Hemp for Health Professionals

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an intricate cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. Essential for maintaining homeostasis, the ECS comprises endocannabinoids (molecules produced naturally by the body), receptors, and enzymes. Cannabinoid receptors, notably CB1 and CB2, are dispersed throughout the body and are activated either by endocannabinoids or by phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC from cannabis. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they modulate neuronal and immune cell functions, thereby influencing pain signaling and inflammatory responses. For instance, CBD does not bind directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors but instead enhances the body's utilization of its own endocannabinoids by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down, leading to decreased inflammation and pain.

Topically applied cannabinoids offer targeted relief by interacting with cannabinoid receptors located in the skin, without systemic absorption. This localized interaction can effectively mitigate inflammation and pain at the site of application, making it a valuable option for conditions such as arthritis and muscle soreness. This mechanism underlines the versatility of hemp-derived CBD, providing health professionals with a potent tool for managing a variety of symptoms linked to chronic and acute conditions, through both systemic and localized approaches.