Chances are high that by now you’ve heard of CBD. But what do you really know about it? At Sona Pharmacy, we believe it’s our responsibility to educate our community about all things health, from sharing tips about sleep and immunity to updates about critical medications, and even describing the function of a system of the body you may not have heard of yet: the endocannabinoid system. Read on to learn about what it is and what it has to do with the popular CBD movement!

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The Endocannabinoid System and You

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

Besides being a very tricky word to pronounce (listen how here), the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a collection of cell receptors and corresponding molecules found in our body. Meaning: it’s a system of the body that functions in a similar way to others you’ve probably heard of before, like your immune, endocrine or reproductive systems.

WHAT DOES IT DO FOR MY BODY?

The ECS impacts physiological processes such as pain modulation, memory, appetite, anti-inflammatory responses, and immune system regulation. Based on current research of the endocannabinoid system, it is believed that it’s function is to achieve homeostasis, or the stability of your internal environment.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Bear with us: it’s time for the really scientific stuff (i.e., the important part). The endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes in the body. It does so through those cell receptors and corresponding molecules. Cell receptors behave like locks on your cells. The keys to these locks are endocannabinoids. Each time an endocannabinoid binds to a cell receptor, it communicates a message, giving your cells specific directions.

There are two different types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are found in peripheral cells, mainly expressed in immune tissues.

WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds which act on cannabinoid receptors. There are three types of cannabinoid compounds:

1. Endocannabinoids
   1. Neurotransmitters produced by human tissue
      1. anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
2. Phytocannabinoids
   1. Naturally occurring cannabinoids found in plants
      1. CBD and THC are both phytocannabinoids
      2. 113 total cannabinoids have been identified in the hemp plant
3. Synthetic Cannabinoids
   1. Man-made, manufactured cannabinoids

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CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

SO WHAT IS CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid found primarily in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not have any effect on your cognitive function. CBD is only 1 of 113 phytocannabinoids identified in the hemp plant.

WHAT IS HEMP SEED OIL VS. HEMP EXTRACT OIL?

Hemp seed oil (produced from seeds) is rich in omega fatty acids and contains little to no phytocannabinoid content. Hemp seed oil is used in cooking, beauty products, and as a biofuel source.

Hemp extract oil is made when phytocannabinoids are derived from hemp plant parts (flower and leaves) and retain a range of phytocannabinoids (such as CBD). This extract is then diluted with a carrier oil to make the final product, called hemp extract oil. Oftentimes people refer to hemp extract oil as “CBD oil,” even though the product contains other cannabinoids in addition to CBD.

WHY WOULD SOMEONE TAKE HEMP EXTRACT OIL PRODUCTS?

Based on what we know about the endocannabinoid system, hemp extract oil may be beneficial for pain and inflammation, anxiety, sleep, mood, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, acne, and reproductive system function.

WHAT TYPES OF HEMP OIL ARE AVAILABLE?

• Full Spectrum: CBD + less than 0.3% THC + other cannabinoids
• Broad Spectrum: CBD + other cannabinoids (no THC)
• Isolate: CBD only
• Hemp Seed Oil: no CBD, derived from hemp plant products, but not the flower of the plant (which contains the CBD). Mostly seen in topical cosmetic products

WHAT SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR TO ENSURE I’M PURCHASING A QUALITY PRODUCT?

Confirm the product you’re purchasing provides a Certificate of Analysis to ensure quality, purity, and potency with no contaminants. Ask your Sona pharmacist for help interpreting a Certificate of Analysis.

WHAT TYPES OF PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Hemp extract oils are available in sublingual liquid tinctures, softgel capsules, gummies, topical balms and roll-ons, and even pet treats.

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What if I have more questions?

Your Sona pharmacists are knowledgeable about hemp! We offer free patient consultations over the phone. Call to schedule yours and we would be happy to answer any questions you have and guide you through product options.

Sona Compounding: (828) 782-5571

Sona Pharmacy + Clinic: (828) 298-3636