Cannabinoids are fatty acid proteins that affect your body in a myriad of ways. Our ECS or endocannabinoid systems keep us balanced at the cellular level without us even knowing it. Endocannabinoids that our body makes are mimicked and supported by phytocannabinoids –from the cannabis sativa plant. Yes, you are hard wired to supplement with this plant.
THC, CBD, THCA, CBDA, CBG, & CBN; all share properties and effects in the body like being anti-inflammatory and analgesic. THC & CBD are the 2 major cannabinoids, and plants are bred to highlight one or the other. THCA and CBDA are the acidic, or raw forms of THC and CBD. When the plant is heated, or activated it becomes a more potent target for the receptors within the ECS to keep us balanced and feeling our best.
THC activates and binds to CB1 & CB2 receptors in your brain and nervous system, organs, blood vessels, immune cells, and skin. THC has psychoactive, or cerebral effects – meaning changes to perceptions, thoughts, emotions, and energy. Medically, THC is used to quiet pain signals, lift depression, soothe anxiety, stimulate appetite, and calm digestive ailments like nausea & vomiting or IBS. Preclinical data show that THC is antitumor, and someday might be used to battle cancer. Patients with arthritis, insomnia, migraine, fibromyalgia, and GI conditions benefit – but effects are dose dependent, and less is more.
CBD assists throughout the body setting the table for homeostasis. Medically, CBD is neuroprotective, helping your nervous system function under stress, and preventing neurodegeneration. CBD is part of a holistic treatment plan along with great nutrition, movement, connection, breath work, and meditation. CBD may lower blood pressure through vasorelaxant properties and insulin sensitivity may improve which promotes a healthier metabolism. Preclinical data on CBD properties include; anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-tumor, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-psychotic, and antibacterial.
Delta 8 THC, a new entrant on the shelves activates the same receptors as its cousin Delta 9 THC…with less psychoactive effects. D8 is about ½ as intoxicating as D9, and it lowers anxiety more than D9. It is anti-emetic (helps nausea), stimulates appetite, and reduces pain. For patients with cancer, Delta 8 may alleviate much distress all at once.
THCV is another lesser cannabinoid gaining popularity. THCV at low doses is non-psychoactive, and can actually reduce appetite, which may help those looking to lose weight. THCV is being studied for diabetes because it appears to regulate insulin and blood sugar. It can also lower anxiety levels, panic attacks, and PTSD in a way that does not suppress emotions.
A brand called Level is using these lesser cannabinoids; Delta 8, THCV, CBG, THCA, CBDA in their sublingual tabs, formulated by a PhD you can hear about in this Podcast. Explore purchase options of new formulations using ½ D8 and ½ D9 in THC ratios that will further broaden the therapeutic window to heal without the high. Cannabis medicine is becoming more precise and personalized, and I welcome this new paradigm of healthcare to help people in a natural way.
As always, please let us know how we can help you maximize the benefits, minimize the harms, and enjoy your experience with this sacred plant.
In health, Elisabeth Mack, RN, MBA
HolisticCaring.com