The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network or a messenger system of hormones and neurotransmitters which permeates our bodies.  It keeps our body is homeostasis by connecting with the following systems:

• The ECS affects your musculoskeletal system by relieving tightness and muscle spasms, reducing low-grade inflammation, and helping the body recover faster from workouts or injuries.
• The ECS affects your skin by suppressing inflammation and contributes to homeostasis and healthy skin. The ECS effectively suppresses the sensation of itch on certain skin conditions.
• The ECS affects your neural functions, including the control of movement and motor coordination, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, addictive-like behavior and pain modulation, among others.

Homeostasis is the process through which organisms regulate biological functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

• CBD is most effective against neuropathic pain, inflammation, anxiety, psychiatric conditions, seizure disorders, muscle spasms, and tumor growth.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

• CBG (rather CBGA) is the cannabis plant’s originator of the other major cannabinoids CBD, THC, CBC, and many minor cannabinoids.
• CBG (particularly CBGA) is shown to have especially strong antibiotic properties, even acting in conjunction with CBD to possibly help fight MRSA, inhibit cell growth in tumors, glaucoma, pain, inflammation, anxiety, and bladder problems, and may even promote bone growth in some users.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

• Little-known compared to its peers, CBC makes up under 1% of most hemp plants.
• CBC appears to boost most users’ moods, particularly when consumed in conjunction with CBD or THC. CBC shows promising potential at inhibiting the growth of tumors while promoting healthy bone growth.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

• THC is psychoactive but is normally so low in the hemp plant that it is considered non-psychoactive, meaning it does not get you high.
• THC is shown to be a mild painkiller and antioxidant, but most-interestingly seems to synergize the effects of CBD, CBG, and CBC when used in conjunction with any of them.

CBN (Cannabinol)

• As a derivative of THC, CBN typically occurs in very small volume in hemp plants
• CBN has minor effects like many other cannabinoids, but most-significantly appears to be a strong sedative.

CBD Topicals are the most popular CBD product on the market. Here are a few reasons why:

• Easy to apply.
• Fast Acting
• Targets and soothes area.
• Relieves condition for approximately 4 hours.

EDIBLES

• CBD Edibles are everywhere, and we have become very familiar with them.
• Most popular are Gummies, Beverages, Treats & Capsules
• They are easy to use and most often delicious: take one and feel relief within 1 hour
• Convenient: Easy to take with you anywhere. Very convenient for travel.

TINCTURES

CBD Tinctures are highly concentrated herbal extracts that are swallowed or absorbed under the tongue. Tinctures are better than edibles in terms of potency and speed of delivery.

• Faster absorption
• Increased bioavailability
• Preferred in clinical applications.

VAPE

CBD Vape has become more popular over the years and here is why:

• Fast-Acting: Vaping CBD results in more immediate effects than consuming CBD edibles.
• Potency: Since vaping requires CBD to be converted into an extract like distillate or live resin, you often get a potent dosage per inhale.
• Discreet: Today’s vape pens can be consumed privately.

• Cannabis use for medicinal purposes dates back at least 3,000 years. It was introduced into Western medicine in 1839 by W.B. O’Shaughnessy, a surgeon who learned of its medicinal properties while working in India for the British East India Company.  Its use was promoted for reported analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anticonvulsant effects.
• In 1970, with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana (which included Hemp) was classified by Congress as a Schedule I drug.
• The first cannabinoid receptor, CB1, was identified in the brain in 1988. A second cannabinoid receptor, CB2, was identified in 1993. This was the beginning of our understanding of the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it’s potential for regulating the body’s key functions.
• 2018 farm bill removed CBD from the controlled substance act.

CBD Extraction methods

• CO2 extraction
  • The process of CO2 extraction ensures purity, which is why it’s so important for CBD products. Specifically, the cannabinoids produced by this method retain their potency without being contaminated by chlorophyll and other toxic substances.
• Supercritical CO2 extraction
  • The supercritical CO2 extraction method is considered the best extraction method available, even if it is one of the more expensive methods. Since it has been used for years in the food industry, it is highly efficient, safe, quick and relatively gentle on the active ingredients in the cannabis plant.
• Solvent Extraction
  • This is a board category, and there are significant differences depending on what type of solvent is used.
• Ethanol Extraction
  • Like the traditional tinctures, alcohol is still used to extract CBD. Some of the process hasn’t changed much since those alcohol tinctures of old.
• Vegetable Oil Extraction
  • Perhaps the simplest way to extract CBD is with oil. This is a popular DIY extraction. However, it’s less precise, creates inconsistent batches, and lower potency products.

Testing

• The entire purpose of third-party or independent lab testing is to provide an unbiased analysis of CBD products. These tests are used to indicate the quality, purity, and potency of a CBD sample.

We always recommend using a vetted source like PubMed, EMBASE, and even Google Scholar.  They all use keywords to filter your requests so try:

• CBD and “_______” (fill in the condition or issue you’re interested in)
• Current CBD research
• CBD and the ECS

A few research papers from our curated library:

An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.

Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017; 2(1): 139–154.            PMCID: PMC5569602

Published online 2017 Jun 1. doi: 10.1089/can.2016.0034     PMID: 28861514

Abstract

Introduction: This literature survey aims to extend the comprehensive survey performed by Bergamaschi et al. in 2011 on cannabidiol (CBD) safety and side effects. Apart from updating the literature, this article focuses on clinical studies and CBD potential interactions with other drugs.

Results: In general, the often described favorable safety profile of CBD in humans was confirmed and extended by the reviewed research. The majority of studies were performed for treatment of epilepsy and psychotic disorders. Here, the most commonly reported side effects were tiredness, diarrhea, and changes of appetite/weight. In comparison with other drugs, used for the treatment of these medical conditions, CBD has a better side effect profile. This could improve patients’ compliance and adherence to treatment. CBD is often used as adjunct therapy. Therefore, more clinical research is warranted on CBD action on hepatic enzymes, drug transporters, and interactions with other drugs and to see if this mainly leads to positive or negative effects, for example, reducing the needed clobazam doses in epilepsy and therefore clobazam’s side effects.

Conclusion: This review also illustrates that some important toxicological parameters are yet to be studied, for example, if CBD has an effect on hormones. Additionally, more clinical trials with a greater number of participants and longer chronic CBD administration are still lacking.