CBD, Hemp, and the Endocannabinoid System
Jan 27, 2021
What is CBD?
CBD is short for “cannabidiol” and is a cannabinoid found in plants, otherwise known as a phytocannabinoid.
CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both present in many strains of marijuana, but the difference is that CBD is non-psychoactive, while THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. In other words, THC is the molecule that produces the experience of “getting high.”
CBD products currently on the market are typically hemp-derived, rather than marijuana-derived.
Hemp vs. Marijuana
While both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the plant Cannabis sativa, marijuana has high levels of psychoactive molecule THC (up to 30%). In contrast, hemp has high concentrations of non-psychoactive CBD and almost no THC content (<0.3%).
So, hemp-derived CBD products have negligible THC levels, anywhere from 0-0.3%, which is the legal limit in accordance with the 2018 Farm Bill.
CBD and the Human Body
The human body produces cannabinoids as part of its natural functioning, and these are known as endocannabinoids (“endo” meaning “within”).
When CBD is consumed, the phytocannabinoid molecules mimic the effects of the body’s endocannabinoids by binding to its natural endocannabinoid receptors.
In fact, all vertebrates produce endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (or ECS) is over 500 million years old (older than the human species itself) and functions in the body to maintain homeostasis, in other words, to keep the body in a state of biological equilibrium in response to changes in the environment.
We now know that the ECS is involved in many more processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. The UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative states that “endocannabinoids are arguably one of the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules known to man.”
It makes sense, then, why CBD may potentially be also used for many versatile purposes. In fact, many athletes and other high-performing individuals have reported switching from traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen to CBD for muscle and joint pain, and pain management in general.
However, the biggest challenge in the industry has been developing high-quality products that the body can readily absorb and use. In order to do so, a few things, in particular, have to be considered, primarily the concentration of CBD in the product and the technology used in its formulation.
Concentration
Higher concentrations may be more beneficial for some, however, it’s a misconception that simply taking the highest concentration CBD dose will be the most effective way for the body to take in larger amounts of CBD. In fact, the technology used to create the product makes all the difference.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is a type of technology that refers to the manipulation of things at molecular levels.
So, Nano CBD is CBD that has been broken down into tiny particles and coated with an emulsifier – also called a carrier – to enhance the delivery and absorption of these micro CBD particles into the cells of the body.
The use of this method in the creation of CBD products is so effective for multiple reasons, the simplest being that their small size makes nanoparticles easier to absorb into the bloodstream. Another reason is that the carrier used to bind CBD helps to protect the core compounds so that they are delivered to their target in the anticipated dose. Without this enhanced process, the bulk of an oral CBD dose is broken down in the gastrointestinal system so that only 6% of it reaches your bloodstream by the end. It is important to note that everyone metabolizes CBD differently, so it may require some trial and error to find the right concentration and dose.
However, no matter the dosage or concentration, the nano-liposomes (or lipid carriers) used in the creation of nano CBD products facilitate optimal absorption by making up to 80% of the dose bioavailable.
Individual companies that produce CBD products have developed their own proprietary nanotechnology, but perhaps none that combine this technology with potent concentration (3000mg) and do it so efficiently as c’bella Naturals.
c’bella Naturals
C’bella’s proprietary Micellar NanoParticle technology (MNP) enhances the surface area for absorption up to a hundred-fold, thus requiring lower doses and providing higher stability, greater bioavailability, improved safety, and enhanced effectiveness of its products.
This MNP technology has been used in over 30 pharmaceutical products, with others undergoing pre-clinical and clinical studies. Producing nanopharmaceuticals and nano-cosmeceutical products is exceptionally challenging, as these products do not have a long enough shelf-life to be marketed.