Education
What is it and how can it help?
Cannabis as a medicine was used before the Christian era in Asia, mainly in India. The introduction of cannabis in the Western medicine occurred during the 19th century, reaching the climax in the last decade of that century, with the availability and usage of cannabis extracts or tinctures.
In the early 20th century, the Western medical use of cannabis significantly decreased largely due to difficulties to obtain consistent results from batches of plant material of different potencies.
In the 1960s, Professor. Raphael Mechoulam began his cannabinoid research ultimately discovering the chemical structure of cannabis (cannabinoids). The possibility of obtaining its pure constituents, isolating THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) resulted in a significant increase of scientific interest in the cannabis plant. Prof. Mechoulam studied the pharmacological, metabolical and clinical effects. The positive findings paved the way to important major new discoveries about cannabinoids, such as the identification of cannabinoid receptors and the endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system in the brain.
The main active ingredients in cannabis are referred to as plant derived cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) and are called tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, more commonly known as THC and CBD. They are the two most studied cannabinoids, so far, we are aware of over 100 different cannabinoid compounds within the cannabis plant.
THC and CBD have both been found to act on specific receptors (CB1 & CB2) within the human body, mitigating and altering neurotransmitter release. With extensive medical potential, cannabinoids like THC and CBD, the key chemical components in cannabis, are extremely effective in treating many medical conditions and provide a wide range of symptom relief.
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, causing downregulation of neuronal signals. Therefore, is it is known to be psychoactive and impairing, while improving appetite, boosting mood, and relieving pain, it also works as a sleep aid.
CBD (Cannabidiol) does not bind to CB1 receptors, so is considered non-psychoactive. It works by slowing down the degradation of natural endogenous endocannabinoids, therefor increasing the levels of endocannabinoids in the body. It is known to be an effective treatment to reduce levels of anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and pain-relieving effects.
Cannabinoid receptors are present throughout the body, embedded in cell membranes, and are believed to be more numerous than any other receptor system. Researchers have identified two cannabinoid receptors: CB1, predominantly present in the nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs; and CB2, predominantly found in the immune system and its associated structures. Researchers speculate there may be a third cannabinoid receptor waiting to be discovered.
CB1 receptors are primarily found in several brain regions and the central nervous system. They are also found in the cerebellum and in both male and female reproductive systems. These receptors mediate many of the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids. CB2 receptors are predominantly distributed in the immune system. They appear to be responsible for anti-inflammatory and other immune-related activity.
Cannabinoids have been receiving more and more attention in the news lately and you may find yourself wondering: what is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and what role does it play in the human body?
The Endocannabinoid system is a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many processes in the body, including immune response, communication between cells, inflammation, sleep, pain, appetite and metabolism, memory, and more. It is through this system of receptors and metabolic enzymes that cannabinoids interact with the human body and trigger beneficial effects.
Despite the integral role the Endocannabinoid system has in human body function, it was discovered relatively recently and much of its importance is only just becoming understood by scientists and the medical community at large.
CB1 receptors located in the brain and central nervous system:
Brain
Lungs
Vascular System
Muscles
Gastrointestinal Tract
Reproductive Organs
Immune System
Bone Marrow
Liver
Pancreas
CB2 receptors found on cells throughout the immune system:
Spleen
Bones
Skin
Immune System
Liver
Bone Marrow
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though many people commonly associate them with cannabis because cannabis plants contain high concentrations of them. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, and lavender, as well as fresh orange peel.
Aroma:
Peppery
Potential benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Neuroprotective, Alleviates stress & anxiety, improves Gut function
Also found in:
Basil, Clove, Oregano
Aroma:
Citrus
Potential benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Elevates mood, Anitbacterial, Immunostimulant, Relieves stress
Also found in:
Citrus, Caraway
Aroma:
Minty, camphor-like
Potential benefits:
Uplifting, Calming, Anti-inflammatory
Also found in:
Ginger, Thyme, Sage
Aroma:
Floral
Potential benefits:
Relaxant, Sedative, Anti-Inflammatory
Also found in:
Lavender, Sweet Basil
Aroma:
Sweet, earthy
Potential benefits:
Anti-inflammatory
Also found in:
Cedar, Bell pepper, Rosemary
Aroma:
Peppery
Potential benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Sedative, Antispasmodic
Also found in:
Lemongrass, Mango, Chamomile
Aroma:
Minty with hints of spice
Potential benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory, Muscle and joint Analgesic
Also found in:
Tea tree, Rosemary, Sage
Aroma:
Pine
Potential benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Anti-Proliferactive, Antioxidant
Also found in:
Pine trees, Rosemary, Juniper
Aroma:
Earthy, woody
Potential benefits:
Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Appetite suppressant
Also found in:
Hops, Cloves
Aroma:
Sweet pine
Potential benefits:
Sedative, Antiseptic, Immunostimulant, Uplifting
Also found in:
Pine, Petigrain
