DO YOU KNOW THAT A FORM OF CANNABINOID IS ABUNDANT IN OUR BODY?
ITS CALLED CB1
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential regulator of bodily function in its many facets. There is hardly any physiological process that is not affected by it to some degree: pain, movement, emotion, digestion, skin, and even bone health.
It is surprising then to realize that the ECS was totally unknown prior to three decades ago.
CB1 is the name of the cannabinoid receptor that is best known for its role affecting nerve function in the brain where THC exerts its effects on short-term memory, pain, emotion, hunger, etc...
Beyond the brain, CB1 receptors are abundant in the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, where they have a key role in the regulation of pain, itch, and muscle tone. The ECS also influences the gastrointestinal tract, where CB1 modulates two important aspects of digestion: propulsion and secretion, amply demonstrated in the 19th century when cannabis extracts became one of the first successful treatments for the cholera epidemics of that era, arresting severe diarrhea and allowing rapid recovery. The endocannabinoid system also regulates the endocrine function and fertility, as well as factors in cellular function, whether developmentally or in the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancer (see below).
CB1, however, is not the only cannabinoid receptor. Less studied, but extremely important is CB2, a non-psychoactive receptor that is mostly found in the periphery (outside the brain) and which is a key immunomodulatory mediator with additional activity on pain and inflammation.
What if the ECS itself is out of balance? How might this be manifested? Ideally, if the ECS is functioning normally, a person might enjoy a normal mental state, without pain, have a good digestive function, etc. In contrast, morbid obesity is accompanied by a metabolic syndrome with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and even diabetes.
What if endocannabinoid levels are too low? It has been theorized and subsequently borne out in subsequent research that numerous mysterious disorders fit the description of “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency” (CED). Noteworthy among these are migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS or “spastic colon”). These disorders affect millions of otherwise healthy people who are plagued by chronic pain and other symptoms, leading to extensive medical tests and attempts at treatment, often to limited benefit.
Finally, many forms of cancer are accompanied by increases of CB1 and/or CB2 expression, felt to be part of the body’s effort to combat the disorder. Interestingly, the phytocannabinoids demonstrate the potential to treat cancer in high doses without harming the normal cells of the body.
Cancer arises due to a loss of ability for malignant cells to undergo apoptosis, a normal process of programmed cell death whereby the body remolds and renews itself. Instead, cancer cells become immortalized, divide and grow in an uncontrolled fashion, invade surrounding tissues, stimulate their own blood supply, and even metastasize (spread remotely to distant sites). The endo- and phytocannabinoids, particularly CBD, have the ability to reverse or prevent many of these effects, as demonstrated in experiments in many cancer cell-types and even in a growing number of case reports in humans.
Beyond the issue of eliminating the malignancy itself, properly constituted cannabinoid treatment may hold the promise of additional “side benefits” by simultaneously addressing attendant symptoms of cancer: pain, nausea, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety.
In summary, the endocannabinoid system is a recently discovered regulatory physiological system that holds great promise for improvements in human quality of life. To date, it has not received the attention that it deserves in physician and patient education, nor in research expenditures. Should these shortcomings be rectified, it stands to reason that public health would benefit enormously.
CBD For Coronavirus? New Study Adds Evidence For Cannabis As Covid-19 Treatment
As we continue to see outbreaks of the novel coronavirus surging, many are waiting and hoping for treatments to be developed that might treat, cure, or prevent the potentially deadly disease. In a surprising turn of events, cannabis is on the list of potential treatments.
While researchers are exploring many different possibilities in combating COVID-19, some researchers are looking into whether cannabis or cannabis-derived CBD might offer benefits for those suffering from severe forms of this infection. Interestingly, there have been several different ways researchers have suggested CBD might help, including its ability to reduce ACE2 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production to fight lung inflammation, and it’s potential as an antiviral. But few studies have tested these theories with actual experimentation.
Now new evidence is adding support to the theory that cannabis-derived CBD may help those suffering from the severe lung inflammation that occurs in more serious cases of COVID-19. The study from researchers at Augusta University in Georgia suggests that CBD may positively impact ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome - a dangerous symptom in COVID-19 caused by an overactive inflammatory response. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘cytokine storm’. The authors of the study explain that “currently, other than supportive measures, there is no definitive cure for ARDS, illustrating the urgent need for creative and effective therapeutic modalities to treat this complex condition.”
But CBD may be able to help treat this dangerous symptom of COVID-19. The researchers suggest CBD may be able to help by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, fighting off the storm. By reducing specific cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1b, and IL-17, we may be able to bring down the inflammation and thus end the respiratory distress and damage. And the results of these researchers' experiments supported this theory.
The research itself was performed on mice, who were first given a treatment called Poly(I:C) to artificially induce ARDS, with symptoms similar to what we see in severe COVID-19 patients. This created a cytokine storm, reduced the blood oxygen saturation by 10%, and even produced structural damages to the lungs in mice subjects. Then after the mice were experiencing the cytokine storm and coinciding respiratory distress, they were given CBD. And the results showed just how powerful CBD can be when treating ARDS. “These symptoms were totally or partially reversed and returned to the level and condition of the normal after treatment with CBD” the authors report.
Cannabis-derived CBD may help fight off severe lung inflammation caused by COVID-19
In particular, mice treated with CBD saw a reduced expression of IL-6, an important marker for cytokine storms, and lowered the levels of other proinflammatory cytokines. While the Poly:(I:C) spiked inflammatory markers, “CBD treatment reversed all these inflammatory indices and partially re-established homeostasis” the authors explain. Mice treated with CBD also had increases in lymphocyte levels in their blood, which are important white blood cells for fighting off infections.
Researchers on the study say that CBD could play an immunotherapeutic role in treating severe respiratory viral infections like COVID-19, based on the present findings.
“The current data support the notion that the anti-inflammatory function of CBD may reduce cytokine storm and mitigate the effects of exaggerated inflammation” they explain. They add that “considering all potential regulatory effects of CBD as well as the vast distribution of endocannabinoid system in the body, it is plausible that CBD may be used as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of various inflammatory conditions including COVID-19 and other virus-induced ARDS.”
More research could help us learn how cannabis and CBD can help fight the novel coronavirus
Of course, this is an early study, and more research needs to be done - particularly more research that tests this theory on actual human subjects with COVID-19 related ARDS. The authors point out that “obviously, more studies are required to expand and validate this therapeutic strategy.”
While we may have to wait for more research before this is being used as an active treatment for COVID-19, this study gives us good reason to hope that CBD might eventually be harnessed to help fight ARDS. It also adds to the chorus of researchers and cannabis advocates suggesting that we look further into cannabis and its potential to fight this deadly disease.
I am a writer and educator focused on bringing scientifically backed education on cannabis and wellness to the public. I’ve spent the last decade working in and covering
FULL-SPECTRUM VS. BROAD-SPECTRUM VS. ISOLATE: WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Full-spectrum CBD oil is largely considered to be the most effective choice between full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum. One of the reasons CBD oil has medicinal promise for so many conditions is that the hundreds of cannabinoids are all working together. Each enhances and compliments the effects of the other (the entourage effect, mentioned above).
Unlike traditional prescription medications that stress the purity of one compound, high-quality full-spectrum CBD oil relies on all of the compounds to contribute.
For consumers who are particularly sensitive to THC or who do not want to ingest any THC at all (due to your job or other reasons), broad-spectrum CBD oil might be a good choice. The main concern with broad-spectrum CBD oil becomes knowing exactly what compounds are in your oil and in what amounts. As mentioned above, because there is very little regulation about what goes on the label for CBD products, this can be a challenging spot for consumers.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils do have many applications. However, CBD isolate oil on its own seems to have limited benefit for the health conditions listed above.
HOW TO CHOOSE CBD OIL
Because it can be challenging to find a high-quality product you can trust, here are five tips when choosing your CBD oil.
1. BUY FROM A STATE THAT HAS LEGALIZED CANNABIS
Consumer Reports found that states who have legalized cannabis have stricter standards and tighter regulations even when it comes to CBD oil.
For example, ZENLABS uses hemp seeds from HGH Seed Inc., a hemp seed producer that works with researchers from Colorado State University for high quality and consistent seeds. Located in a state that has
legalized cannabis means we stress the quality of every aspect of our product, from seed to final extraction.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO THE EXTRACTION PROCESS
Chemical or prolonged high-heat extraction methods may claim to produce full-spectrum CBD oils, but they can damage or change beneficial cannabinoids in the process.
At ZENLABS, we use a patented vapor distillation process that uses water to gently extract the highest concentration of compounds possible.
3. MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE FULL-SPECTRUM CBD OIL
Read the labels carefully. Avoid products that say “pure CBD” or “no THC” as these are not full-spectrum products.
Because of that, they will not provide the benefits of full-spectrum CBD oil (but they might come with the same price tag – buyer beware!).
4. AVOID ADDITIVES OR FILLERS
When you read the label, make sure your full-spectrum CBD oil doesn’t contain sweeteners or thickeners as these can introduce unknown and unregulated materials into your CBD oil.
ZENLABS never includes artificial flavors or colors in any of our tinctures, softgels and even our roll-ons. Our 300 mg, 600 mg and 1,500 mg tinctures are available in their natural, lightly nutty flavor.
5. ASK QUESTIONS
Reputable sellers are happy, willing, and able to talk directly to consumers. They’ll be ready to answer all of your questions about their products. They should be able to talk about where their seeds are produced and grown, as well as their extraction process.
At ZENLABS, we are dedicated to providing you the highest quality product from the seed to your bodily system. Get in touch with us to learn more.
