To fully appreciate the many benefits of cannabidiol, or CBD, it is important to understand the endocannabinoid system. Did you know you have an endocannabinoid system? I didn’t either!

The endocannabinoid system, (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, the well-known cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Scientific studies initially suggested the endocannabinoid system was only connected to the brain and nerves. Further research showed that the ECS has receptors throughout our entire body, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, bones, tissue, certain organs and biological structure. In more recent studies, the ECS is also shown to provide many physiological functions including sleep, metabolism, mood, appetite, stress and general pain, as well as reproductive and immunological abilities.

Research has linked the endocannabinoid system to the following:

  • appetite and digestion
  • metabolism
  • chronic pain
  • inflammation and other immune system responses
  • mood
  • learning and memory
  • motor control
  • sleep
  • cardiovascular system function
  • muscle formation
  • bone remodeling and growth
  • liver function
  • reproductive system function
  • stress
  • skin and nerve function

The endocannabinoid system works to maintain homeostasis, or equilibrium, by using cannabinoid receptors to monitor reactions in the body. The endocannabinoid receptors are distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. When a discrepancy is detected, cannabinoids are synthesized to interact with receptors. As internal and external environmental factors change due to illness or injury, homeostasis maintains a constant internal environment and adjusts accordingly to provide balance and stability. Our bodies are literally wired to receive the benefits of cannabinoids found in cannabis plants.

The cannabis plant is extremely complex with more than 500 distinct compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, omega fatty acids, and over 100 different cannabinoids. It should be noted that while marijuana and hemp are both cannabis plants, they are not the same and have different properties. Marijuana is most well-known for its psychoactive affects (“high”) from the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Hemp, however, has only a very small amount of THC (less than 0.3%) and contains higher amounts of cannabidiol, or CBD. Additionally, unlike THC, CBD does not make you “high” and it has very little to no negative side effects.

Unfortunately, CBD is still widely misunderstood. Prior to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis products, including non-intoxicating CBD oil, were treated the same as marijuana, which remains a Schedule I drug. The passing of this legislation is significant because it distinguishes between marijuana and what is deemed “industrial hemp” and it provides for the federal legalization of industrial hemp. Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the CBD industry has exploded and is expected to continue as more is learned about the endocannabinoid system and benefits of CBD.

Dr. Amy Myers, an internationally acclaimed functional medicine physician specializing in autoimmune, thyroid, and digestive issues, explains how the Endocannabinoid System works and cites some of the key benefits of CBD are its ability to make improvements in:

  • Anxiety and insomnia – CBD changes the way your brain responds to serotonin, which is the “feel good hormone” and promotes sleep.
  • Anti-seizure – Early research is showing a significant reduction (up to 36%) in seizures for patients taking CBD.
  • Chronic pain – The effects of CBD on the brain’s receptors may help manage pain in conditions such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
  • Inflammation – Skin problems such as acne are improved by CBD use, as it is anti-inflammatory and reduces sebum (oil) production in the skin.
  • Heart health – CBD has shown promise in increasing heart health by improving the circulatory system and lowering blood pressure.
  • Interference with tumor growth and proliferation – Research has linked CBD to anti-tumor activity.
  • Nausea – The debilitating nausea resulting from chemotherapy has been shown to diminish and even completely abate with the use of CBD.

Much is yet to be learned about how the endocannabinoid system works, and the many benefits CBD provides in maintaining balance in the central and peripheral nervous systems, but the research is very promising!

I encourage you to do your own research, learn about the endocannabinoid system, Google “the benefits of CBD and (insert ailment, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, seizures, etc.)” and decide for yourself if CBD is right for you. If you decide to give CBD a well-deserved try, be sure any product you purchase has been 3rd party independently tested and offers the Hemp seal of certification to ensure quality.

If you are interested in high-quality CBD products (oils/tinctures, gummies, coffee, CBD for pets, skin care, hair care, nutritional sprays, etc.) feel free to comment below, email us at [email protected], or visit www.hempworx.com/awespaws to learn more and order direct. With a 60 day empty bottle money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose – and potentially everything to gain!