Mice cured of MRSA, raising hopes of treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A compound made by cannabis plants has been found to wipe out drug-resistant bacteria, raising hopes of a new weapon in the fight against superbugs.
Scientists screened five cannabis compounds for their antibiotic properties and found that one, cannabigerol (CBG), was particularly potent at killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the most common hospital superbugs.
Tests in the lab showed that CBG, which is not psychoactive, killed common MRSA microbes and “persister” cells that are especially resistant to antibiotics and that often drive repeat infections. The compound also cleared up hard-to-shift “biofilms” of MRSA that can form on the skin and on medical implants.
Having seen how effective the substance was against bacteria in the lab, the researchers decided to test CBG’s ability to treat infections in animals. In a study that has not yet been published, they found that CBG cured mice of MRSA infections as effectively as vancomycin, a drug widely considered to be the last line of defence against drug-resistant microbes. The study is under review at the ACS Infectious Diseases journal.
Eric Brown, a microbiologist who led the work at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, said cannabinoids were “clearly great drug-like compounds”, but noted it was early days in assessing the compounds for use in the clinic. “There is much work to do to explore the potential of the cannabinoids as antibiotics from the safety standpoint,” he said.
Antibiotic resistance has become a major threat to public health. England’s former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies has said the loss of effective antibiotics would lead to “apocalyptic scenarios”, with patients dying from routine infections and many operations becoming too risky to perform.
In the study, the researchers describe how the rapid global spread of drug resistance, caused by microbes developing mutations that protect them against antibiotics, has driven an urgent need to explore new sources of drugs. Among antibiotics in use today, the newest date back to discoveries made more than 30 years ago.
Bacteria fall into two classes depending on the makeup of their cells. MRSA bugs are known as gram positive bacteria, and have a single, thick cell membrane. Gram negative bugs differ in having inner and outer cell membranes, and these infections can be harder to treat. In the World Health Organization’s priority list of drug-resistant bacteria, all three ranked as a “critical” priority are gram negative, namely Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae.
Brown found that CBG and other cannabinoids did not work well against gram negative multi-drug resistant bugs. But the team went on to show that when CBG was used with small quantities of polymyxin B, an existing antibiotic that disrupts the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria, the cannabis compound wiped out the drug-resistant pathogens.
Cannabis plants are thought to make the compounds to fight off invading pathogens, but there are other ways to produce CBG. To study the compound, Brown’s team synthesised it in the lab using the chemicals olivetol and geraniol. “We are now pursuing the required paperwork to work with a wide variety of cannabinoids,” he said.
Mark Blaskovich, who studies antibiotic cannabis compounds at the University of Queensland, said cannabis seemed to be particularly rich in antibiotics, though other plants such as tea tree, garlic and the spices turmeric and curcurmin also contained antibacterials.
“These are likely made as a defence mechanism to protect the plant from bacterial and fungal infections, but to date have not been very useful for human infections as they really only work outside the body,” he said. “That’s what makes this new report potentially exciting – evidence that cannabigerol is able to treat a systemic infection in mice.”
“Depression isn’t an emotion, it is a Disease,” More than 300 million people experience Depression once in their lifetime, but not everyone will experience Depression in the same way. And dealing with it on a day-to-day basis is the most difficult part.
Depression can be arguably tormenting as it tends to affect the daily errands and routine of a person significantly. On a deep introspection with several communities, CBD Hemp oil has seemed to help a large number of groups in dealing with the disorder.
Of course, what works for one may not work for the other.
There are common misconceptions about Depression- it is often synonymously used with “being sad.” However, the two are not the same. Depression is a clinical condition that thwarts the emotional well-being.
Recognizing the difference between the two can help a person process both in a healthy way.
It’s Okay to be Sad and Not Depressed!
Firstly, Sadness is a common human emotion that we experience in stressful times. Certain life events can lead to subtle feelings of unhappiness or anxiousness. The events could range from losing a loved one, a job, or financial troubles. These factors can affect mood in a negative way. However, pulling oneself up once again isn’t tough. Sadness usually passes with time.
Depression, on the other hand, has an overpowering effect and could paralyze reasoning, cause feelings of hopelessness, etc., and for a longer duration. It is often too difficult to deal with.
In 2015, approximately 16.1 million people aged 18 years or above in the U.S. had reported experiencing at least one major depressive episode.
The Symptoms usually include:
Feelings of discouragement/hopelessness
Sadness
Lack of motivation
a loss of interest in activities that the individual once found enjoyable
When Are You Diagnosed With Depression?
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, it is considered a medical problem rather than a prolonged experience of Sadness. Also, to be diagnosed as a major depressive disorder, the symptoms should be linked to Depression alone and not an underlying condition.
Types of Depression
Depression takes many forms. The Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (5th Edition) lists nine distinct types:
Major Depression: It includes recurrent depressive episodes throughout their lives.
Dysthymia: It is a state of persistent low mood over a long period of time, even a year or more.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression brought on from a lack of natural sunlight.
Atypical Depression: Feeling of heaviness in the limbs. Symptoms include irritability and relationship problems, as well as overeating and oversleeping.
Bipolar Disorder: Is Manic Depressive Disorder, which alternates between mania and depressive episodes.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: It is a severe Depression that shows up during the second half of the menstrual cycle. It affects the ability to function normally.
Situational Depression: It is triggered by a life-changing event. It could be anything, from losing your job to the death of an immediate family member.
Though there are multiple types of Depression, CBD oil has been deemed lucrative in helping deal with it.
Can CBD Hemp Oil Help Deal With Depression and Anxiety
CBD Hemp Oil is considered a natural treatment to cure Depression. Though the research around CBD Hemp oil and its effectiveness is limited, the benefits of CBD for Depression in humans is in question. However, CBD Hemp Oil has been observed to have remarkable benefits for Depression, and anxiety, along with:
Cognitive impairment
Public Discomforts
CBD may be helpful for conditions potentially related to Depression, such as severe pain.
Research Findings
CBD’s potential benefits for Depression are linked to its effects on serotonin receptors in the brain.
Low serotonin levels are connected to Depression. CBD does not necessarily boost serotonin levels. It makes your brain chemical receptors respond to the existing serotonin.
A 2014 animal study reported that CBD’s effect on these receptors in the brain produced both antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Having said this, this area is still being actively studied, and new research and reviews are being published every year. This information on how effective it is in dealing with Depression and related ailments is subjected to change.
Is it Better Than Antidepressants?
CBD has some benefits over antidepressant medications.
Most antidepressants usually take weeks to start working. However, CBD Hemp Oil has a fast and sustained antidepressant-like effect.
Moreover, CBD has fewer side effects like Imsominia, sexual dysfunction, and so on, rather than antidepressant medications.
CBD Hemp Oil Can Be Consumed In Three Ways:
Oral: This includes tinctures, capsules, sprays, and oils. These may be used in other preparations, such as smoothies or a coffee.
Vaping: This is the quickest way to ingest the compounds. However, there’s debate over the long-term safety of this method.
Topical: You can use CBD-infused beauty products, lotions, and creams directly to your skin. This formulation is likely best for pain, not for mental health or treating Depression.
Where Can You Buy CBD Hemp Oil?
You’ll need to find a reputable seller or reputed brands that conduct third-party lab testing of their products. To buy CBD Oil. Hemp-derived CBD is easily available in many areas. You may easily find it in some health food stores too.
Marijuana-derived CBD is only sold in dispensaries in states where it is legalized.
To Conclude:
Recovery is a journey and not a destination. You cannot dodge bad days, but with a well-targeted treatment, you can overcome extreme lows or depressive states. CBD Hemp Oil, in fact, will help you overcome mental distress to a large extent.
If you or a loved one is experiencing depression and anxiety, reach out to a qualified mental health professional.
Knowledge of the health benefits of cannabinoids appears to be spreading to the general population and many people are asking how cannabinoids work to benefit health. The short answer is that cannabinoids act through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to modulate the activity of many organs.
If the biological action of cannabinoids is a new subject to you, let’s begin with a few facts about hemp. First, hemp is not Marijuana. Hemp does not contain significant amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in Marijuana. Secondly, hemp has been an important crop in the USA for its industrial and health uses since the early settlers of this country. U.S. Presidents including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, Zachary Taylor, and Franklin Pierce grew hemp as a cash crop and for personal health use. Ben Franklin owned a paper mill that used hemp as a raw material for paper. Hemp has saved millions of trees from being cut down for paper.
Hemp has advantages over many materials and once was a multi-billion-dollar crop accounting for about 80% of textiles and fabrics. However, the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act in 1934 and the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 lumped hemp in with Marijuana, which led to falsely making hemp illegal. As a result, millions of citizens were not able to achieve their best health as they couldn’t optimize their ECS.
Fortunately, my colleague Carl Germano, CNS, CDN, has recently written a book that explains why cannabinoids are important for optimal health, so I have called upon him to chat with us.
Carl Germano, CNS, CDN, is a NY Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and Vice President for Verdant Oasis. He holds a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from New York University and has over 37 years’ experience as VP of product development for several of the largest vitamin supplement companies in the trade. He is a prolific author with several bestselling trade books including The Misled Athlete, Nature’s Pain Killers, The Osteoporosis Solution, The Brain Wellness Plan and his most recent Road To Ananda: The Simple Guide To The Endocannabinoid System, Phytocannabinoids & Your Health. He has also held a progressive nutrition practice at The Nutrition Therapy Center in New York and is a frequent lecturer and radio guest.
Passwater:Well, it has been a quite a while since I have collaborated in this column with my old colleague and friend Carl Germano, CNS, CDN. Far too long. He has always been ahead of his time and an interesting and informative lecturer.
Carl, you have written a new book called “Road To Ananda: The Simple Guide To The Endocannabinoid System, Hemp Phytocannabinoids, and Your Health.” You have written several groundbreaking books over the years, and this book undoubtedly covers one of the most important topics for this decade and many to come. Please provide a glimpse as to this subject and its importance.
Germano: Thank you for your kind words and thank you for the decades of education, contributions and support you have given so many—it is truly a pleasure to be your friend. The subject of cannabinoids, while controversial, has always intrigued me and the way hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been mistreated in the U.S. for the past 80 years has served as a springboard for me to further investigate the science and unravel the truth about this plant. It is without question that hemp signifies the most important botanical on this planet. Its active class of compounds called phytocannabinoids (CBD being only 1 of almost 100 phytocannabinoids in hemp) represents the most important, clinically relevant plant compounds to come to the marketplace since the inception of this industry.
Passwater:That covers a lot of ground.
Germano: I make such a bold statement based on the fact that phytocannabinoids help to influence and support one of the most important physiological systems in the human body called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Passwater:As important as the ECS is, many readers are not familiar with it yet. Please explain a little about the ECS and why it is so important.
Germano: The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2, and others presently being investigated) and the components that attach to them called endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG). Our CB1 and CB2 receptors are doorways into the cell to pass on information activated by endocannabinoids. While anandamide and 2-AG initiate activity to the CB receptors found on every organ, they are quite promiscuous in that they influence other receptors such as the GABA, 5HT3, PPARS, TRP, opioid, and endorphin receptors as well.
Globally, the ECS acts as the conductor of the beautiful symphony of intricate communication that occurs between organs and cells throughout the entire body. There is no physiological function that is not influenced by the ECS. Its proper support is essential to maintain health and its dysregulation is associated with numerous disease conditions. Unfortunately, due to the stigma attached to cannabinoids, the ECS has been buried since the 1990s and there has been little to no education or research conducted here in the U.S. In December 2018, the Farm Bill was signed into law that deregulated hemp and we are just beginning to unravel the stigma and begin the process of education and research into the ECS.
Unfortunately, decades of stifled education and research on hemp, phytocannabinoids, and the ECS has represented both a travesty and tragedy in medicine. Therefore, in order for people to embrace and understand phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), it is crucial to understand how they influence and support the ECS. Road To Ananda (roadtoananda.com) was necessary for me to write so that people can begin the journey into this very subject.
Passwater:Your book is indeed an excellent road to the ECS scientific literature, and you make it easy for the non-scientist as well as the scientist to understand. There are many faces behind its discovery. Who has been your inspiration on this subject and why is it so important?
Germano: While the U.S. has been in the dark ages regarding the ECS, hemp and phytocannabinoids, Israel and Europe have been championing research on the ECS as well as cultivation and commercialization of hemp. The 1990s happened to be a most important decade of discovery for the ECS, and at the helm of this unearthing was the work of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has been my source of inspiration in this field. He is best known for his work on the isolation and synthesis of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as the cannabinoids we produce in the body(endocannabinoids) called anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonylglycerol). He has been called the “Father of Cannabinoid Research” and has published over 350 scientific articles and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. In addition, there were several of his colleagues that played instrumental roles in the discovery of the ECS and its inner workings including Hanus, Devane, Howelett, and Herkenham who collectively belong on what I call Mt. Hempmore.
Passwater:I notice that he wrote an Introduction to your book.
Germano: Yes. While there were several players involved in the discovery of the ECS, Dr. Mechoulam stands out the most. Due to its role in modulating most, if not all, physiological functioning in the body, the ECS is one of the most important medical discoveries in quite some time. Thanks to Dr. Mechoulam’s work and many others around the world, we are getting closer to unraveling the enormous potential of how supporting the ECS can impact health and its usefulness in preventing and treating diseases. From the earliest moments of development to the last stages of your life, your ECS is involved in constant mass communication with every organ system in your body and intimately involved with modulating their activity.
Passwater:Briefly, in what ways? We’ll discuss this in more detail later.
Germano: Through its communication with all organ systems, the ECS helps regulate all biological functions, including your appetite, digestion, immune function, inflammation, motor control, mood, memory, sleep, etc. It does so by influencing various intricate pathways that the CB, TRVP, GABA, 5HT3, etc. receptors control. At the cellular level, the ECS exerts numerous regulatory roles too lengthy for this article, but here is a glimpse:
Brain: The ECS governs neurotransmission, brain cell development, mood and memory, and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help protect the brain from further damage after trauma or stroke.
Metabolism: The ECS governs energy storage, involved in energy production, insulin sensitivity.
Stress: The ECS regulates the HPA pathway by altering stress response hormones.
Bone: The ECS influences brain to bone communication, suppresses osteoclast activity (cells that break down bone) and stimulates osteoblasts (cells that build up bone).
Inflammation/Pain: The ECS is intimately involved in nociceptive pain signaling to the brain and as well as being intertwined in many inflammatory pathways including the eicosanoid pathways that omega 3’s influence.
Anxiety/Depression: The ECS exerts its regulatory effects on various hormones and neurotransmitters involved in the development of several psychological pathologies.
Passwater:Many people will be surprised to learn that their bodies produce cannabinoids. About how many naturally produced compounds in the body activate the cannabinoid receptors, and are any of the phytocannabinoids produced in hemp bioidentical (the same) as cannabinoids produced in the human body?
Germano: In addition to anandamide and 2-AG, other lipid-based molecules have also been classified as endocannabinoids due to their effects on cannabinoid receptors including arachidonoyl dopamine, virodhamine, palmitoyl ethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide, and several byproducts of omega-3 fatty acids. Which brings us to an important relationship between omega-3s and the ECS. Several papers have been published to demonstrate this intimate relationship. Basically, when you are omega-3 deficient, your ECS suffers and we see the same conditions as those who are endocannabinoid deficient—pain/inflammation, stress/anxiety, etc. With omega-3 deficiency, your CB receptors are not as active, and omega-3s are used as backbone materials to produce cannabinoids in the body. Therefore, it makes sense to take omega-3s when taking hemp phytocannabinoids—the collectively serve as a “multivitamin” for your ECS.
Passwater:What happens when they don’t produce enough cannabinoids?
Germano: They are so important that when we don’t produce enough, disruption in the normal state (homeostasis) occurs and sets the stage for acute and chronic conditions. In certain ways, our endocannabinoids serve as biomarkers and are associated with certain disorders when their levels are too low. Stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, insomnia, eye health, bone health, neurological maladies are conditions where we see depressed levels of endocannabinoids requiring dietary ECS support. Clinically, we are seeing that utilizing hemp phytocannabinoids serves as the foundation for any nutritional protocol addressing these issues. Dr. Ethan Russo’s papers on this very subject provides greater insights into conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other disorders associated with inflammatory and neurological origins to be what he called Endocannabinoid Deficiency states—all of which can be suitably treated by providing dietary phytocannabinoids. Hemp happens to be the richest and most important source!
Passwater:Disruption of homeostasis opens up one’s susceptibility to illness and the ECS plays a pivotal role in maintaining health, balance, and well-being. With that said, we have been hearing a lot about CBD these days and wondered how it fits in to supporting the ECS. What are your thoughts?
Germano: Homeostasis is critical to the body and your ability to adapt to the daily bombardment of stressors. When your ECS is not supported properly, you enter a state of imbalance that can jeopardize your health and well-being and set the stage for illness. In order to support the ECS, it is the entire family of phytocannabinoids that are required, and no single one can properly do so—this includes CBD!
CBD has been popularized due to the significant results achieved in trials on treating epilepsy and cancer therapy induced symptoms utilizing GW Pharmaceuticals FDA approved drugs that contain isolated CBD. Unfortunately, some companies have been trying to follow the popularity and media attention of CBD by big pharma and have myopically focused on single magic bullet CBD only. This is quite a disappointment for so many reasons. First, when has the dietary supplement industry ever followed big pharma’s single magic bullet approach to health and disease treatment—NEVER! So, why begin here? With all the botanicals sold in the industry, have we ever just focused on one compound in a plant? The answer is simply no.
There is not just one ginsenoside in ginseng, there is not just one curcuminoid in curcumin, there is not just one ginkgolide in ginkgo, etc.—I can go on, but you get the point. So, knowing there are close to 100 different phytocannabinoids in hemp, why in the world do we think that the only clinical relevancy of hemp is due to one phytocannabinoid—CBD? Those of us in botanical medicine know very well that the synergy of all compounds in a botanical is more important than singling out just one—no difference with hemp.
Dr. Ethan Russo wrote an eloquent paper on this very subject that was published in the British Journal of Pharmacology where he discussed how all of the phytocannabinoids in cannabis have unique properties that contribute to their clinical benefits and are greater than any single magic bullet approach. So, why all the attention given to just CBD when we know there are so many other phytocannabinoids that are equal to or have greater activity than CBD? There is no answer or excuse to focus just on CBD—period! Some of the more important synergistic players such as cannabigerol (CBG), beta caryophyllene (BCP), the cannabis flavonoids (CannFlavin A, B & C), and many others will share the spotlight as more research is unravelling their effects in the body. The bottom line is that the importance of the entire class of hemp phytocannabinoids and how they support the ECS should have been the lead-out story.
Unfortunately, it is bad enough that the U.S. government has misled us for the past 80 years, now we have been misled by companies trying to minimize the story and make it just about CBD, diminish hemp’s importance and efficacy of all of its phytocannabinoids, and insulting our intelligence by shoving the myopic CBD story down our throats.
Passwater:With many focusing on inflammation and stress, what are some of the more interesting conditions where the ECS is involved in?
Germano: With data supporting the role of the ECS in inflammation/pain, stress/anxiety, sleep, ocular health, bone support, and neurological conditions, emerging data reveals applications of hemp phytocannabinoids in addressing the GUT/brain/immune connection—a subject I covered in my book The Brain Wellness Plan many years ago. We know the ECS regulates motility and inflammation in the GI tract, but new studies demonstrate an interesting role for our endocannabinoids assisting with foreign antigen tolerance, HPA stress pathway, and immune response in our GUT—the largest immune organ in the body! In addition, what is unraveling is a major communication in the GUT between our microbiome and what I call the endocannabidiome.
It seems that probiotics and our endocannabinoids and receptors are involved with an intimate dance of communication to keep the GUT/brain/immune system functioning properly—a system that is crucial in maintain health and prevent disease.
Another fascinating topic is the role of the ECS in consciousness. Knowing the ECS governs neurotransmission and is involved with all aspects of how we perceive the external environment, it is no stretch to understand the connections here. In general, our consciousness is tied into our thoughts, sensations, and feelings. Every conscious thought, perception or feeling and everything we think of or do is influenced in many ways by the level of endocannabinoid tone in the body.
In subtle ways, the ECS helps to form our personality—are you clear thinking, focused, laid back, relaxed, anxious, etc.—all this is due to the ECS and its regulatory roles in the brain. Lastly, the role of the ECS in sports medicine is about to explode. In my book The Misled Athlete, I cover many aspects of sports nutrition including energy production, reduction of inflammation, and recovery as major concerns to address nutritionally as opposed to stimulants and excess protein. Supporting the ECS with hemp phytocannabinoids will serve as a foundation to all nutritional protocols since is involved with ATP production, protecting mitochondria, reducing elevated inflammatory and oxidative markers after activity, and responsible for the “runners high.” Yes, you will have to rethink your thinking about feeling good after exercise being due to endorphins. We now know that elevated endocannabinoids influence the endorphin and opioid receptors responsible for the euphoric feeling after exercise.
Passwater:You and I have actively been involved in research and clinical practice for many decades and have witnessed the scientific/clinical story being diminished by not focusing on the entire class of phytocannabinoids. Nevertheless, the CBD story continues for now, yet legal issues abound. What are your thoughts?
Germano: I am thoroughly disappointed in the industry, legal counsel, and the FDA for letting an inept story and market develop the way it has. I am also perplexed by the complete dismissal by companies and legal counsel of a federal law you and I have been involved in back in 1994—the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act (DSHEA). DSHEA law is very clear and tells us that if a substance has not been in commerce prior to 1994, it cannot be grandfathered as a dietary supplement.
CBD has not been in commerce prior to 1994, yet hemp and its naturally occurring class of phytocannabinoids have been as a food ingredient—strike one against CBD on a label being called a dietary supplement. The only option is to submit a New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) application to FDA for CBD. Why has no company submitted such? Probably due to the other clause in DSHEA that states if a pharmaceutical company takes a natural substance and obtains FDA approval as a drug, it’s hands-off to the dietary supplement industry. Well, GW Pharmaceuticals has done just that with its approved Epidilox drug with isolated CBD in it—strike 2 against CBD being a dietary supplement.
While there are some that make the case that CBD was on the market before GW’s approval, I have yet to see this challenged. Even if this was the case, you still have the issue that CBD was not in commerce prior to 1994—back to square one! So, while the scientific/clinical case was made in favor of phytocannabinoids as a naturally occurring class of compounds in hemp over single magic bullet CBD, so is the case legally. Why are we trying to waste our time fighting an uphill battle with the FDA about getting CBD approved as a dietary supplement? Unless FDA is planning to change or dismantle DSHEA, it is futile and wasting a great deal of time and money. Rather, the industry should be embracing hemp as a botanical, phytocannabinoids as the most important class of naturally occurring plant compounds, and how to nourish/feed/support the body’s endocannabinoid system. Lastly, FDA needs to enforce DSHEA and the simplistic and inaccurate CBD story will go away and make room for the more important story to be told.
Passwater:So, how best do we support our ECS and do we rely only on hemp?
Germano: While I have been telling people to get over the fact that we produce cannabinoids in the body, similar to some of the ones found in hemp, they are equally shocked by the fact that we have been eating phytocannabinoids in the diet! While hemp is undoubtedly the richest source of phytocannabinoids in the diet, there are other foods where they may be found. Yes, carrots, hops, chocolate, Echinacea, pepper, clove, thyme, etc. are all foods that have minute levels of phytocannabinoids in them. I said minute, so don’t rely on them to truly have therapeutic value unless you either consume huge quantities or they have been standardized in certain foods.
Just placing milligram levels of some of these spices/foods in a product is nothing more than marketing hype and comical at best. Nevertheless, the best example of a truly beneficial phytocannabinoid in food that can be standardized in large quantities is beta caryophyllene (BC) as found in abundance in clove and unripe black pepper seeds. When standardized in specially processed oils, BC is a perfect complement to CBD since it attaches to the CB2 receptor that CBD does not. It is the CB2 receptor that is involved in bone building, inflammation and pain, insulin sensitivity, and many other functions. This is yet another example of the importance of having other phytocannabinoids present and not to rely on just CBD. CBD cannot support the entire ECS on its own—you need the full family present—period!
Passwater:With that said, what should consumers look for in products in this category?
Germano: First and foremost, they should get to know the strains that are being used in products. It is important to know if the strains have a history of proven use in humans prior to 1994 (DSHEA). The EU Commission has a website where you can see what strains have been used for human use for decades. These are strains that have been cultivated and consumed by humans and represent many decades of what true industrial hemp looks like. Also, they can request DNA analysis and proof that the strains are actually coming from true industrial hemp as opposed to the genetically manipulated “Frankenstein” marijuana hybrids that pervade our industry that have no history of human consumption.
In addition, are the products non-GMO, organic, Kosher, solvent free, and tested for all pesticides including Monsanto’s glyphosate? Are the products free of CBD isolate? CBD isolate is a drug yet is found in numerous products in the market—either directly or indirectly. I am amused by looking at chromatograms of products showing CBD to be 70%, 80, or 90+% calling themselves full spectrum oils. It is absurd to think that such products can be full spectrum and retailers/consumers need stop “drinking the Kool Aid” and be diligent about the products and companies they choose. Essentially, the term full spectrum has been diluted in the marketplace. Ask for chromatograms of the material that can be very telling about whether the oil is spiked with CBD isolate or come from marijuana hybrids.
Essentially, when millions of marketing dollars get spent by companies trying to follow the coattails of GW Pharmaceuticals CBD approved drug, it is apparent that botanical medicine, the science of the ECS, and the legal aspects that plague CBD got completely ignored. There are a lot of questionable companies out there that have no clue about the science nor the DSHEA law—it’s buyer beware at the moment until FDA does its job.
Passwater:Carl, you have been researching this topic for many years. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us about the Endocannabinoid System and the health benefits of phytocannabinoids.
If you’re just starting to explore the wide array of hemp-derived products currently available in the market, you might not realize that there’s a lot more to the world of CBD than meets the eye. You’re likely familiar with CBD itself—the cannabis-derived compound that has exploded in popularity in recent years. Doctors and scientists have discovered that CBD can be used to help manage conditions including inflammation, nausea, epileptic seizures, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and chronic pain—all without any psychoactive effects. But did you know that there are many more substances within the same family of chemical compounds (collectively known as cannabinoids), each with unique and beneficial properties?
Read on to learn more about the differences between six common and well-researched varieties of cannabinoids—CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, CBC and CBDV—as well as the specific applications for each one.
First Things First, What Are Cannabinoids?
If you’re new to the world of CBD, you might be feeling confused by the list of acronyms above. So, let’s start with a simpler question: what is a cannabinoid?
First discovered in Israel in the 1960s, cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant. These compounds are responsible for the many medicinal effects of cannabis, with each compound offering distinctive properties and benefits. To date, scientists have discovered more than 110 cannabinoids; more are likely to be found as we continue to explore the complex molecular structures of the cannabis plant.
How Does Your Body Use Cannabinoids?
Your body responds to every cannabinoid compound differently thanks to a remarkable built-in mechanism: the endocannabinoid system. This complex system is made up of receptors scattered throughout the body, which regulate health and homeostasis. The receptors have been identified in nearly every major organ system, from the brain and spinal cord to the gastrointestinal tract. CB1 receptors are associated most closely with the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are linked to the immune system. These receptors, along with enzymes that aid in cleanup after many endocannabinoid system processes, help our bodies maintain a stable internal environment.
When activated by exposure to cannabinoids, the receptors of the endocannabinoid system become reactive. This means they’re able to affect key body processes including mood, memory, appetite, and pain. The specific effects of cannabis-derived products depend on the particular compound used and the location of the receptors that bind with that compound; we’ll look more closely at the receptor-cannabinoid interactions of various CBD compounds in the sections below.
Interested in learning more? Take a deeper dive into the endocannabinoid system before reading on to explore six of the most common cannabinoid compounds.
What is CBD?
The most familiar of the cannabinoids is CBD, an abbreviation that’s short for cannabidiol. Unlike THC, the other well-known compound derived from cannabis, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects. That means you can use it for medicinal purposes without getting high, so it’s safe to utilize even when you’re planning to work or drive. CBD is also an extremely adaptable compound, so it can be transformed into oils, gummies, pills, creams and more to suit various therapeutic needs.
CBD is the best researched of the cannabinoid compounds, and its applications are exceptionally wide-ranging. Studies show that CBD can be used as a potential treatment for:
Daily aches and pains (sports injuries, bumps and bruises, etc.)
You might already be familiar with these common facts about CBD, but a group of closely related compounds has garnered attention from the scientific community as well. We’ll start with one that’s often considered a “cousin” to CBD: CBDA.
What is CBDA?
Cannabidiolic acid, generally abbreviated to CBDA, is a cannabinoid produced by the stems, leaves, and flowers of some cannabis plants. Through a process called decarboxylation, the acid is removed from CBDA, transforming it into CBD. This process is most often performed by heating or smoking cannabis varieties that are high in CBDA. For this reason, CBDA is sometimes considered the “precursor” to CBD.
CBD and CBDA share similar molecular structures, so their therapeutic effects are also similar; however, CBDA has been the subject of less extensive scientific study. Scientists have learned that CBDA works primarily as an inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme within the endocannabinoid system, leading to exploration of its effectiveness as a treatment for inflammation. Recent studies have also tested the efficacy of CBDA for certain types of cancer, and as an anti-emetic.
One final difference between CBD and CBDA arises in possible methods of consumption. Because CBDA is only found in raw hemp plants that haven’t been exposed to excessive heat or sunlight, it’s commonly extracted by juicing the plants; the juice can then be added to salads or other uncooked dishes for consumption. Live resins, tinctures, and other non-activated extracts can also be sources of CBDA.
What is CBN?
CBN is the abbreviation for cannabinol, another compound within the cannabinoid family. In fact, CBN was the first cannabinoid isolated by scientists. CBN is produced when THC is heated or exposed to oxygen; it also occurs naturally as the cannabis plant ages. Even though CBN is derived from THC, it doesn’t share the psychoactive properties of THC (meaning you won’t get high from CBN alone).
Within the endocannabinoid system, CBN binds to receptors less effectively than many other cannabinoids. However, it has been studied extensively as a helpful compound to improve sleep health. Scientists have discovered that CBN acts as a powerful sedative, with effects comparable to common sleep-inducing pharmaceuticals like diazepam. In studies on mice, CBN has been shown to prolong sleep time; additional studies suggest that this effect is amplified when used in combination with THC.
Along with its implications for sleep health, CBN has been studied as a possible stimulant for bone tissue growth. Research shows that it may activate stem cells that facilitate the production of new bone, making it potentially useful for the healing of fractures.
Additional studies have explored the analgesic, antibiotic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory applications of CBN. However, CBN is not widely available as a supplement at this time.
What is CBG?
Like the other compounds in this overview, CBG (short for cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with a variety of promising medical applications. CBG is actually the precursor to its more famous cousins, CBD and THC. Like CBDA, exposure to light or heat breaks down CBG in the cannabis plant into these better-known compounds.
Most strains of cannabis contain relatively little CBG, often less than 1%. However, that doesn’t mean this cannabinoid is any less promising when it comes to potential applications. CBG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system; during these interactions, it’s thought to naturally increase dopamine levels, which help to regulate sleep, mood, and appetite. CBG is also thought to obstruct GABA uptake in the brain and block serotonin receptors—both positive implications for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Studies have found CBG especially effective for certain physiological systems and symptoms, including:
Glaucoma
Endocannabinoid receptors are highly concentrated in the structures of the eye, and CBG has been shown particularly effective at reducing the intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma.
Cancer
A recent study offered promising results for CBG as a cancer-fighting compound, with the potential to block the receptors that cause cancer cell growth. Scientists saw inhibition in the growth of colorectal cancer cells in mice that were treated with CBG, offering an exciting new avenue of treatment for cancer patients.
MRSA
A study conducted in Europe revealed the antibiotic properties of CBG, discovering that it was effective in topical applications at combating Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains that are resistant to several classes of antibiotics.
CBG has also been studied as a potential treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, nerve cell degeneration, appetite stimulation, and bladder dysfunction disorders.
What is CBC?
Discovered more than five decades ago, cannabichromene (abbreviated CBC) is considered one of the most promising cannabinoids in recent medical research. Like CBD and THC, CBC is derived from CBDA when the acid is broken down by exposure to heat or ultraviolet light.
Non-intoxicating like other CBD compounds, CBC is less well researched than some cannabis derivatives. However, scientists have discovered a variety of potential applications for this cannabinoid.
Within the endocannabinoid system, CBC binds most effectively with vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1); both of these receptor types are linked to the body’s perception of pain. This means that CBC may function as an alternative to traditional painkillers like NSAIDS, but without their potentially harmful side effects. CBC may be particularly effective for treating inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, especially when used in combination with THC.
Additional studies have shown that CBC may be a potential cancer fighter, second only to CBG in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Though research in this field is limited so far, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBC may also make it an effective acne treatment; studies suggest that it could work to prevent the sebaceous gland inflammation at the root of many types of acne.
While these therapeutic benefits overlap with many other cannabinoids, CBC is differentiated by what’s known as the “entourage effect.” Researchers believe that CBC may work synergistically when used with other cannabinoids to provide even more effective treatments for many of the conditions outlined above.
What is CBDV?
Last in our roundup of cannabinoid compounds is cannabidivarin, better known as CBDV. CBDV is extremely similar to CBD on a molecular level, but recent research has shown its applications are exceptionally unique and valuable for people with neurological disorders.
Preliminary studies on mice show that CBDV has enormous untapped potential in the treatment of epilepsy and similar neurological conditions. As an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, CBDV may be able to help patients who suffer from epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions in which seizures may occur. Along with reducing the duration and intensity of seizures, CBDV could work to prevent convulsions in the event that a seizure does occur. Early research on these applications for CBDV is so promising that GW Pharmaceuticals, a cannabis-focused European company, is working to patent the use of CBDV for the treatment of seizures.
Along with seizure treatment, CBDV may be used by patients who experience vomiting and nausea, especially when those conditions are caused by chemotherapy. It has also been studied as an appetite suppressant, and as a treatment that relieves symptoms of Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Like all of the cannabinoids discussed above, CBDV is non-psychoactive.
How Do I Know Which Cannabinoid Works Best?
After more than a few acronyms starting with the letter “C,” you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed by our roundup of common cannabinoids. You may also find yourself asking how you can find the CBD compound that’s right for you and your bodily needs. The good news is, with so many cannabinoids to choose from, there’s likely one to address nearly any concern.
When narrowing down your choices to find the right cannabinoid, start with your symptoms. For many common ailments—including pain, inflammation, anxiety, sleep issues, eczema, and acne—CBD is an option that’s effective and readily available in a wide variety of formats, from topical applications to gummies and pills.
If you’re considering cannabinoids as a treatment option for an uncommon or potentially life-threatening condition, start by talking to a doctor you trust. They may have access to the groundbreaking research that’s conducted each year on hemp-derived compounds, from CBDA all the way to CBDV. Find an overview here to learn more about the many conditions that may benefit from the use of CBD products.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Due to FDA Regulations, we recommend that you do your own research on CBD products. We also suggest that you read the reviews on our website; where our customers record their real-world results of using our products.
In an emotional 1-on-1 interview, one of America’s most respected icons revealed that he wouldn’t be where he is without CBD.
We all know and love Willie Nelson as the charismatic country star who has never been shy about advocating for marijuana use. He has always been focused on creating music, going on tour, and promoting America. However, he shocked everyone when he announced his new CBD line, Complete Strength CBD, would be the next step in his career.
In recent developments, Willie revealed that he would be stepping away from the spotlight to put more time into his wellness business, now that it has grown so fast:
“This was a really, really difficult decision for me. When I started this whole thing back in 2015, it really was just a part time passion project and a way for me to give back. Now here we are almost 5 years later and Complete Strength CBD has steadily grown into a full-fledged business that’s helped thousands of people become pain free and much happier. My line gives me a chance to do something bigger than music and I knew I would regret it for the rest of my life if I let that opportunity pass me by.”
Willie went on to say that he never really expected things to get this big and that several studios and sponsors were furious that he was splitting up his time. In fact, relations with some studios grew so tense that they ended up giving him an ultimatum – singing or his wellness line.
He knew he would receive scrutiny from fans and sponsors for quitting, but he felt it was time to work on something that would positively change the lives of millions of people.
The product Willie is referring to is his breakthrough CBD wellness line Complete Strength CBD. The star has spent the past four years developing a line of highly effective and highly potent wellness products that he claims are the solution for those who don’t want to resort to using opiates.
His product Complete Strength CBD sold out within ten minutes when first launched and it seems the world can’t get enough of the benefits and results.
Willie even admitted that big pharma companies are furious with him after noticing a large decline in sales since Complete Strength CBD was launched on the market.
“Users of Complete Strength CBD are experiencing results that before now were only possible through prescription medication. It’s obviously a much cheaper, and safer alternative and because of that pharmaceutical companies are finding it harder to keep patients using their prescriptions.”
Having a crowd of angry pharmaceutical companies is a unique and effective endorsement for Complete Strength CBD, but Willie has still been proactive in getting Complete Strength CBD into the hands of those who need it.
Complete Strength CBD has been found to have a positive impact on key body functions including – neurological, physical, and psychological.
This includes but not limited to:
Reduces Chronic Pain
Supports Joint Health
Reduces Anxiety
Reduces Headaches
Reduces Blood Sugar
Supports Cognitive Health
Antioxidant Support
While making an appearance on ‘Fox’ he gifted the cast and crew with Complete Strength CBD products and made sure every guest was given a sample of the life changing supplement. Since then, he has cultivated a huge celebrity clientele who are regularly reordering the products. See for yourself!
