The already known therapeutic actions of CBD, the second major molecule present in cannabis.
Cannabis is used against pain, nausea, and vomiting, to stimulate the appetite, but also as a bronchodilator in asthma, as an antispasmodic in Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, or as a vasodilator in glaucoma. CBD is also used to reduce epileptic seizures and is equally effective in rare and severe forms.
Active effects of Cannabis
- Help to alleviate anxiety and stress by regulating the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Thus, it can promote pleasure and a good mood, which has the direct consequence of calming stress and anxiety.
- Helps calm pain and muscle spasms by acting directly on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Similar to neurotransmitters, when stimulated by taking cannabis, they produce a body response that calms pain and inflammation. So, you can use it to relieve muscle and joint pain as well as menstrual pain.
- Help with sleep, smoking, and skin problems. It can also help you fall asleep and thus improve your sleep. Non-addictive, it can reduce the urge to smoke by taking a few drops as needed. It will act in the same way as for stress and pain. Reduces nausea and skin problems. According to Dalhousie University in Canada, CBD is now believed to have a therapeutic and/or preventive action in the management of pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Active molecules in Cannabis
- THC: THC is the most known molecule of cannabis. In the EU, it is accepted when it represents 0.3% or less of the product.
- CBD: CBD, or cannabidiol is the second most present molecule in hemp. It is not psychotropic and has no proven harmful consequences according to the WHO.
- CBN: CBN or cannabidiol a slightly psychoactive cannabinoid. Created by the oxidation of THC by UV rays or oxygen, CBN has about 10% of the effects of THC. Few studies have been done on CBN compared to THC and CBD. However, the few studies that have been done prove the sedative effect of CBN. It is thus of a great help in case of insomnia.
- CBG: CBG or Cannabigerol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, like CBD. It seems that CBG is the stem cell of CBD and THC. Present in small quantities in the different varieties of cannabis, its extraction is rather difficult.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS)
Still under study at the moment as there are so many discoveries about it, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the different balances of the body. Present mainly in the nervous system, it is also present in peripheral tissues such as skin, organs, muscles, and bones.
The balance of the body, also called homeostasis, is the fact that the body will permanently try to regulate its pH, that is to say to maintain its acid-base balance by the means mainly of this endocannabinoid system. It will constantly call upon this system to secrete cells that will restore its homeostasis.
To summarize, it is a cellular communication system composed of:
- Receptors, CB1 and CB2, present on the surface of cells are locks.
- Ligands are the keys allowing the receptors to provoke a specific signal that leads to an effect. For example pleasure, good mood, and relaxation.
- Enzymes, are proteins that activate or accelerate this effect by chemical reaction. They act as regulators producing or reducing the number of molecules that produce an effect in the body. For example, pain is a response of the body to an imbalance, acne, anxiety or hunger also.
