CBD Foundation Series #1: Understanding CBD & The ECS

I developed the following series of articles to educate industry professionals, consumers, and wellness practitioners. This series is intended to provide a basic educational overview of the topic of the cannabis- and hemp-derived molecule cannabidiol, better known as CBD. This particular component of the cannabis plant—one of the 113 cannabinoids that have been isolated and identified to date—has received a significant volume of attention from both the national media and the medical establishment.

Just to avoid a misunderstanding between us: This information isn't free.

You must #LearnAndTeachOthers? by reposting, commenting, and otherwise sharing this educational content with your circle of colleagues, friends, and family. A science-based message of cannabis legalization and rational regulatory oversight, no matter how refined or vigilant, is of little value if it reaches few hearts and minds.

A solid understanding of the medical efficacy of CBD necessarily involves consideration of the network of specialized microscopic cellular receptors found throughout the body. CBD and other plant-based cannabinoids (called phytocannabinoids) interact with the body in sometimes nuanced ways with respect to bioavailability, dosing, and tolerance, among other efficacy characteristics.  

The Endocannabinoid System

An important discovery was made in 1992 when research scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team uncovered something they dubbed the endocannabinoid system (ECS; sometimes denoted as eCS). The ECS is a series of microscopic cellular receptors located throughout the brain, central nervous system, and immune system. Molecules such as CBD have been found to plug into this network of cellular receptors perfectly (meaning they exhibit what medical researchers call a strong binding affinity), producing positive health and wellness benefits.

The ECS is a feature of not only all humans, but also mammals and—in fact—all vertebrates. This has major ramifications for veterinary medicine, which is beginning to find value in administering CBD for household pets. Canines and felines suffering common ailments such as arthritis and digestion issues gain the same benefits from CBD as their human owners.

Entourage Effect

The superior health value of full spectrum extracts made from CBD oil is supported by a theory called the entourage effect. First suggested in 1998 by the same researchers who identified the ECS, this theory postulates that the consumption of several cannabinoids simultaneously produces synergistic benefits that exceed the value of the individual molecules alone.

• To continue reading this article, visit Higher Learning LV.

About the Author

Curt Robbins is a technical writer, instructional designer, and lecturer who has been developing science-based educational and training content for Fortune 200 enterprises for more than 30 years. His clients have included Federal Express, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Northrop Grumman, National City Bank, Strainprint Technologies Ltd., the J.M. Smucker Company, and USAA. 

Robbins has developed more than 600 educational articles regarding hemp and its various health components, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and the human endocannabinoid system for clients in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His latest white paper, CBG: The Mother of Cannabinoids, is an evidence-based 50-page deep dive into the biochemistry of the hemp-derived phytocannabinoid cannabigerol that features 60 peer-reviewed research study citations.

Robbins currently serves as Director of Curriculum Development for Higher Learning LV? based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robbins can be found on Twitter at @RobbinsGroupLLC and via email at [email protected]. To learn more, search for his social media hashtag campaigns on your favorite social media network:

• #LearnAndTeachOthers?
• #TerpeneTuesday?