By now we all have heard the buzz words, CBD, hemp, and maybe also THC and cannabinoids.  Understanding CBD and everything about it can get overwhelming. So we decided to break it down into short blogs. 

First, what is CBD?  

CBD is cannabidiol, one of the two most prevalent and bioactive cannabinoids present in the Cannabis plant, which is rich in health-promoting compounds. The other prevalent one is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is the non-psychoactive one; meaning ingesting or using it will not give you a high. Rather, you may experience some relaxation or less pain. 

The Compounds:  CBD versus THC.

Cannabinoids are the compounds derived from the cannabis plant (referred to as Phytocannabinoids) which are most often used for therapeutic purposes. There are over 100 cannabinoids that exist in various cannabis species. But clinical research has focused mostly on the psychotropic one: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) aka "medical marijuana" and its non-psychotropic antagonist, CBD (cannabidiol). 

The Plant Source. 

Cannabis (“Cannabis sativa”) =aka hemp plant. This is a tall, narrow, flowering plant, and CBD is harvested from the seeds and stalk fibers. This species is relatively low in the psychotropic THC (approximately 0.3%). 

Contrast this to the other species Cannabis indica = Marijuana which is a short plant densely populated with leaves and contains up to 30% THC. 

How and Where do CBD and THC act on our bodies? 

The Endocannabinoid System: The primary endocannabinoids are derivatives of arachidonic acid.  In the human body, there are cannabinoid receptors making up this “signaling "system.  It is widely distributed throughout the following structures: 
The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) 
Peripheral tissues including: 
Immune and reproductive systems. 
Reproductive systems. 
Gastrointestinal tract. 
The sympathetic nervous system (your fight and flight capabilities) 
Endocrine glands 
Arteries, lungs, and heart. 

The cannabinoids (THC and CBD) act on the receptors via endocannabinoids to promote modulation of the system depending on which receptors are affected. 
 

We have two types of receptors in our bodies: 
 

CB1 receptors are found throughout the brain, especially in the limbic system and frontal cortex. Activation of these receptors by mostly THC results in less pain and inflammation, enhanced brain protection (neuroprotective), and assists in managing psychiatric diseases. 

CB2 receptors are found throughout the brain, immune system, spleen, and leukocytes. CBD acting upon these receptors help to modulate pain, inflammation and protect the brain without negative side effects on the central nervous system. Basically, CBD has a neuroprotective role in many medical conditions. 

We know CBD helps with sleep, pain, and depression. 
What else? 

Overall, modulation of the entire endocannabinoid system helps in managing several issues such as: 

Pain and inflammation 
multiple sclerosis 
anorexia 
epilepsy 
glaucoma 
schizophrenia 
CV disorders 
obesity 
metabolic syndrome 
Parkinsons 
Huntington’s disease 
Alzheimer's and 
Tourette's syndrome 

Coming up: 

The purity of CBD products. 
Different delivery systems (versions) of CBD 
Topical Application of CBD. 
CBD for Stress. 
How to choose a CBD that is right for you. 
 

Our office has several high-quality nutritional supplements available for patients online or in the office through Designs for Health and Wholescripts. As a client, you can open an online account with us to experience the benefits of high-quality professional-grade supplements with direct shipping to your home! If you have any questions or would like to know how to receive our safe and pure CBD versions, please contact our office at 623 LP CHIRO (572.4476) or send us a message by completing this short form. 

As for exclusive CBD manufacturers, it took several months of research and testing but last year we finally brought in CBD products into the clinic! We decided on Health and Wellness, a local company that is based right here in Glendale, AZ, and happens to offer quality, zero THC products. We stock the tinctures and topicals. Other products we can order on request are bath bombs, chewables, patches, personal beauty care, and pet products.  Contact us at 623.572.4476 or send us a message!

References: 

Gomes, F. V., Llorente, R., Bel, E. A., Viveros, M., López-Gallardo, M., & Guimarães, F. S. (2015). Decreased glial reactivity could be involved in the antipsychotic-like effect of cannabidiol. Schizophrenia Research, 164(1-3), 155-163. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2015.01.015.