Learn about the Science, Histories and Traditional Ways of Working with Hemp & other Plant Medicines
Whether you're just dipping your toes in, or are a regular consumer of hemp products, it's important to have an understanding of what you're using, and how it functions. This post provides a solid overview, with some detail for people who like to know more.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP AND MARIJUANA? |
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Botanically, hemp and marijuana are members of the genus and species Cannabis sativa. There’s a big difference between high cannabinoid strains of cannabis, whether hemp or marijuana, and hemp cannabis that’s grown for seed and fiber. Typically, strains grown for seed and fiber are very fibrous, with tall, strong stalks, similar to corn, with fewer and smaller flowers than we find with high cannabinoid strains. These are used to produce densely nutritious seeds that are high in omega fatty acids and protein, and strong fibers that are used to make fabric, rope, paper and building supplies, among other things. Meanwhile, high cannabinoid strains of cannabis are bushier, like small trees covered in dense, resinous flowers.
There’s also a difference between high-cannabinoid hemp and high-cannabinoid marijuana. Hemp contains high amounts of CBDA, which is the precursor to CBD. When CBDA is decarboxylated, it converts to CBD, or cannabidiol, which is the primary health-supporting non-psychoactive constituent derived from hemp.
Marijuana contains high amounts of THCA, which is the precursor to THC. When THCA is decarboxylated, it converts to THC, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the primary psychoactive constituent derived from marijuana.
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WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM? |
Balance.
In biology, we call this homeostasis. According to Brittanica:
Homeostasis- Any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival. If homeostasis is successful, life continues; if unsuccessful, disaster or death ensues. The stability attained is actually a dynamic equilibrium, in which continuous change occurs yet relatively uniform conditions prevail. The general idea of this self-regulating process was explored by French physiologist Claude Bernard in 1849 and the word homeostasis coined by American neurologist and physiologist Walter Brandford Cannon in 1926. Any system in dynamic equilibrium tends to reach a steady state, a balance that resists outside forces of change. When such a system is disturbed, built-in regulatory devices respond to the departures to establish a new balance; such a process is one of feedback control. All processes of integration and coordination of function, whether mediated by electrical circuits or by nervous and hormonal systems, are examples of homeostatic regulation.
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a homeostatic regulatory system that plays a key role in maintaining key cellular and systemic balance. Ultimately, it’s involved in many physiological processes including appetite and digestion, sleep, cognitive function, immune function, metabolism, neurological function, hormone regulation, reproduction and fertility, bone remodeling and growth, chronic pain, and cardiovascular function.
Discovered in the early 1990s, the Endocannabinoid System is a complex cell-signaling system vital for maintaining a healthfully functioning body. It affects many of our biological processes. This system is found in all vertebrates and some invertebrates.
The system contains cannabinoid receptors that we can think of as locks, and molecules called cannabinoids that are the keys. A variety of tissues in the body, including brain, muscle, fatty tissue and immune cells, produce small quantities of endocannabinoids. There are two main types of endocannabinoids: anandamide, or AEA, and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, known as 2-AG.
How is CBD involved with the Endocannabinoid System?
First, CBD is a “reuptake inhibitor” that prolongs the natural life cycle of our own natural endocannabinoids so they produce more system-regulating homeostatic benefits. CBD acts to increase the efficacy of our own endogenously produced cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) through complex biochemical processes that extend cannabinoid activity.
CBD can also alter and adjust how cannabinoid receptors function.
THC and CBG are two of the cannabinoids that work through the lock and key receptor system described above. CBD doesn’t lock-and-key with the receptors- instead, it acts to adjust the signal. It’s not fully understood, but early research suggests that CBD acts as a dimmer-switch to downregulate the signal without turning it off, which is another mechanism for extending the life cycle of endogenous endocannabinoids. This appears to explain the mechanism by which CBD reduces the negative effects of too-much-THC, and can be used to reduce and extend the cognitive effects of THC, allowing its effect to occur on a much gentler, longer curve.
Additionally, we have evidence that CBD upregulates CB2 receptor signaling, which regulates immune cell activity - but we don’t know how.
In a nutshell: CBD elevates levels of the endogenous cannabinoid compounds that activate your cannabinoid receptors and cause them to signal. CBD also modulates the way your cannabinoid receptors function, turning down the volume at CB1 while turning up the volume at CB2 ~ biochemically choreographing a delicate balance between many physiological operating systems to keep them in a balanced and healthful state of homeostasis. This is key to overall wellness.
HOW DO CANNABINOIDS WORK?
Hemp oil derived from high-cannabinoid strains of hemp contain a range of cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system. These phytocannabinoids (“phyto” meaning plant-based) bind to receptors that are located throughout the body. This receptor-binding action helps to regulate the endocannabinoid system, promoting overall cellular balance and fine-tuning systemic biochemical interactions. Your body makes its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids (“endo” means internal) and almost every part of your body contains cannabinoid receptors. This is the endocannabinoid system, and it works to maintain homeostasis (meaning, balance) within your bodily systems.
Why is CBD so popular?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, which is a cannabinoid that does not interact strongly with CB1 and CB2. This is why CBD does not cause psychoactive effects. At its most basic level, CBD works by inhibiting the breakdown of endocannabinoids, resulting in an overall increase in your body’s naturally-produced cannabinoids. In other words, CBD helps your body to work better, and helps your bodily systems function more effectively.
What about CBG?
CBG, or cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid with known benefits that works particularly well when combined with CBD. It is often called the “mother of cannabinoids,” since all cannabinoids begin as cannabigerol before converting into other cannabinoids as the plant matures.
Unlike CBD, it binds with CB1 and CB2, like THC, but without causing psychoactive effects. In fact, because it does bind to these receptors, it can reduce the cognitive effects of THC or adjust the effects to allow for greater mental acuity.
Why is CBDv so exciting?
CBDv appears to interact with the human body similarly CBD, but with crucial distinctions. Compared to CBD, CBDv has greater affinity for certain neuroreceptors and lesser affinity for others. CBDv primarily binds to the neuroreceptors TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPA1 – key receptors that regulate fundamental body processes, such as inflammation, temperature sensing, and pain perception. Notably, CBDv shows much higher affinity for GABA neuroreceptors than CBD, potentially resulting in CBDv providing meaningful benefit in cases of GABA signaling issues.
Why are Full and Broad Spectrum Extracts Better?
Many people choose to add hemp into their wellness routines to support overall cellular metabolic processes and healthful function. There are over 100+ cannabinoids that can be extracted from hemp. Research has shown that these cannabinoids, along with the terpenes and other phytoconstituents found in a full spectrum hemp extract, have a better effect on the body when they work together synergistically. When you see the phrase “whole plant extract" applied to herbs generally, this is what's being referenced. In scientific jargon, it’s called “network pharmacology.” In the pharmaceutical industry, the synergy of many interacting constituents is considered too-complex, hard-to-study, and - crucially- harder or impossible to patent. In fact, it is the intrinsic intelligence of nature at the foundation of herbalism in every traditional language of medicine.
Empathica products are compliant with federal regulations. Our Full Spectrum products contain less than .3% THC, and our Broad Spectrum products are THC-free, but otherwise contain a spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and other beneficial phytoconstituents. Third-party tests for all products are available for review on our website.
Please consult with your health practitioner before using any dietary supplement including hemp extracts.