What is CBD and How Does It Work
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, belongs to a family of fat-soluble organic compounds called cannabinoids that interact with the human body in fascinating ways. Cannabinoids were originally discovered in the oily resin produced by the Cannabis plant, in tiny nodules called “trichomes” that cover the Cannabis stems, stalks and flower heads.
Over 100 cannabinoids have been discovered in Cannabis. Since their discovery, cannabinoids have also been found in many other plants, animals, and even fungi throughout the natural world. We are just beginning to learn what hidden potential these many cannabinoids may offer.
Scientists have recently discovered a new body system, termed the “Endocannabinoid System,” (ECS) and understanding how the ECS functions is crucial to fully appreciating the potential benefits of CBD. The ECS is composed of three primary elements. The first piece includes microscopic proteins called “receptors” that are embedded in the membranes of our cells. These receptors protrude from our cell membranes like tiny antennae. Their job is to bind to passing cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are the second piece of the ECS. They act as messenger molecules that stimulate or suppress cellular activities. The ECS also includes many enzymes responsible for building and breaking down cannabinoids.
To add to the complexity, we have two primary types of endocannabinoid receptors, termed CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are located primarily in brain cells, but also in some peripheral tissues. CB1 receptors affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, and stress response. CB1 receptors are responsible for the intoxicating effects of THC, as well as short-term memory loss, allowing to ‘forget’ the experience of pain or trauma. CB1 receptors can regulate nervous system function and pain response by modulating the relationship between two specific neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA.
Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are primarily found throughout the immune system. They also exist in the gastrointestinal system, brain and peripheral nervous system, as well as the skin and other organs and tissues. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain response.
Now, here is the tricky part: Unlike THC, CBD does not bind very well to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. In fact, it doesn’t bind to CB1 receptors at all, and very little to CB2. Rather than binding to receptors on its own, CBD functions to increase the presence of the body’s own endocannabinoids. Your body’s endocannabinoids then go on to aid in the regulation of nervous and immune system responses.
CBD also binds with a number of receptors outside of the endocannabinoid system:
• Adenosine receptors, which are associated with heart rate and blood pressure regulation.
• Vanilloid receptors, which are associated with sensations of pain and heat.
• Serotonin receptors, which are associated with heart rate and mood.
• Gamma receptors, which are located in the membranes of the nuclei inside our cells and are associated with insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
CBD has shown promise in supporting the healthy function of the immune, gut, and central nervous systems, as they respond to our internal and external environment. Unfortunately, not all CBD products are the same. There can be substantial differences in how consumers feel and respond to different products from different brands. Green Earth Medicinals products were developed by medical practitioners for their patients and those who wish to support their health with CBD. Based on their clinical experience, we understand that many people find using CBD to support these systems can leave them feeling tired or drowsy. This is a common effect, as many cultivars of CBD dominant cannabis have compounds that can be overly relaxing. Green Earth Medicinals products are specifically formulated using cultivars and complimentary herbs to support the healthy function of the body without sedation.
Green Earth Medicinals enhance our CBD products with additional beneficial botanicals. Informed by diligent research and many hours of clinical experience, our physician formulators combine CBD with other ingredients designed to maximize the efficacy of each product.
We focus exclusively on CBD-rich broad-spectrum extract for several reasons, chiefly through our belief that a broad-spectrum profile containing many other phytochemicals, including additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, contributes to a beneficial “entourage effect.” In CBD therapy, as with so many things in life, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
