Well, the answer is three letters: E.C.S.
The excerpt below is from a very insightful article found in Marijuana Doctors.com
"Cannabinoids interact directly with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex system that assists the body in maintaining homeostasis — it helps regulate metabolism, intra-cellular communication, appetite and memory, along with our immune and pain responses.
The human body naturally produces its own cannabinoids, known as endo-cannabinoids. The ECS is designed to regulate and dispense these compounds throughout the body, so the cannabinoids from marijuana seamlessly integrate into the body’s own system. Until researchers began studying the effects of marijuana on the body, the ECS system was unknown — after studying cannabinoids and their cellular interactions, scientists discovered an entirely new bodily system.
The ECS has two types of receptors — CB1 and CB2. Each receptor binds to a specific part of the ECS and affects different systems, and individual cannabinoids activate different receptors....CBD is the cannabinoid most likely to interact with CB2 receptors.
CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system and the immune system. They are found in the tonsils, thymus gland and the spleen, and they function primarily as anti-inflammatory agents — once CB2 receptors are activated, they begin an immune response to reduce inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body.
It is interesting to note that Marijuana strains high in CBD don’t activate the endo-cannabinoid system receptors in the central nervous system like THC — instead, CBD works in organs and systems related to immune and inflammatory responses.
A growing body of evidence shows cannabinoids are strong anti-inflammatory agents in the body."
Consequently, because we have an endo-cannibinoid system with receptors (CB1 & CB2), our bodies are more receptive to accepting CBD. It is also important to note that Hemp-derived CBD, contains .03% THC, (which under U.S. law a hemp plant must contain no more than that legal limit.)
In order for CBD to work best, you should take CBD via the sublingual method. The amazing benefit of taking our oil-free CBD tincture, is its high bio-availability, meaning the body is able to effectively utilize more of the cannabinoids in the daily tincture (when administered sublingual.) It is always recommended to start with a low amount, "(low and slow") and then slowly work your way up to find the optimal dose.
Everybody metabolizes things differently and the same can be said for CBD. How much you take will depend on your body weight, body chemistry, and genes. All of these factors will affect how CBD works on your system, so work with the dosage until you find your "sweet spot."
“Full-spectrum hemp can provide an entourage effect. The medicinal benefits of a hemp-derived entourage effect will depend on the medical condition, stage of the condition, patient physiology, and the dose response,” says
Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of Women Grow, an organization connecting female professionals in the cannabis industry; and CEO of National Holistic, a healing center based in Washington, D.C.
Note, Full-spectrum means the CBD was extracted from the plant and includes cannabis-derived terpenes and trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids.
Various studies have shown that the entourage effect could help increase the clinical efficacy of CBD. (Source: Weed Maps)
Remember, it is always safer to consume hemp-derived CBD products that are grown without chemical contaminants and tested by a third party.
(Source: Effects of Cannabis on the Central Nervous System)
