What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

Since the dawn of the agricultural civilization, cannabis has been grown for a variety of material as well as nutritional and medicinal benefits. But, it wasn’t until fairly recently that the true nature of this remarkable plant was truly understood and this knowledge led to a better understanding of how the living body works in human and non-human animals.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoids system is an intrinsic neural messaging system that exists in the bodies of human beings, vertebrates, and even some invertebrates. This messaging system plays an important role in allowing organisms to adapt to their surroundings. The endocannabinoid system, or ECAS, is most evolved in human beings and other primates.

The ECS and its important functions are a fairly new discovery and scientists have barely a half-century of collected information on the many workings of the ECS and its pervasive communications systems. Even though the information we have is limited, it is already and exciting topic in the health and medical community and provides a wide range of potential for treating the very worst conditions plaguing humans today.

It may not surprise you to know that the phytocompounds of the cannabis plant were discovered before the ECS. As a matter of fact, it was through researching the effects of cannabinoids on the human body that scientists were first able to witness the ECS in action, hence its name.

The most important thing we have come to learn through the studies of the ECS is that science and medicine are still learning a lot about how the human body functions. The ECS itself has presented complexities and facts that have caused medical science to rethink its approach to medicine and health treatments.

As an intrinsic messenger system, the ECS has receptors located all around the body and special set of chemical messengers called “endocannabinoids” that it uses to send messages here and there and control important aspects of the health. The word “endocannabinoids” refers to those chemicals produced in the human body that affect the ECS.

There are two receptors of the ECS that have been studied and observed in action, especially in their benefits to addressing human health and balancing homeostasis. These are cannabinoid receptor 1, better known as CB1 and cannabinoid receptor 2, also called CB2. CB1 is found extensively in the nervous system, the brain, and gonads. While CB2 receptors are found in the digestive systems, structures of the immune system, the major vital organs and the skin. The functions of these receptors are complex, pervasive and far beyond the full understanding of modern medical science.

Many experts believe that there are many other endocannabinoid receptors located in the body with other functions that have yet to be discovered. It is quite possible that any other cannabinoid receptors found in the body will have their very own functions which have nothing to do with those mentioned here.

The ECS pays special attention to the ways the body is reacting and modulates these responses for the best experience possible. When the body is sick and suffering infections, the ECS attenuates the inflammatory and fever responses of the immune system so the body doesn’t burn up. IT also helps to regulate the stress response and even has an impact on learned fear experiences.

A Few Good Reasons for Giving CBD to Your Pet

The world of alternative health and medicine has been turned upside down by three letters –– CBD. Since it arrived on the health scene not so long ago, much has been learned about this remarkable compound and the endocannabinoid system it affects.

The endocannabinoid system is ubiquitously present in many humans and non-human animals and plays a very similar role wherever it goes. The ECS helps the body adapt to its environment and change its regulations according to the demands of the moment.

This plays an important role in keeping the living body healthy and has the medical community very excited about a new way of boosting health and taking on some of the most horrendous maladies to date.

But, the exciting news for your cat, dog or potbellied pig is that this exciting cannabinoid can also benefit their health. In the following article, we will learn all about the benefits CBD can have on the health of your non-human companion.

Reduces Anxiety for your Pet

Do you ever feel especially uncomfortable in some situations and feel like biting your nails, tugging your hair, chewing the furniture or “crawling the walls”? Maybe not, because stress and anxiety affect everyone differently. But your pets will definitely begin expressing their feelings and emotions in some obvious ways

Pets suffering from anxieties and stress may begin to exhibit behavioral problems or other issues like a lack of appetite, depression or lethargy. Stress and anxiety in your pet can be caused by many different factors, many of which we don’t fully understand

CBD helps to build resistance to stress factors and anxieties and can help balance out your friend’s emotions. If you have an especially anxious or energetic pet, talk to your vet about CBD supplements for pets.

Boost Appetite and Control Nausea

Pets that have had surgery or been through a move may feel especially sensitive and sometimes this can be manifest in digestive issues like a loss of appetite or nausea. Other times a new food or medication can play tricks on the stomach and your animal companion may be vomiting on the floor. CBD has natural antiemetic properties that suppress nausea and the urge to vomit and can protect your carpets and upholstery as well.

Relieves Chronic Pain/Arthritis

There are other conditions that are common to humans and their animal friends, arthritis and conditions of the bones and joints can cause inflammatory responses and painful episodes. CBD has been studied for its impressive anti-inflammatory capacity and potent analgesic properties that can contribute to relief to painful conditions like arthritis.

Antioxidants

CBD has a potent antioxidant profile and this also has benefits to increasing your friend’s longevity and resistance to the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. Experts recommend antioxidants as part of a healthy plan for a long life, and this applies as much to your dog or ferret as it does to you. If you have an elderly cat or dog in your home CBD can benefit their senior years in many ways, talk to your vet about the advantages of CBD supplements for aging pets.

What's The Difference Between CBD And Cannabis Oil?

CBD oil has become the latest panacea to treat a wide range of ailments, illnesses and health conditions. The legalization of cannabis in many states in the U.S. and countries across the world has fueled the popularity of a variety of CBD products. However, this has also resulted in much confusion regarding the difference between CBD and Cannabis Oil.

While both are similar in the respect that they can be used to treat health conditions and the symptoms, there are 3 very important differences:

1. The Source

CBD oil is commonly extracted from the hemp plant which was traditionally grown to manufacture products such as clothing. This is because the hemp plant has a very low concentration of THC and higher concentrations of CBD. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive ingredient in all varieties of hemp, cannabis and marijuana plants. Cannabis oil, on the other hand, is derived or extracted from the cannabis or marijuana plant.

CBD oil can be extracted from the cannabis plant and Cannabis oil from the hemp plant. However, CBD oil is ideally extracted from plants containing high concentrations of CBD rather than high concentrations of THC.

2. THC Vs. CBD

CBD oil contains no THC and therefore has no psychoactive properties. In other words, it cannot make your high. The THC, even in the small concentrations contained in the hemp plant, is eliminated in the extraction process. Cannabis oil does contain THC in different concentrations depending on the species of the cannabis plant from which it was extracted. Cannabis oil can, therefore, make you high.

CBD is the element in hemp and cannabis that acts on the endocannabinoid system. This interaction is what is attributed to the many health benefits of CBD oil. CBD oil is therefore considered to be far more effective as a medical treatment than cannabis oil which contains lower concentrations of CBD.

However, research into CBD, THC and their benefits is still in its infancy. Some evidence has been found to suggest that THC may also interact with the endocannabinoid system. The psychoactive effects may also be useful in the treatment of some mental disorders or for the treatment of life-limiting diseases. These benefits do however still need to be confirmed.

3. The Concentration

The concentration of CBD in a specific oil is important to its efficacy. The higher the concentration of CBD, the more effective it is considered to be for the treatment of health conditions. Most cannabis and marijuana plant species have been bred through the years to contain higher concentrations of THC and less CBD.

Quality CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants or cannabis strains that have high concentrations of CBD. Cannabis oil will commonly have a much higher percentage of THC and contain lower concentrations of THC.

For most people who are turning to CBD oil to treat a wide range of ailments, these distinctions are critical. The fact that CBD cannot make you high and that it contains a higher concentration of the active CBD ingredient often makes CBD oil the more attractive choice over cannabis oil.

All About CBD Oil

In modern times, more and more states are legalizing the use of CBD oil. But just what is CBD oil, and what are the benefits of using this product? Continue reading to find out.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound that is taken from the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa. It boasts a number of benefits when used, but it does not bear the psychoactive properties that marijuana contains, caused by THC. A number of states have legalized CBD but not THC, so the residents of these states are still able to have access to the benefits of the cannabis plant without the mind-altering effects that the plant is known to cause.

CBD oil is a product that is made from this chemical compound. It can be ingested, vaped, and is even present in a number of skincare products for topical use.

What are the Benefits of Using CBD Oil?

While CBD is still undergoing tests, users praise it for its ability to help with a variety of different applications. One such application is pain relief. The marijuana plant itself has been utilized for pain for thousands of years. The properties of the plant that is able to relieve pain are especially beneficial for those living with joint problems, such as arthritis. It is also helpful for those living with nerve pain.

CBD oil is also able to relieve inflammation in the body. While ingesting it is good for the body, using skincare products that contain CBD has been shown to assist with relieving skin inflammation. Therefore, those who are living with acne-prone skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and more may find that using CBD topically calms and soothes the skin.

Another benefit that users swear by? Relief from anxiety and depression. These are prevalent conditions that affect millions of individuals living in the United States. In fact, depression is the leading cause of disability all over the globe. And while there are medications that are intended for use by those living with these conditions, many come with a number of harmful side effects, one of which is an addiction. While CBD oil may not be able to replace medication entirely, many find that using this product helps them cope as well as take a natural approach to their condition.

The last benefit that we will mention in regards to CBD oil (although it is certainly not one that completes the list of potential benefits of use) is aid with the side effects of cancer treatment. Those undergoing chemotherapy often find that they are plagued with nausea, pain, and vomiting. Many people living with and fighting cancer prefer to add CBD oil to their treatment plan to relieve these side effects of chemotherapy, stating that it has helped them with their pain as well as gaining an appetite.

In conclusion, CBD oil is a natural product that, while still undergoing studies to uncover each and every benefit, is praised and loved by those who use it. Make sure to research what is legal in your state before use.

A Beginner's Guide to CBD

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the many health benefits that CBD offers. Millions of people swear by CBD, and the numbers seem to support their claims. Reports show that the CBD industry will grow to $2.1 billion by 2020. But where should you start if you have no clue about how it works? Keep reading this CBD guide for beginners to help you navigate this exciting yet complex puzzle.

What is CBD?

First of all, it's crucial to educate yourself about CBD and what it actually is. Many people mistake it for marijuana, when in fact, this natural remedy doesn't produce any psychoactive effects. In other words, it doesn't get you high. More interestingly, CBD has been used in ancient medicine. Skeptics still claim that the health benefits associated with the use of CBD are unfounded. The good news is that a growing body of research now supports the benefits of using cannabidiol.

What are the benefits of CBD?

Despite being used for centuries, experts still consider CBD as fairly new. The early studies involving CBD reveal that it can prove useful for both the treatment and prevention of different illnesses. This list includes cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease.

New studies also show that CBD can be an effective treatment for people suffering from anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Using CBD has also been shown to stimulate the production of anandamide and serotonin, which helps in stress management. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it effective for relieving pain.

How to use CBD?

In the US, buying and selling CBD has been legalized recently. The law states that the CBD products shouldn't contain more than 0.3% THC. For this reason, it's recommended to do your research and look for reputable companies offering CBD products that follow the government's restrictions.

You should also take the time to learn about the origin and purity of the product. As much as possible, choose one that comes from a local source. It's also wise to go for completely organic CBD. You may also want to learn about the third-party testing used by the manufacturer to test the effects of their product.

Of course, you would come across vendors that claim to offer the best CBD products on the market. You shouldn't blindly believe in their claims. Otherwise, you risk wasting your hard-earned money. If possible, ask friends or family members for recommendations. They may have used a particular brand before, so use the opportunity to get their honest feedback.

You should also know that CBD products come in different forms. From gums and jellies to oils and ointments—the choices seem endless. It's best to do your research and find a product that best suits your intended purpose. For pain management, for instance, you may want to try a CBD gel as it's the most straightforward to use. You'd want to keep things simple at first before trying out other things such as CBD vaping. As always, be aware of the effects of CBD on your body and stop using it if you notice any adverse symptoms.