effect. So, it reduces the intoxicating effect of THC. This means that CBG is a CB1 antagonist because it blocks the effect of the receptor.
This is interesting since THC may stimulate feelings of fear and increase feelings of nervousness or anxiousness in higher doses. By blocking the CB1 receptors with CBG, people using THC may experience reduced anxious feelings or occasional nervousness.
Another benefit of CBG is that it may boost levels of anandamide. This is a natural compound found in the brain that helps your body regulate sleep and mood. Evidence has shown the endocannabinoid anandamide is likely to help regulate fear.
Finally, research demonstrates that CBG helps inhibit the uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which may help to relax muscles and reduce anxious feelings. As researchers continue to study CBG, they are hopeful it will one day be a treatment for anxious feelings and occasional nervousness.
]]>Some of the most well-known effects produced by cannabinoids in the human body are the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Moderate to large doses of THC create a euphoric high that may be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the circumstances. If you’re curious about trying CBD or hemp oil, you may be wondering how CBD compares to THC and what it might feel like when you take it.
CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors in your central nervous system, which is how it produces its famous psychoactive and calming effects. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to endocannabinoid receptors at all.
Instead, think of CBD’s role as an activator of other cannabinoids that are already present in your system. CBD does have several positive health benefits, but the way it interacts with your body is different from THC.
Some people assume that because both CBD and THC can be found in cannabis plants, they must cause similar effects. However, CBD is not psychoactive on its own. It won’t make you feel high, even at relatively strong concentrations.
In addition to occurring naturally in the cannabis plant, CBD can also be derived from hemp, which has no psychoactive effects at all. Hemp-derived CBD products are legally available in most states as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. Small amounts of THC occur naturally in hemp plants but not at high enough concentrations to induce psychoactive effects.
Research has suggested the possibility of a variety of health benefits associated with CBD. Some of the most compelling evidence of the potential effectiveness of CBD comes from what appears to be an ability to manage the symptoms related to many medication-resistant seizure disorders such as epilepsy. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first cannabis-derived anti-seizure drug, which includes CBD.
Other currently-being-studied benefits of CBD include its potential for helping with anxiousness, trouble sleeping, and low-mood.
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Some of the factors that affect bioavailability include how you take CBD, the dosage, your metabolism, and how frequently you use it. But did you know that CBD oil contains more than just one compound?
More Compounds in CBD Oil Improve Effectiveness
CBD is just one of the cannabinoid compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. In fact, the plant is a complex combination of over 60 cannabinoids and 400 other chemicals.
Cannabinoids found in quality CBD oil do not have the intoxicating effect that you experience with THC. But they do have health effects as they interact with the cannabinoid system in your body, also called the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids fall into several families, including cannabichromenes (CBC), cannabicyclols (CBL), cannabigerols (CBG), and cannabinols (CBN). There are two primary receptors in the human body, cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2). Cannabinoid compounds act on these receptors, although CBD itself does not. Rather, it acts as a catalyst for your own endocannabinoids and others like CBG, CBN, CBL, and CBC to act on the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
How quickly you experience results from taking CBD oil also depends on the speed at which these compounds interact with receptors in your body. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain, spine, and the peripheral nervous system. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune and gastrointestinal system.
Your perception of how quickly CBD oil works relies on your neurological system and the CB1 receptors. In other words, how fast you feel the effects from CBD oil is dependent on more than just the CBD compound in the product. Each of the other cannabinoids also affects the receptors in your body. It is the sum of these compounds that produce the health effects you experience..
How Fast CBD Works Depends on Other Factors
How quickly each of the compounds and CBD oil works also depends on other factors. For example, there are several ways of ingesting CBD oil:
Each of these ways has a different level of bioavailability. For example, when you take CBD orally, it must first go through your digestive system and eventually to the liver. Once there, the liver breaks it down before it reaches the bloodstream.
This is the “first-pass effect,” where liver enzymes lower the concentration of CBD. Whether you swallow a tincture or take a CBD edible, the same principle applies.
When CBD oil is taken under the tongue, the body absorbs the compound through the mucous membranes directly into the bloodstream, bypassing your digestive system and liver. This increases how fast CBD works and the amount that's available to your body.
Inhaling or smoking is a common way of using recreational cannabis. Using this method, the compounds are supplied to the bloodstream through the lung tissue. However, as is found in most cases when people inhale hot substances, there are inherent risks to your lungs.
Using lotions with CBD also bypass the digestive system, but the absorption rate is slower than when you take it under your tongue.
Frequency and Consistency
Finally, how frequently and consistently you use CBD oil also affects how quickly you experience results. CBD oil helps to naturally balance your endocannabinoid system. It helps promote physiological equilibrium, also called homeostasis. This helps control pain response, improve sleep and balance your mood.
Some people may experience immediate effects, sometimes within minutes. However, you may not experience all the benefits until you are taking CBD oil consistently. This helps to stimulate your endocannabinoid system to become more active, and therefore sensitive to the actions of CBD oil.
Through balancing your body’s systems, you may experience many of the health benefits associated with taking CBD every day. In addition to improving sleep quality and balancing your mood, using CBD daily may also improve:
Occasional Aches and Soreness — One of the more common reasons people use CBD every day is to relieve minor, temporary pain. Research has shown that it may be able to help reduce the use of opioids and improve sleep quality.
Feelings of anxiousness, sadness, and tension — Many people use CBD to help control emotions and temporary anxiousness. One study found it could effectively reduce behaviors associated with feelings of anxiousness, calm the emotions, and reduce tension and fears. In a review of several studies, researchers claim that CBD oil had mood-lifting effects.
Skin — Daily use of CBD oil has also demonstrated the potential to one day be used as a skin treatment because of its ability to help soothe mild acne outbreaks.]]>While your body needs cholesterol, when you have too much of it in your system, it can build up in your arteries and create health risks like heart disease. Doctors measure different types of cholesterol in a lipid profile. These include your:
Characterizing LDL as bad cholesterol is a simplification since there are different types of LDL, and not all are bad. It's important to understand that cholesterol is necessary for optimal health, especially for your brain. If cholesterol levels in the brain get too low, it cannot function properly. This negatively impacts learning, memory, and mood regulation.
Your body takes about 20 percent of the cholesterol it requires from the food you eat, and the rest is made in the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is also important for the production of vitamin D and hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen.
High cholesterol, however, can be detrimental to your overall health. High cholesterol is linked with atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, heart attacks, peripheral arterial disease, and strokes.
If your cholesterol level is too high, a healthy diet, exercise, and medication may help you reach healthy levels. Some researchers have also been studying the possibility that some cannabinoids – chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant – may help lower the body’s cholesterol levels. One specific cannabinoid, called cannabinol (CBN), has been garnering attention.
Cannabinol (CBN) is one of over 100 cannabinoids, or naturally occurring compounds, that scientists have identified in the cannabis plant. Other well-known cannabinoids derived from cannabis include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabis products have become increasingly popular since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, and an increasing amount of research is being done to better understand the different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and how they might be beneficial to our health.
In addition to the cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, the human body also naturally produces its own cannabinoids, called endogenous cannabinoids. Cannabinoids from both cannabis and the human body interact with a complex system in the body known as the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system, discovered in the early 1990s, is made up of receptor sites that interact with cannabinoids to help the body regulate certain functions, such as those associated with sleep, stress, appetite, and more.
The endocannabinoid system’s receptors, which include CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors, are located throughout the body, such as the brain, connective tissue, immune cells, and organs. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors are primarily located throughout the immune system.
Together, the endocannabinoid system and the cannabinoids it interacts with are believed to help the body regulate cognitive and physiological processes to help you remain healthy.
Researchers have studied the effect of cannabinoids on cholesterol metabolism. In one study, they found THC, CBD, and CBN appeared to decrease LDL cholesterol in a cell culture.
In another study, researchers found that a single dose of CBD could potentially lower resting blood pressure. It may also help lower the blood pressure increase associated with feelings of stress. Reducing blood pressure might also positively impact the microvessels in the eyes and kidneys.
An earlier study suggested that activation of the CB2 receptors by various cannabinoids may help to limit LDL activity and reduce inflammation of cardiovascular tissue.
Cannabinoids, including CBN, have been linked to various potential health benefits. They may relieve soreness and discomfort and provide analgesic relief. They may also help alleviate airway symptoms associated with exposure to allergies, and they might even have neuroprotective properties that help support brain health.
At this time, there is no conclusive evidence CBN affects cholesterol levels, but researchers are only beginning to discover the health benefits associated with CBN and are hopeful they’ll learn more soon about the ways CBN and other cannabinoids may optimize cholesterol levels and heart health.
]]>Researchers are seeking answers to help reduce the number of people affected and the cost to the economy. One focus of study is the interaction between the endocannabinoid system (ESC) and the cardiovascular system.
]]>Elevated blood pressure is often called the “silent killer.” There are no apparent signs that would indicate something is wrong. In fact, many people do not know they have it.
Your blood pressure has two numbers. The top number is your systolic blood pressure. This tells you how much pressure your artery walls experience each time your heart beats. Your diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number. This tells you how much pressure is against the artery walls between beats when the heart is resting.
Both numbers are significant. Elevations in systolic or diastolic pressure can increase the risk of death from heart disease and stroke.
In 2017, the American Heart Association released new guidelines for blood pressure. Under the new guidelines, more people had elevated blood pressure who were previously considered healthy.
Health Conditions Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure
Under the old blood pressure guidelines, a person had elevated blood pressure when their numbers were 140/90 and greater. The change happened after a study revealed that lowering this number to 120/80 could reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure.
The initial damage from elevated blood pressure is to the heart and blood vessels. The workload on the heart increases, making it less efficient. The added pressure increases friction against the walls inside the arteries.
When combined with a buildup of plaque along the arterial walls, it causes atherosclerosis. This sets up a vicious cycle. With more plaque and damage, the arteries become smaller. This raises blood pressure and continues to cause damage to the arteries and heart.
Elevated blood pressure also damages microcirculation. These are the tiny blood vessels that feed your organs at the cellular level. When these blood vessels are damaged, the individual will have an increased risk of kidney disease, and vision loss.
The annual cost of elevated blood pressure is enough to make your blood pressure rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. spent $48.6 billion in 2015 on medications, healthcare services, and lost productivity. Under the new guidelines, nearly 45% of U.S. adults have elevated blood pressure.
The Endocannabinoid System and Blood Pressure
Researchers are seeking answers to help reduce the number of people affected and the cost to the economy. One focus of study is the interaction between the endocannabinoid system (ESC) and the cardiovascular system.
Your body has a system of receptors specifically designed for cannabinoids. Our endocannabinoid system is designed with 2 types of receptors that can be found all throughout the brain, the central nervous system, our organs, and on every single one of our immune cells. These receptor types are known as (CB1) and (CB2) receptors. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids, called endogenous or internal, cannabinoids known as 2-AG and Anandamide. CBD and other cannabinoids found in the Hemp plant are known as phyto or exogenous cannabinoids. The cannabinoids found in the Hemp plant are known to bind and work with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body and mimic the cannabinoids we produce naturally.
Researchers have found that cannabinoids have a complex effect on blood pressure. There is growing evidence implicating an imbalance in the endocannabinoid system with a variety of cardiovascular diseases.
There is also some emerging evidence that our endocannabinoid system plays a protective role in the progression of elevated pressure and plaque on the arteries’ walls. Researchers are hopeful that the compounds may also help to protect tissue after a heart attack or stroke.
Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a central component to the management of internal and external stress. When stress occurs inside our bodies, our blood vessels become constricted, our heart rate increases, and the pressure in our blood rises. If we stay in a high stress state for too long our bodies do not have the proper time to heal and integrate our daily experiences.
A further look at how stress affects the body demonstrated that chronic stress could induce a loss of CB1 receptors, which contributes to increasing the experience of the stress response and anxious behavior. This, in turn, can also raise your blood pressure over extended periods of time.
There is also evidence that chronic psychological stress may trigger elevated blood pressure. The relationship between the ECS and the cardiovascular system suggests that our endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating our blood pressure safely and effectively.
Evidence About CBD, the Cannabinoids found in Hemp, and Blood Pressure
Although it would seem reasonable that exogenous cannabinoids found in Hemp, such as CBD, could help lower elevated blood pressure, the research evidence is not clear. In a 2017 randomized cross-over study on nine healthy males, researchers found that CBD lowered the participants’ systolic blood pressure, whether they were resting or under stress.
CBD and the Cannabinoids found in Hemp, affect blood pressure depending on how it's administered and how frequently it's used. For example, a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of more than 12,000 U.S. adults concluded that people who used cannabis daily had nearly identical systolic blood pressures as those who never used cannabis.
The most recent evidence comes from researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Israel in early 2021. The data seemed to indicate that medical cannabis lowered blood pressure in older adults. According to one of the researchers, this age group is the fastest-growing population using medical cannabis.
The researchers monitored the participants over 24 hours. This happened before and after they used medical cannabis for three months. The study showed there was a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This happened whether the participants consumed cannabis orally or smoked it.
Researchers theorized that lower blood pressure might have been the result of pain relief. Yet another pathway that CBD and the cannabinoids found in Hemp may use to help lower blood pressure is by reducing cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone your body releases when you are under stress.
How Do We Consume CBD & the Cannabinoids found in Hemp?
You can swallow CBD, put it on your skin, place it under the tongue or inhale it. The two quickest ways of getting CBD into the bloodstream are by inhaling it or placing a tincture under the tongue. However, it is essential to note that inhaling hot substances can cause damage to the lungs.
The evidence appears to suggest that when our bodies have the cannabinoids they need to function then our EndoCannabinoid System can thrive and help balance the bodies systems and help our blood pressure return to a healthy level.
]]>Cannabinol (also known as “CBN”) is a chemical that comes from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In recent years, cannabis products have become increasingly popular due to the legalization of both medicinal and recreational cannabis in a growing number of states.
Put simply, CBN is the result of old weed. It is the breakdown product of THC and is often found in older cannabis samples. When the cannabis plant is exposed to oxygen or heated over time, the THC will eventually convert to CBN. Because the THC is degraded, CBN does not have the psychoactive effects of THC.
More and more people are catching on to the fact that CBN has therapeutic effects that help people sensitive to THC. CBN is now found in many cannabis products, including topicals, capsules, edibles, and CBD oil. What sets CBN apart from other cannabinoids is its sedative ability.
Although CBD and CBN seem quite similar, they are two different molecules that have two separate origins. The amount of CBN in a cannabis plant depends on the level of heat and light it has been exposed to and how old it is. This is because CBN is a byproduct of THC being exposed to light,oxygen, and heat.
Despite the difference in the origin of CBD and CBN, they have much in common. Neither produces a mind-altering high. CBD can tone down some of the effects of THC, such as feelings of paranoia. CBN can produce a gentle sedative high that could be helpful for people seeking a sleep aid.
THC affects the body’s CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. The two primary chemical receptors are CB1 and CB2, which comprise the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is involved in regulating a range of the body’s functions. When THC affects the body’s CB1 receptors, it creates the “high” often linked with the cannabis plant.
CBN similarly affects the CB1 receptor but at a lesser strength than THC. While THC is a primary psychoactive component in the cannabis plant, CBD is not psychoactive, and CBN’s psychoactive effects are unknown. Some research has shown CBN is not psychoactive, while other research indicates CBN may have mild psychoactive effects.
CB1 receptors are concentrated in the brain and nerves, while CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system and organs. CBN interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors to help regulate a range of functions, including appetite, inflammation, and hormones. This is why CBN promotes healing.
The research regarding CBN, particularly its effects on humans, is lacking. As more studies are done, we will likely find more uses for it. Some of the known uses and benefits of CBN include:
Studies indicate that CBN is a promising candidate for its pain-relieving capabilities in the body. CBN is believed to influence the activity of neurons that are sensitive to capsaicin. Capsaicin is found in many peppers and is added to many topical pain relievers. These capsaicin-sensitive nerves are critical to the body’s pain perception. For this reason, some people use CBD oils with CBN as a workout supplement for recovery.
According to a study in the Journal of Natural Products, CBN may be an antibacterial agent. CBN was tested on strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study found it may be an effective antibacterial agent against these strains.
CBN is believed to have anti-inflammatory capabilities. Researchers are working to understand better how CBN and other cannabinoids have a role in treating inflammatory disease.
CBN is also being studied for its potential ability to relax blood vessel walls to decrease blood pressure. This may spur blood flow to the eyes, reducing eye pressure and inflammation. Studies have shown CBN might help relieve damage to the eye’s optic nerve.
CBN is an effective neuroprotective agent and may help delay the onset of some neurological problems. Studies on people with some neurological difficulties have found that when CBN is paired with THC, it may synergize to help reduce oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants), protect from fatigue, and target inflammation in the brain.
In studies on lab rats, CBN was found to increase the amount of food that rats ate. This indicated that it could be an appetite stimulant. THC is an appetite stimulant, but many avoid it due to its intoxicating effects. CBN might offer an alternative for people seeking appetite stimulation without the high.
While CBN is far less prevalent than THC and CBD, it is growing in popularity. People throughout the United States are learning that CBN might help with sleeplessness, stress, and anxiousness. Others seek out CBN to try and increase their appetite or reap the anti-inflammatory benefits.
The structure of CBN was first discovered in the 1930s. In 1940, the chemical synthesis of CBN was accomplished. CBN was the first cannabinoid to be isolated by researchers.
The oldest evidence of the existence of CBN was discovered when a nearly 3,000-year-old grave in China was unearthed. Archaeologists found 789 grams of CBN within it. This came about due to the degradation of THC within the plant and is the oldest known sample of CBN.
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A safe, non-addictive, and non-intoxicating substance, CBD is a popular choice because it absorbs quickly and is easy to use. Because CBD oil only contains trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it will not make you feel high. After being placed under the tongue, CBD oil is held for between 30 seconds and two minutes. This way allows more rapid dissolving and assimilation of CBD than swallowing the oil, taking a tablet, or eating a gummy.
Some people take CBD oil as a dietary supplement, while others use it as a sleep aid and to treat anxiousness, stress, appetite problems, and sore joints, among other conditions. Researchers are hopeful that CBD oil may be found to relieve aches and pains, and strengthen the immune system. Because of its role in your endocannabinoid system, CBD may help alleviate some symptoms associated with severe illness and disease. Many users report that it helps relieve nausea, boost appetite, and lead to a good night’s sleep.
CBD users generally report that CBD oil tastes relatively bitter with an earthy flavor. Users may also report a hint of sweetness. Not all CBD oils are the same, though. Depending on what the CBD has been made with and how it has been processed, one could taste much different from another. In general, the flavor of a CBD oil will depend on the type of extract it is, if it was filtered or purified, and the kind of carrier oil used.
If you like the taste of CBD, try drizzling it over fish or chicken or mixing it into salad dressings. You might prefer to cover up the taste of CBD by mixing it into a smoothie, blending it with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or adding it to your coffee. You can apply CBD topically as well.
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If you have been following the changing tide regarding cannabis use in the United States, you are likely familiar with two cannabinoids called cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, you may not be familiar with cannabichromene (CBC), a different cannabinoid produced by cannabis and hemp plants.
CBC was first isolated by scientists in 1966 and has since been identified as one of the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoids in many varieties of cannabis. Researchers have also discovered many potential therapeutic benefits associated with CBC. Unfortunately, CBC remains relatively obscure among cannabinoids, which means there are no CBC-rich cannabis strains available yet.
While processing cannabis or hemp plant material naturally yields small amounts of CBC, most CBC is derived from another cannabinoid called cannabigerol (CBG). CBG is a cannabinoid that acts as a precursor, breaking down to form other cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBC. Cultivators can use a specialized enzymatic process to convert CBG into CBC.
Thankfully, as cannabis and hemp products continue to gain popularity, more people are beginning to wonder what CBC has to offer. CBC-containing products are now increasingly available as non-intoxicating alternatives to THC-heavy products. Let’s examine some of the unique qualities and properties of this promising cannabinoid.
Since cannabinoids have become widely known and understood, CBC has been largely overlooked in favor of more popular compounds such as CBD, CBG, and THC. CBC is similar to CBD in that it does not produce a psychoactive “high” the way THC does. However, like CBD, CBC interacts with our bodies in several unique and potentially useful ways.
Cannabinoids mostly affect your body by binding with receptors in your endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are mainly concentrated in our central nervous systems, while CB2 receptors are mostly concentrated in our immune systems.
Interestingly, neither CBD nor CBC can create strong bonds with our CB1 receptors, which is part of the reason they have no significant intoxicating effect. And while CBD does not bind to CB2 receptors, research indicates CBC does.
CBD is chiefly useful due to a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect,” which describes its tendency to boost the effects of other cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system. Scientists believe CBC also plays a role in the entourage effect, and the two cannabinoids tend to work best in combination.
Although CBD and CBC are similar in several ways, CBC has a different chemical structure that lends it several distinctive characteristics. For one, CBC may help stimulate the production of anandamide, a type of endocannabinoid that our bodies make internally. This means CBC could provide a natural means for balancing our endocannabinoid systems.
CBC also has an unusual affinity for both the TRPV1 receptors and 5-HT1A receptors in our nervous system. These receptors are associated with swelling, soreness, and anxiousness. This means CBC may possess beneficial neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuropathic pain relief properties. Scientists have also investigated CBC for its role in disease prevention and in assisting cell health.
What are the potential benefits of CBC?
Since its discovery, CBC has been the subject of numerous studies seeking to understand its potential. Some of the most noteworthy studies include:
With interest in cannabis products exploding across the country, many people are curious about the effects of the various compounds found in these plants. They’ve likely heard that some strains of cannabis can give the user a high, while other products like CBD do not generate a high and can help with a wide array of health conditions.
One of the most exciting chemicals found in cannabis plants is cannabigerol or CBG. CBG and other compounds found in cannabis work with your body’s natural systems to regulate critical bodily functions. Research has also shown that CBG may help improve bodily function, associated with the digestive system, the nervous system, and cellular function.
CBG and other chemicals derived from cannabis plants are known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids work by binding with chemical receptors in our bodies. These receptors are collectively known as the endocannabinoid system or ECS. There are two different kinds of ECS receptors located throughout our bodies. The first kind is CB1 receptors, found in the central nervous system in places like your brain and spinal cord. The second kind is CB2 receptors, found in your peripheral nervous system in areas like your extremities, the digestive system, and most cells in the immune system.
By acting on these receptors in different ways, endocannabinoids can have many different effects on the body. The ECS plays a significant role in a process known as homeostasis, which is essentially the body’s way of regulating its internal environment for optimal functions. Research shows that the ECS helps regulate many functions in our bodies, such as
The two cannabinoids you’ve likely heard of are tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, and cannabidiol, also known as CBD. THC is the cannabinoid that produces a high when consumed in significant quantities, while CBD can help with bodily tension, increasing calm, and other daily struggles. CBG is another kind of cannabinoid, and new findings suggest it could have potentially powerful health effects.
There are more than 120 cannabinoids that have been identified. Part of what makes CBG unique is that it’s involved in the formation of several other essential cannabinoids. When the proper enzymes are activated by light or heat, CBG breaks down to form THC and CBD. This means mature cannabis plants often have very little CBG, making up less than 1 percent of the cannabinoids present. CBG is easier to find in younger cannabis plants before it breaks down into either THC or CBD.
Similar to CBD, consuming CBG does not get the user high. In fact, CBG is much closer to CBD than it is to THC, as both CBD and CBG are more useful for their health benefits than in getting someone high. That said, CBD and CBG work in different ways on the body.
Unlike some cannabinoids, CBD does not directly bind with CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it acts as a catalyst to speed up the effects of other cannabinoids. CBG, on the other hand, does bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning it can have a more powerful impact on the body.
Because CBG works differently than CBD, it has other effects on the body. We cannot make the claim that CBG, CBD, or any other cannabinoid should be taken to treat specific diseases or ailments, though limited research has shown that CBG could support people with conditions like:
*These studies do not constitute or suggest in any way that CBG is a suitable form or treatment for disease or illness. Please consult your doctor or medical professional for specific advice regarding any conditions that require medical attention. We simply want to highlight that CBG is currently being studied in a variety of different ways.
CBG can be used as a wellness product to improve your life. By stimulating cell receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system, CBG helps your body better regulate itself. This leads to reportedly positive outcomes like: