Endocannabinoids And You // A Love Story

CBD Oil is popping up everywhere! What is it, is it safe, and will it make me high?

Before we dive in to these questions, it’s important to take a step back and realize that CBD is one of many compounds that acts on your body's endocannabinoid system.

First, a little terminology; your endocannabinoid (EC) system is your friend. It’s the network of compounds and receptors in your body activated during times of stress (physical or mental). Activation of EC receptors CB1 (in your brain and central nervous system) and CB2 (in your body) eases the symptoms of stress.

Your muscles and brain can relax and a sense of wellbeing washes over. Phew!

Endocannabinoid may be the health buzzword of the year. Your body makes endocannabinoids which interact with your EC system receptors in various ways. Plants also produce compounds that bind to EC receptors. THC, CBD and BCP are all a part of this family of molecules called phytocannabinoids (plant based). Why are these three letter compounds suddenly everywhere, from coffees to creams to cocktails?

THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana and the first to get recognition in the press - it’s the part of “weed” that triggers a psychoactive effect by directly interacting with the brain’s neurotransmitters. It’s the part that gets you “high”. No it (probably) won’t make you crazy, but THC can impact your mood, emotions and general mental state. It is not recommended for kids under 18, nursing mothers, and is known to have side effects.

CBD, also found in marijuana and hemp strains, works a bit differently. It indirectly affects CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain heightening the presence of anandamide, stimulating the brain and nervous system. So, while CBD is not psychoactive, both CBD and THC can directly (or indirectly) affect receptors in your brain.

Many people use THC, CBD, or a combination to combat anxiety and stress disorders. For those who wish to harness the power of the EC system without any psychotropic effect or impact on brain receptors, it’s beta-caryophyllene (BCP) to the rescue! BCP acts on CB2 (body) but not CB1 (brain) receptors.

Emerging research is revealing a myriad of benefits to regular BCP supplementation, mainly pain management and neuroprotection. BCP may also allow us to utilize the body’s natural system for pain and stress management to promote comprehensive wellness. I like to think of this as “teaching the body” to manage stress and pain, rather than slapping a bandaid on a recurring problem.

Where do I get this BCP, you ask? Well it’s naturally occurring, of course! All of the best things are… doTERRA Copaiba Essential Oil has tested around 55% BCP (the highest of any oil)! It’s also found in Black Pepper Essential Oil in lower concentrations. More research is needed to determine the effective dose in humans (although it’s been suggested that 1-2 drops of Copaiba Essential Oil is enough to have significant results).

As with all phytocannabinoids, research is still young and test results are still early, but it’s encouraging to know that natural remedies for symptoms as persistent and life-shattering as chronic pain or panic disorders could be right around the corner!

Interested in learning more about this and other natural remedies? Set up a free wellness consultation today.

Sources

1. “Endocannabinoids Explained.” doTERRA Blog, 2019, www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-endocannabinoids-explained.
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   10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.015. Epub 2017 Jul 18. PubMed PMID: 28729222.
3. Yang M, Lv Y, Tian X, Lou J, An R, Zhang Q, Li M, Xu L, Dong Z. Neuroprotective Effect of β-Caryophyllene on Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Regulation of Necroptotic Neuronal Death and Inflammation: In Vivo and in Vitro. Front Neurosci. 2017 Oct 26;11:583. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00583.eCollection 2017. PubMed PMID: 29123466; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5662640.