The ABCs of CBD

Throughout the ages and cultures, humans have utilized cannabis, an adaptogenic herb, for wellness. As early as 2,737 B.C., it is recorded that Emperor Shen Neng, of China, was utilizing cannabis for medicinal purposes. Fast forward to the early ‘90s, and an important discovery was made: the endocannabinoid system (ECS), named after the cannabis plant that led to its discovery.

This immensely important physiological system is responsible for managing much of the communication within and between our body’s organs to help maintain well-being and balance. The ECS governs neurotransmission involved in regulation of mood, memory, reward, appetite, anxiety, stress and more. However, this is just the beginning—the ECS plays a key role in everything from pain signaling to bone-building to immunity.

Cannabis allowed scientists to discover an entirely unknown molecular signaling system that resides within us and within basically everything on the planet, with the exception of insects. Scientists believe that we could possibly have the answer not only to curing diseases but preventing them altogether. The study of individual cannabinoids (60-plus cannabinoids) within the cannabis plant continues to bring new insights to the healing potential of various cannabinoids.

Though cannabidiol (CBD) seems to have just appeared on the scene, it was actually discovered before the psychotropic cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in the ‘40s, first by Dr. Walter S. Loewe, followed by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who was able to disassociate CBD as a mind-altering compound in 1964 and in 1980 show that CBD is effective in treating epilepsy. Today, CBD is being called the “work horse” compound of the plant due to the many new clinical studies discovering treatments for many discomforts and diseases (cbdNutritional.com/cbd-health-studies.html).

With the 2018 legalization of hemp-derived CBD, many companies are looking to profit with questionable hemp from various countries that do not have regulations like the U.S. State hemp agricultural program regulations. It is truly important to know the source of CBD, as hemp is a bioaccumulator of environmental toxins. In addition, there are no CBD labeling regulations. Other key factors regarding quality include extraction and manufacturing. It is wise to be aware of slick advertising and marketing campaigns. Do your due diligence and work with a quality, trusted source.

Chris Campabello is a holistic cannabinoid practitioner who has been working in the field for more than six years. She owns the CBD Store AZ, located at 3314 N. 3rd St., in Phoenix. For more information, visit cbdNutritional.com.