Cannabidiol oil, or CBD as it’s more commonly known, is a phytocannabinoid that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its infamous cousin delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) it does not have psychoactive effects—you don’t get high using it. It is gaining great scientific ground showing multiple health benefits through its activity on your body’s endocannabinoid system.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS)
This is a powerful messenger system, discovered in the 1990’s. Receptors are being discovered all over the body, but mainly concentrated in the central and peripheral nervous systems and immune tissues. The ECS plays a role in numerous physiological functions, such as sleep, mood, appetite, inflammation, and pain.
MORE ABOUT CANNABIS
Cannabis sativa is a specific plant species.
Marijuana
Marijuana belongs to this species, and has been specifically bred over the years to contain very high quantities of the psychoactive THC. Its legality varies state by state. In Illinois, where I live, it is legal only with a physician’s statement of a specific condition that the regulators have deemed appropriate. The list of conditions is long and contains cancer, severe fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, PTSD and many others.
Users of medical marijuana get a card of approved-use from the state of Illinois and then are basically on their own to find the product. Dispensaries are located throughout the state, and knowledgeable guides will help customers decide on the best product to use. Interestingly CBD competes with THC at the psychoactive CBD1 receptor, so the higher the CBD content, the less psychoactive effects. This can be used to get the health benefits of both THC and CBD without detracting from mental clarity.
Hemp
Hemp is also a subspecies of Cannabis sativa, but is bred to contain almost entirely CBD. The THC content is less than 0.3%. It is legal in all states and does not require a prescription. It is available in oral, topical and vape form.
HEALTH USES OF CBD
CBD has been shown to have a broad influence on the body, impacting expression of more than 1000 genes. Among these genes, it has been shown to up-regulate expression of cellular antioxidant defenses through pathways including Nrf2, a primary regulator of cellular antioxidant production, and down-regulate that of many inflammatory signaling molecules. Based on these properties it can be helpful in numerous medical conditions including:
- Auto-immunity
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression & Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Post concussion syndrome
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)
INTRODUCING COLORADO HEMP OIL
I’m pleased to announce that I now carry what I consider to be the best hemp oil on the market. The technology is to encase the CBD in liposomes (fat droplets made of phospholipids) to increase the absorption. Your cell membranes are made of phospholipids, so the liposomes absorb easily directly through the cell membrane and deliver their contents intracellularly.
My patients know that I am always striving to learn new things to promote health and wellness. I believe that CBD is powerful tool, and I’m very happy to have it in my toolbox.
