Historically, the hemp plant Cannabis sativa was an important cash crop used in making rope and canvas among other commodities. During the eighteenth century, over 100,000 pounds of hemp was required to produce the sails and rigging of one ship. CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol (one of many cannabinoids). The best-known cannabinoid in hemp is THC (9-tetrahydrocannabinol). The difference between marijuana and industrial hemp is THC concentrations. Marijuana has high levels; while, industrial hemp has less than .3% THC which is too low to result in any psychoactive high.
The body’s endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 1970s; and yes, is named after cannabis. In the early 90’s, the receptors CB1 regulating the central nervous system (anxiety and emotional state), and CB2 regulating the peripheral nervous system (pain and inflammation) were identified. Not until 1993 was the endocannabinoid “anandamide” a neurotransmitter discovered. The word “ananda” comes from Sanskrit meaning “bliss”. Current research found “runners high” is not from endorphins; but, anandamide which bonds to the CB1 receptor. CBD mimics anandamide bonding to receptors making them work; and also, prevent the breakdown of the body’s naturally available endocannabinoids. CBD fills receptors shutting them down slowing over reactive immune responses and reduces inflammation among other conditions. Research also finds CBD initiates the formation of enzymes used by receptors without bonding to them.
One of the most promising areas of study is “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” or PTSD. The few current treatments are considered ineffective and have many side effects. In a process not fully understood, CBD reduces bad memories keeping them from returning and suppressing nightmares of traumatic events. In PTSD, the endocrine system overreacts to mildly stressful situations. This produces excess adrenalin and cortisol leading to high levels of anxiety and socially inappropriate reactions. Physiological responses are brought in line as CBD helps the body restore homeostasis a natural balance.
The most common method of CBD extraction uses Hexane as a solvent. Hexane requires additional steps for solvent removal. A better, but more expensive method is CO2 extraction using pressurized CO2 as the solvent. No solvent removal is required as CO2 is released at completion of the process. A single cannabinoid CBD may be extracted producing an isolate. This may be preferred for those requiring a THC free product. Using a full spectrum CBD Oil, with over 60 cannabinoids, terpines, lipids, and other compounds give it advantages over an isolate when treating inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, and more. Prior to a 2015 study, it was thought an isolate would be the better option due to its concentration; however, the study found full spectrum produced more relief from inflammation than an isolate. With higher doses of full spectrum, there was a corresponding reduction in inflammation. Regardless of the isolate dosage, there was no increased improvement. This supports the concept of hemp’s “Entourage Effect” with synergy created by all the plant components; where, the sum is greater than the parts.
Epidiolex is the only FDA approved CBD based pharmaceutical. The FDA no longer considers cannabidiol a schedule 1 drug; however, the DEA provides no exemption under the CSA “Controlled Substances Act”. CBD has therapeutic promise for many conditions including: addiction, anger, anxiety, arteriosclerosis, cancer, homeostasis, glaucoma, heart disease, hypertension, immunity, metabolism, MS, neural development, obesity, osteoporosis, pain, Parkinson’s, sleep, spinal cord injury, stress, stroke, plus more. CBD is known to act on 65 biologic targets including a total of 10 receptors. Hemp is a complex misunderstood plant created by God. After more than 50 years of research; new benefits and uses of CBD are continually being discovered as understanding improves on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Judy and Gerard Collins of Serenity Lane
Serenity Lane LLC
P.O. Box 819, Sun, LA 70463 (504) 952-1835 www.serenityln.com
