June 2019

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System’s name originates from its etymology. “Endo” comes from the word “endogenous,” which means growing from within and “cannabinoid” comes from “Cannabis.” The ECS, or Endocannabinoid System, is a collection of several mechanisms (primarily endogenous cannabinoids) that together create a neuromodulatory system.

The components the ECS comprise of are:

Endocannabinoids the body naturally produces (2-AG and Anandamide)

Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2

Enzymes that create and destroy the cannabinoids

Neuromodulatory system is an intricate way of saying the ECS functions as a group of neurons that use chemicals to transmit information throughout the body. Ultimately, your body produces endocannabinoids that activate your CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors work in unison with our central nervous system. CB2 receptors work with our immune cells. These receptors are in the brain, organs, connective tissues and glands. Enzymes create and breakdown endocannabinoids upon the nervous system’s demand.

Homeostasis

Together, the ECS’s parts work in harmony to help maintain the body’s homeostasis. In order to sustain your body’s balance, the ECS regulates mood, pain, inflammation, sleep, immune function, body temperature and more. If your body does not produce enough endocannabinoids to any one of these areas, you may experience higher levels of inflammation and stress, sleep disruption, poor immune health and more.

What is Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency?

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency is the theory that disorders develop due to the malfunction of the Endocannabinoid System. When your ECS does not produce enough endocannabinoids, it may cause an imbalance in your body, leading to mental disruptions and diseases. Common diseases linked to Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency are known as psychosomatic. Psychosomatic disorders occur when psychological factors cause physical symptoms. After understanding how the ECS functions, research infers that the ECS does have a direct relationship to potential psychosomatic diseases such as migraines, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. The ECS is essentially a bridge between body (organs) and mind (nervous system). When this bridge fails, it can lead to certain psychosomatic disorders. So far, research is in support of cannabinoid treatment helping to combat Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency and other treatment-resistant syndromes.

How Can I Prevent Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency?

While more research is needed to prove Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency, there is still credible evidence that points to the importance of the ECS. The most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain are cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoid receptors can become active and more prominent when you introduce your body to phytocannabinoids – or plant-based cannabinoids - like Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a natural compound found within Hemp and can directly aid in the proper functioning of your ECS.

Introducing CBD or Hemp Extract products to your daily regimen may help influence the production of the body’s endocannabinoids. CBD products have become a hot commodity due to its therapeutic potentials. Testimonials from consumers report that CBD is helping to relieve their anxiety and stress, help with sleep deprivation, promote calm and relaxation and more. Nature’s Script offers a wide variety of premium Industrial Hemp-derived CBD products. From CBD Oil to CBD Pain Gel, we have all of your CBD needs.

Always check back for new updates and research concerning Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency and the ECS. You can visit Nature’s Script CBD blog for more information about CBD, its legality, safety and benefits.

If it weren’t for the Hemp plant, Nature’s Script wouldn’t be able to provide the powerful potential of premium Hemp Extract products to you. This week, June 3-9, we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Hemp History Week. The theme for this year’s week is Return of the Plant. Return of the Plant is a fitting theme for 2019 because it wasn’t until recently that the Hemp plant regained its legal status. Before the Farm Bill passed in 2018, the cultivation of the Hemp plant was considered illegal under the 1970 Controlled Substance Act. The goal for this year’s Hemp History Week is to raise awareness about the benefits, versatility and importance of the Hemp plant.

Hemp History Lesson

Since the dawn of time, the Hemp plant has had its roots planted in human civilization. Records indicate that traces of Hemp date back as early as 8,000 BCE to Chinese and Taiwanese society. Soon Hemp would spread across the globe reaching civilizations in Asia, Europe, Africa and eventually South and North America. The versatility of Hemp made it a commodity and earned its nickname as “Sacred Grass” and “King of the Seeds.” Hemp would be used to create fuel, clothing, rope, paper and so much more.

As for American civilization, Hemp was utilized immediately by American farmers in the 1700s. Hemp paper was even used to draft the Declaration Independence. In 1942, the USDA initiated the “Hemp for Victory” program to encourage farmers to grow Hemp and support the war effort during WWII. The program led to over 150,000 acres of Hemp production, a premier resource during the war.

Cultivation of Hemp in America would end, however, in 1970 when U.S President Regan signed the Controlled Substances Act. The Controlled Substances Act classified Hemp as an illegal Schedule I drug, grouping it with Marijuana. The CSA would outlaw the farming of Hemp with a zero-tolerance policy.

Fast forward to 2014; President Obama signs the Farm Bill allowing the reinstitution of pilot Industrial Hemp (Hemp with less than 0.3% THC) programs for research purposes. In 2018, Congress passes the Farm Bill legalizing the production of Industrial Hemp. The Farm Bill ushers in a new era for the Hemp plant, which paves the way for Hemp Extract and Cannabidiol products.

The 1970 Controlled Substances Act wrongfully classified Hemp because of misconception and lack of education. Hemp was grouped with Marijuana as a Schedule I drug even though the two are fundamentally different plants. Hemp is often associated with Marijuana due to the cannabinoid THC. THC is the chemical compound prominently known for producing a “high” or altered state of mind. Hemp plants contain less than 0.3% of THC, which is not enough to cause any psychoactive effects. Instead, Hemp contains high levels of the non-psychoactive compound CBD (Cannabidiol). CBD, or Hemp Extract, is a medicinal compound that has the potential to improve focus, promote better sleep, create an enhanced sense of calm and relaxation and more. Hemp is also a much more versatile Cannabis plant than Marijuana. Check out more of the differences between the two plants on our graphic.

Benefits of Hemp

Hemp History Week is a time for us to inform others about the endless potentials of the Hemp plant. As we celebrate the Return of the Plant, take time to understand Hemp’s impact and the support it can offer. Here are three of the main benefits that the Hemp plant can provide for our society:

Agricultural Assitance

While tech is helping keep the farm industry afloat, the Hemp plant may be the crop to revitalize it. Many consumers are looking for products that contain Hemp Extract, making the demand for Hemp-derived CBD at an all-time high. The market for Hemp equates to new jobs and opportunities for farmers. Hemp is one of the fastest growing plants and can thrive in almost any climate or soil. It matures in as few as 100 days whereas most trees take 50-100 years. Hemp can also mitigate erosion and protect neighboring plants from heavy metals, toxins and pesticides.

Environmental Sustainability

Products made from Hemp are 100% biodegradable and can be reused or recycled. Research has also shown that Hemp can help reduce global warming due to the massive amounts of carbon dioxide it absorbs. Industrial Hemp has extensive roots that penetrate deep into the soil, securing water and nutrients vital to plant development. Hemp’s large roots recover nutrients that may otherwise be lost and readies the soil for future crops. Most Hemp products are non-toxic, renewable and stronger than conventional plastics.

Medicinal Benefits

The Hemp plant is rich in CBD, or Hemp Extract. CBD’s properties have the potential to provide therapeutic assistance for our overall health and wellness. Reported benefits of Hemp Extract have included relief stress, sleep deprivation and more. Further research is being conducted to determine the breadth of benefits Hemp Extract may be able to provide. Hemp seeds also contain high levels of fatty acids and other essential nutrients to boost health.

The Future of Hemp

The possibilities for the Hemp plant are limitless. From powering our cars with sustainable biofuel to eliminating plastic products, Hemp has the potential to shape our planet’s future for the better. With the Farm Bill passed, it’s up to us to pave the way for Hemp’s new story as a renewable resource, nutritional compound and agricultural reinforcer. Take the time to educate your friends and family this Hemp History Week about the importance of the Hemp plant. Share your ideas below on how you plan to make a difference this Hemp History Week.