The flowers and leaves of some ‘industrial’ hemp strains may be a viable source of CBD, but hemp is by no means an optimal source. Hemp typically contains far less CBD than CBD-rich cannabis. Huge amounts of industrial hemp are required to extract small amounts of CBD, raising the risk of toxic contaminants (hemp is a ‘bio-accumulator’; drawing heavy metals from the soil). Single-molecule CBD synthesised in a lab or extracted and refined from industrial hemp lacks critical medicinal terpenes and secondary cannabinoids found in cannabis strains. These compounds interact with CBD and THC to enhance their therapeutic benefits.
CBD indirectly stimulates endogenous cannabinoid signalling by suppressing the enzyme ‘fatty acid amide hydroxylase’ (FAAH). This enzyme breaks down anandamide, a naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter, or ‘endogenous ligand’ which binds CB1 receptors which are concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. Because FAAH is responsible for breaking down anandamide, less FAAH means more anandamide (and greater CB1 activation) in the body for longer. By inhibiting the enzyme that metabolises and destroys anandamide, CBD enhances the body’s innate protective endocannabinoid response. At the same time, CBD powerfully opposes the action of THC at the CB1 receptor, thereby muting the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD also stimulates the release of 2-AG, another endocannabinoid that activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB2 receptors are predominant in the peripheral nervous and immune systems.
Role of Endocannabinoid Activation of Peripheral CB1 Receptors in the Regulation of Autoimmune Disease |
♋ Anti-psioratic – CBD is the only cannabinoid identified to treat psoriasis.
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Reference sources included;
Study:New Cannabinoids Discovered
Safety Data Sheet-CBDa
A Chemotaxonomic Analysis of Cannabinoid Variation in Cannabis (Cannabaceae)
How Cbd Works Within Cells
Cannabinoid Profile CBDa
Cannabinoid Profile – CBD
How CBD Works
GPR55
Cannabinoid Profile CBG
Granny Storm Crows List 2015