Why So Much Confusion Over CBD?

Submitted by Corie Kovach, MD, FACOG, MBA of Ohio Holistic Healthcare, LLC in Amherst, Ohio

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Actually, the molecules of CBD and THC have the exact same chemical composition: 30 hydrogen atoms, and 21 carbon atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms

There are currently 85 such known cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant-- the most prominent of which are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
 

A cannabinoid is a compound that interacts directly with our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is basically a network of receptors that interact with cannabinoids to maintain multiple vital functions throughout our body.  Our brain’s own naturally produced cannabis-like molecules are the endocannabinoids of anandamide and 2-AG.  CBD and THC interact at the ECS receptor sites to produce stimulation, modulation, regulation, or enhancement.
 

CB1 receptors are found most abundantly in regions of the brain and central nervous system and are responsible for mental and physiological processes, such as memory, high cognition, emotion, and motor coordination, while CB2 receptors are most prevalent in our immune system, spleen, GI tract, and  peripheral nervous system.  The interaction between the CB1 and CB2 receptors with cannabinoids like CBD and THC is a pinnacle for health benefits such as pain relief, anxiety, depression, insomnia, immune enhancement, appetite regulation, mood management and much more.