The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
- Present in all humans
- Present in all vertebrates and many invertebrates
- Receptors exist throughout the body (brain, digestive system, lymphatic system)
- Responsible for homeostasis; regulation of breath, inflammation, immune response, mood, pain, GI motility, neuroprotection, hormonal balance, sleep/wake cycle, blood pressure, tumor surveillance, and reproduction
- Taught in only 13% of medical, nursing and pharmacy programs
- Can be activated by going for a run, i.e. “runner’s high”
- May be activated during osteopathic manipulation and acupuncture
- Consists of CB1 & CB2 receptors
Mechanisms of Action
Cannabidiol (CBD) binds to a G-coupled protein, TRPV-1, which influences inflammation, pain perception and body temperature. Multiple NIH studies show that CBD inhibits FAAH activity, which is responsible for the deterioration of N-arachidonoylethanolamine, commonly known as anandamide. CBD also inhibits anandamide reuptake. The scientists who discovered and isolated the neurotransmitter anandamide discovered that it contributes to elevated mood. Unfortunately, endogenous anandamide levels are very low, and the half-life is rapid. CBD plays an important role by inhibiting anandamide degradation and enhancing endogenous levels. CBG and CBC, other cannabinoids present in Ananda Hemp, also increase anandamide levels.
The other cannabinoid compounds in Ananda Hemp are valuable on their own, but they also help to realize CBD’s anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and mood elevating potential by working synergistically, a phenomenon that scientific experts call the “entourage effect.”
Product Safety
Unlike THC, CBD and other cannabinoids are not psychoactive. Early studies show that even at extremely high doses, CBD remained psycho-tropically inactive. The immunomodulation of cannabinoids has been investigated in human studies to evaluate safety in immunocompromised patients. Evidence supports safety, though there is evidence that CB1 agonists, such as THC, may be maladaptive in liver fibrosis.
Ananda Hemp products contain less than .3% THC. There are no published reports of CBD induced serotonin syndrome, but patients on SSRIs should be cautioned. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women not use marijuana, as animal studies revealed potential threats of THC. In vitro and animal studies on CBD and CBN were not associated with negative outcomes. ACOG has not made a recommendation on hemp during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there is no evidence to support recommending or eliminating it.
What is Full Spectrum?
We believe mother nature provides the best architecture for wellness and healing. In fact, the hemp plant has been used by humans for thousands of years as a herbal remedy to heal a host of ailments. We simply take the best parts of the plant that she has provided us, including the vast array of cannabinoids, terpenes, essential fatty acids, and other phytonutrients, and balance them in simple, easy to use formats.
There are at least 113 known cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. However, today, our pharmaceutical industry is based on a model of developing single molecules against single targets. We are not sure that this is the optimal way to create wellness. We feel the current model is not working. Unfortunately, some of our competitors in the industry borrow from the same playbook and provide products that only contain CBD. We do not believe CBD by itself is the optimal way to consume cannabinoids; our products contain absolutely no isolates or synthetics.
Full spectrum hemp oil refers to the pure oil extracted from a hemp plant, containing unmodified cannabinoids and compounds. Unlike isolated or synthetic cannabinoids, full spectrum hemp oil contains an array of cannabinoids, as well as many essential vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, flavonoids and terpenes. These compounds have been proven to work more effectively when presented together in a specifically designed, synergistic manner than when separated into purified molecules.