INTRODUCTION
With the rise of CBD products in the marketplace, consumers are considering what exactly CBD is. Many run into technical terms like “cannabinoids” and “the endocannabinoid system” and feel overwhelmed. The following blog post is designed to help you understand these technicalities and how they relate to our CBD here at Suzie’s!
DISCOVERY
With the discovery of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the late 1960’s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, researcher’s understanding of the contents of cannabis forever changed.
What Mechoulam's team found was that the ECS regulates the body’s brain health, immune system and levels of inflammation through this natural balancing system in our bodies.
When the same team introduced cannabinoids from plants to the ECS they observed that they interacted with and acted upon this crucial, biochemical communication system to promote general wellness.
Since this initial discovery, more than 100 cannabinoids have been found in the cannabis plant. Each offer their own unique benefits and can be found in full spectrum CBD.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Cannabinoids can be imagined as a kind of key that unlocks our natural endocannabinoid receptors. When cannabinoids are introduced to these receptors they physically initiate healing properties such as pain relief and reduction of inflammation.
CANNABINOIDS
The cannabinoids we know the most about from the hemp plant are cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerovarinic (CBGV). Covered are the CBC, CBG and CBGV cannabinoids. Comprehensive material on CBD can be found in more depth posts to come.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, mood enhancing, and pain relieving
CBD activates two key receptors in the body. The first receptor, CB1, keeps balance in the brain and central nervous system. The second receptor, CB2, works directly immune system. Between the two of these CBD offers general health as well as preventive maintenance.
Cannabigerol (CBG) Antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-anxiety, and pain relieving
Since CBG's initial discovery in 1964, it has been revealed that it activates the body’s neurotransmitters to foster a sense of well-being and ease anxiety.
Cannabinol (CBN) Anti-anxiety, convulsant controlling, sleep aide
CBN is responsible for the greatest calming effects found from CBD oil. It achieves this by binding to receptors responsible for keeping blood pressure low and fostering serotonin uptake.
Cannabichromene (CBC) Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and pain relieving
When CBC was first studied in 1980, it was found to reduce inflammation in test subjects. Since then, researchers have come to see that in addition to eliminating inflammation CBC also promotes healthier skin and reduces pain.
Cannabigerovarinic (CBGV) Anti-inflammatory, skin hydrating, and pain relieving
CBGV has many helpful properties but most importantly it helps bind cannabinoids to receptors for longer. Research suggests that CBGV boosts CBD metabolism within the body, maximizing the therapeutic effects of CBD.
CONCLUSION
The variety of cannabinoids available in a CBD product depends on if it is considered full spectrum or isolate. Check out our upcoming post “Full Spectrum vs. Isolate” and do research of your own to find what CBD for pets will provide the best benefits for your pet!