Do you know the difference between CBD and THC? Which one is best for treating pain and inflammation? Which one gives you the “high” society screams about? Hopefully, this short blog will answer some of those questions for you.
What’s the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System was discovered in the 1990’s. It consists of neurotransmitters in the body that help maintain overall homeostasis. In other words, it helps regulate the body to stay at a normal or “well” state, in conjunction with other systems in the body. The neurotransmitters work through the central and peripheral nervous systems. It helps in maintaining peak performance with immune health, sleep, anxiety, pain, stress and reproduction, just to name a few. This concept is very similar to hormone replacement therapy (ie: estrogen for women and testosterone for men). Like every system, there are receptors present that are activated with endocannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBG). The endocannabinoids are absorbed into your cells, which then react with the Endocannabinoid System, and then interact with various receptors in the nerves, muscles, tissues, organs and brain to help regulate inflammation, pain and maintain homeostasis. The ECS also enables a feedback system for the neurological functions. THC (Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol) gives the “high” or “euphoria” that people seek. CBD (CannaBiDiol) is non-intoxicating and helps with helps with inflammation, spasticity, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, IBS, chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc. There are 113 cannabinoids that scientists know about and are continually researching. CBG is another cannabinoid that researchers are looking at with regard to anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
When looking at delivery systems of CBD, the most popular are creams, gummies and liquid forms (tinctures). Tinctures work better because they contain terpenoids with CBD in one product and last longer. Tinctures are usually taken in dropper-fulls twice a day. Gummies are taken twice a day but are not as effective and don’t last as long. Creams can be used as often as needed.