cannabinoids

All About CBD: Basics of the Endocannabinoid System

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“Endocannabinoid” is a word that has become exceptionally popular these last several years. Thanks to research and scientific breakthrough, we’re discovering more answers to our questions surrounding endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and how they affect the receptors in our bodies.

The System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), named after the cannabis plant itself in the 1990’s, makes its home in the entirety of the human body. Endogenous cannabinoid receptors are found in our organs, connective tissues, immune cells, reproductive tracts, and brains; each location performing different tasks with the same goal – maintaining stability within the body to regulate the effects of external fluctuations, which we know as homeostasis.

We have discovered that the endocannabinoid system plays a huge part in homeostasis throughout not only our bodies, but every vertebrate’s body as well. Not only useful for homeostasis, scientists have uncovered multiple other physiological processes that the ECS is involved in, such as pain-sensation, memory, mood, appetite, and more.

Taking a deeper look into the makeup of the system, we find three major players: the endocannabinoids, the receptors, and metabolic enzymes.

Endocannabinoids

These are molecules that are naturally synthesized by humans and animals that, of course, have the system within. Specializing in intercellular communication, these lipid metabolites (organic fatty compounds) are produced instantly by the body when needed and connect to and activate cannabinoid (CB) receptors. Endo, in Latin, means “within,” so we can understand that endocannabinoids are from inside the body. Cannabinoids, without the prefix, are external compounds that function with the same receptors as endocannabinoids.

The dominant endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG, thank goodness).

Anandamide, named so in homage to the Sanskrit word “ananda” meaning happiness, is a neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain that binds to CB receptors. Anandamide is studied to positively affect mood regulation, feelings of anxiety and fear and more, and aptly nickenamed the “bliss molecule.”

2-AG is an endogenous ligand (specialized protein) for the CB2 receptor and an agonist for the CB1 receptor. This protein helps regulate appetite, pain management and immune system functions.

The Receptors

CB1 and CB2 comprise the main types of receptors in the ECS, with more being studied as we speak.  

CB1 receptors are principally located within the brain and central/peripheral nervous system, with branches reaching to the spinal cord, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, muscles, and lungs as well. These receptors are known for their participation in cardiovascular activity and motor control, as well as expressing the psychoactive effects of THC.

CB2 receptors take their place in the immune and gastrointestinal system. Although seen in the brain and possibly the peripheral nervous system, they don’t present as densely as CB1 in the same areas. Nearly every disease that poses a detriment to human health has shown a change in CB2 receptor expression and endocannabinoid levels in general.

How do these spectacular physical structures work? I think data scientist Nick Jikomes portrayed the process flawlessly:

“Cannabinoid receptors sit on the surface of cells and “listen” to conditions outside the cell. They transmit information about changing conditions to the inside of the cell, kick-starting the appropriate cellular response.”

The Enzymes

The role of metabolic enzymes in the ECS is to decimate the endocannabinoids immediately after their purpose is fulfilled, preventing the molecules from loitering in the body. The special enzymes that take care of this are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).

FAAH hydrolyzes anandamide, while MAGL is responsible for the metabolism of 2-AG.

CBD and the ECS

With the knowledge that anandamide interacts with our bodies in such positive ways, don’t you think we should try to inhibit its breakdown? If you do, then that is a perfect motivator in making CBD a regular part of your wellness routine.

FAAH’s process of hydrolyzing anandamide is inhibited by CBD, thus increasing activity of the bliss molecule. This is accomplished by CBD blocking access of endocannabinoids onto transport molecules, temporarily disabling FAAH’s mechanism.  

Isolated CBD can’t maintain all the work on its own, however, so thanks to the entourage effect we see major benefits to our whole endocannabinoid system, not just a concentrated portion of it.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for sticking around and learning about the ECS! There’s so much more to learn, and sometimes all of this can get complicated. I encourage you to stick with it and educate your friends and family that may have questions on what we already know.

All About CBD: How are Hemp and Marijuana Different?

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Allow me to start with the basics – Cannabaceae is the family of flowering plants in which the genera of hops, nettle trees, and cannabis exists. Within the genus of cannabis lies two classifications: Sativa and Indica.

For the past several years, cbd and cannabis products have been scientifically studied and researched more than ever before. As we learn new things about the botanical, we realize what misinformation has been thought to be correct for hundreds of years, which is why many people simply do not know the differences of cannabis, hemp, and marijuana.

Although the biological structures of marijuana and hemp are indeed different, they are both species of Cannabis Sativa.

The Look

Anyone with an unpracticed eye may very well confuse the two if asked to imagine the plants in their heads, but once you’re given the info, their distinctions are easily discernible.  

Hemp tends to be tall, growing between 7-13 feet in height. The branches and leaves are concentrated towards the top of the plant and bear a thinner semblance than marijuana.

Marijuana on the other hand usually grows shorter and stubbier, possessing broad leaves and dense buds. This plant requires a strictly controlled environment to thrive, unlike hemp which needs less attention.

If you were to see a plot of land growing only hemp next to another plot growing only marijuana, you would see the differences instantly. There shouldn’t be any cannabis-rich plots of land so closely bunched however, because cross-pollination from hemp to marijuana would compromise the cannabinoid content.

Cannabinoids

One of largest distinctions we see in the industry comes down to the two famous cannabinoids that are present in both marijuana and hemp: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The amount in which the compounds are present in each plant is drastically different however. These compounds are nearly identical in that the sole microscopic difference in chemical makeup is a single atom.

How can these two be drastically different if they appear virtually uniform? It’s surprising how this small of a variance can affect our endocannabinoid system.

These cannabinoids, among others found in cannabis, have shown tremendous benefits for human health. The largest contrasting attribute however is that THC possesses psychoactive properties, in which the user can feel “euphoria,” whereas CBD does not. Further, CBD may even inhibit the saturation of THC in the brain when consumed.  

Uses

The cannabis plants have been revered for millennia due to their vast range of uses. In ancient times, they were harvested and crafted into building materials like rope, as well used for medicine and religious ceremonies.

Funny as time flies and some things remain the same. In modern days, we are discovering that there is an illimitable amount of ways these plants can help us, from ecotechnological advancement to treating epilepsy.

The noticeable difference of marijuana and hemp however is the amount in which the chemical cousins are produced. Marijuana contains much higher amounts of THC (5 to 30+ per cent) and lower traces of CBD. This is the opposite truth of hemp, as it contains a higher amount of CBD and next to nothing in THC (0.3 to 1.5 per cent).

With these perceptions, we can understand their uses in society better. Hemp, due to its stature, availability and chemical makeup, is superior for industrial applications and extracting CBD with miniscule amounts of THC. Marijuana is preferred for recreational and medicinal uses due to its higher THC content and entourage effect with CBD.

Legalities

This is always an interesting topic because there have been constant changes in United States cannabis legislation for years.

Keeping up with current laws is absolutely vital for cannabis businesses, both in agriculture and retail, to survive. There are so many details that go into the farming, manufacturing, distributing and selling that could change at any moment, so adjustments must be made quickly and correctly.

Marijuana is and has been federally illegal since the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Colorado and Washington state prepared bills suggesting the regulated use of recreational cannabis, both of which were successful. Following their lead, we now have 10 states that allow for recreational use. Even before these measures however, medical marijuana was available in certain U.S. states, with additions to make the current total 33.  

Hemp was lumped in with marijuana in the act of 1970, despite its distinguishing qualities. Colorado once again lead the way and legalized the commercial cultivation of hemp on the state level. It was the following year that the U.S. hit a milestone in the industry when President Obama signed the Farm Bill update of 2014, which finally redefined hemp as a separate entity from marijuana and allowed research and scientific development.

As of December 11th, 2018,  the Senate voted 87-13 in favor of the updated Farm Bill of 2018, and the House of Representatives on December 12th voted in favor 386-47. The outcome of the bill passing? $867 in subsidies divvied between farmers, reinforcing economic growth and marketing for Farmers’ Markets, rejecting stricter limits on food stamps and, of course, legalizing hemp.

Final Thoughts

Hemp and marijuana are amazing plants and provide an astounding volume of distinct uses. Now that you know their primary differences, you can begin or continue your wellness routine feeling knowledgeable and hopefully more comfortable; that’s what I’m here for! If you have any questions or comments, you can head over to @phytoextractum on Twitter.