CBD, the science vs. the hype. As many of you who read this blog regularly already know, CBD (cannabidiol ) is everywhere. There is a bubble in CBD, when stores such as Bed, Bath and Beyond and my local salad place is selling the stuff. Is all CBD equal? To understand CBD, you need to understand a little about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within the body. The ECS is a lipid (fat) signaling system made up of enzymes, cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors which regulates the immune system, autonomic nervous system and microcirculation. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors known as CBD1 and CBD2. These receptors are activated by endocannabinoids which are lipid chemical mediators that are found in the brain. The function of the receptors when combined with CBD1 and CBD2 has been shown to improve mood, sleep, and pain but may also affect metabolic syndrome and a number of other problems people suffer from. Unlike pharmaceuticals, CBD is inexpensive to purchase but unless it is dosed properly, and the right CBD type is given in the right proportions, it may not be effective. Since there is currently a CBD mania taking place, eventually, there will be a washout due to over supply and people who stop using it because of ineffectiveness or improper dosing. Properly dosing CBD should be sublingual and someone who is of larger mass may require a higher dose. Also, different strains of hemp have different proportions of CBD1 and CBD2 which may make it more or less effective for pain control or control of problems such as Epilepsy which is why GW pharmaceuticals is making a manufactured CBD that is not natural, but has the right formulation for treatment of that problem. Buying and dosing CBD from a more reliable source such as your chiropractor is likely to improve your success as not all CBD brands are created equal. Dosing CBD under the tongue is the most effective way to get the results you want, since it gets into the blood fast and it is the area closest to the brain. I found this interesting blog post that discusses the science behind CBD. If you are interested in taking CBD or are taking it now, you owe it to yourself to read this. CBD: What the Science Says The origins and cultivation of the herbaceous plant Cannabis sativa L. can be traced back to ancient civilizations. (1) However, due to a long history of controversy over its use, it has only recently regained significant attention as a result of legislation changes surrounding its manufacturing and distribution in the United States. There is now a growing body of research surrounding the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its compounds, including CBD. What is the endocannabinoid system? In order to discuss the therapeutic potential of CBD, it is first important to understand the role and function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within the body. The endocannabinoid system is a lipid signaling system made up of enzymes, endogenous cannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors. (8)(10)(19) The ECS is found within the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it is involved in regulating many body functions, (15)(19) as well as modulating the immune system, autonomic nervous system, and microcirculation. (19) Read more