In the world of wellness, two intriguing topics have been gaining attention: hemp and the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While one is a versatile plant with a rich history, the other is a vital biological system that plays a significant role in maintaining our body's balance. Let's explore the fascinating connection between these two and how they can contribute to our overall well-being.
Hemp: A Plant with a Purpose
Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis plant, has been cultivated for thousands of years for various purposes, including textiles, paper, biofuel, medicines and food. It's also a source of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound with potential health benefits, D-9, Tetrahydrocannabinol (D-9 THC), cannabigerol (CBG), amongst 100+ other cannabinoids. Unlike its cousin, marijuana, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive component that gives users a "high."
The Endo-Cannabinoid System: A Master Regulator
Discovere in the early 1990s, the endo-cannabinoid system is a largest neuro transmitters system in human body that regulates the hormonal balance, nervous system and vital organs. It consists of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endo-cannabinoids are naturally produced by our bodies and help regulate various physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response. The two main endo-cannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Can you guess what the word 'ananda' means? It indeed means 'bliss' quite literally. The bliss that is so deep that it is called a divine bliss.
Receptors are found throughout the body and are activated by endo-cannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by our own body), as well as phyto-cannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from plants), like CBD. The two primary receptors are CB1, mainly located in the central nervous system, and CB2.
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endo-cannabinoids once they have fulfilled their function.
Hemp and the Endo-Cannabinoid System: A Perfect Match
The relationship between hemp and the endo-cannabinoid system is a natural one. The human body already produces the cannabinoids (called 'endo-cannabinoids' as they are produced and utilized within the body). These endo-cannabinoids are responsible for the euphoric feeling of bliss and peace. Certain types of meditations, yogic and buddhist practices and plant-medicine shamanic ceremonies trigger the release of endo-cannabinoids. My own experience after meditation is a certain "high", one that feels extremely blissful and peaceful yet keeping me fully in awareness. Hemp-derived cannabinoids interacts with the ECS by binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors thus promoting wellness.
Moreover, CBD can also influence the ECS indirectly by inhibiting the FAAH enzyme, which breaks down anandamide. By doing so, CBD may help increase the levels of this endo-cannabinoid, allowing it to have a more significant impact on the ECS and its functions.
Whole Flower Hemp is Better than CBD
While CBD is one of the cannabinoids in hemp flower, the whole hemp flower has over 400+ cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. All these together act synergistically with our ECS system to enhance each other's therapeutic benefits and minimize the side effects. This effect is also called 'The Entourage Effect".
Best Way to Consume Hemp
Contrary to popular belief, drinking hemp is the best way to consume the benefits of cannabinoids. One simple and obvious reason is smoking is not good for anyone. However, Hemp extract (cannabinoids, terpenes, etc) are not soluble in water. But why does water-solubility matter? For any active ingredient to have any therapeutic effect, it must first be solubilized in blood which is 80% water, and carries it across the bloodstream to various ECS receptors. Let's look at the traditional hemp oil tincture or a CBD gummy, that does not solubilize the cannabinoids in water. This means that less than 9% of these cannabinoids are solubilized and available for your body to absorb. And they take about 30-60 min to have an effect. The rest of 91% is not simply flushed out of the body, but this 91% is what is accumulated in the liver leading to the liver toxicity.
Oneness OS, is the only technology that can solubilize the 100% of cannabinoids from whole flower hemp extract in water completely in less than 5 min. This means, 100% of what you consume is available for your body to absorb and potentially interact with your ECS and can minimize or eliminate the liver toxicity.
The Future of Hemp and the Endo-Cannabinoid System
As research on hemp and the endo-cannabinoid system continues, we can expect to learn more about the potential benefits of this powerful combination. From pain management and anxiety reduction to promoting better sleep and immune function, the possibilities are vast.
In conclusion, the connection between hemp and the endo-cannabinoid system is a fascinating one that holds great promise for our health and well-being. By understanding this relationship and harnessing the power of both, we may unlock the new frontiers for natural and holistic wellness.
