What’s All the Buzz About CBD?

It feels like overnight, CBD products sprang up everywhere. Practically every conversation I encounter lately is all about CBD and hemp. Perhaps you too are seeing it in most stores, restaurants, and Doctor’s offices in a variety of forms from foods, oils, beverages, salves, beauty products, chocolates, and even pet foods and treats. If you are wondering why it is everywhere, what it actually is, and if there are health benefits, keep reading.

The endocannabinoid system’s function is to regulate homeostatic balance for the systems and functions throughout the body. It’s similar to the software for a computer with having every system communicate and work efficiently to create a high functioning piece of equipment. While our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids, certain factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental toxins, chronic stress, medications and genetics, can result in Endocannabinoid Deficiency, which may lead to a cascade of adverse effects and overall imbalance.

One of the jobs of the endocannabinoid system is to buffer oxidative stress. The human body has CB1 and CB2 receptors on every cell. CB1 receptors are very concentrated in the brain and central nervous system, especially those involved in movement, coordination pain and sensory perception, emotion, cognition, memory and endocrine functions. CB2 receptors are expressed in the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, immune, digestive, elimination, reproductive and dermal systems of the body. Cannabinoids actually bind with a protein and can affect the receptors behavior. The endocannabinoid system is continuously monitoring which systems are out of balance and uses cannabinoids to balance out areas in need.

Cannabidoil, or CBD is a compound found in marijuana and industrial hemp plants that belong to a class of ingredients called cannabinoids. The ability to extract CBD from industrial hemp has made it possible to sell CBD products across state lines, including states where marijuana is not legal.

There are at least 80 compounds called cannabinoids and CBD is one that is not psychoactive, therefore there is no buzz or high unlike THC, it’s more popular cannabinoid. Marijuana typically contains 15-20% of THC while hemp usually contains 0-0.3 THC. THC has many health benefits as well but not without the psychoactive effects. THC is also known for its ability to assist with sleep whereas CBD can promote more alertness type of behavior. CBD has all the therapeutic benefits without getting stoned. CBD is legal in 43 states and being sold in many forms.

Although still young, CBD studies have been showing evidence of health benefits particularly for overall inflammation, epilepsy and schizophrenia and other neurological disorders along with alleviating joint and back pain, anxiety and depression, and relieving nausea. Scientific reports are showing the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic effects that inhibit cancer cell growth. Researchers also learned that CBD induces cell death in breast cancer cells. Data is also proving that CBD stands out a part from the other cannabinoids like THC in more ways than not being psychotropic. While THC can cause anxiety and paranoia in some people. CBD works to counteract those side effects.

While more research is needed, I have started using CBD oil with some people in my practice with initial positive results. It appears to reduce inflammation and some types of pain. It may not be for everyone so do your research or speak with me or your Doctor before using.