The cannabis plant has been ingrained in human culture for as long as humans have recorded history. Therefore, we know it has been a part of our culture for at least 12,000 years and logic would dictate that it has been incorporated into our lives for much longer. If you are of the belief that all beings and life are interconnected, then you cannot deny that humans and the cannabis plant have a symbiotic and holistic relationship throughout our evolution.
Cannabis and life share a symbiotic relationship
In fact, it is not just humans that contain an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). All mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have an ECS and they all produce natural-occurring cannabinoids as well having the ability to consume phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant as well as a few other plants in minute quantities). So, you could argue that cannabis and all life share a symbiotic relationship.
Modern-day science is currently developing an understanding of the full facts and to distinguish it from the fiction regarding how cannabis affects humans. But for something to be considered a concrete fact in science, multiple instances of clinical research study has to be performed and peer-reviewed to be accepted.
Sometimes science doesn’t hold an explanation for everything that occurs. Well not yet anyway. The knowledge of ancient civilizations is often lost or maybe not even recorded at all. To believe that we are more well-informed than people throughout history would be incredibly naive of us. It would be hard for anybody to deny that cannabis has played a role with human development and that it is beneficial for the mind, body and spirit.
CBD for the Mind
Many people use cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid present in cannabis, as part of their own self-care routine. It is known by many for its wealth of therapeutic effects. CBD along with other cannabinoids work by acting upon the receptors that are present within the ECS. These receptors can be found in abundance within the human brain and central nervous system.
The science regarding the human brain is extremely complex, and that is an understatement. It is safe to say we know more about space travel than we do about the intricacies of the human brain. It’s not that we as a race don’t understand a lot about the human brain, it’s just that there is a lot to learn. It’s not as simple as saying this one compound does this and that is that.
Different chemicals interact with different parts of the brain in different ways and also, they may act differently when other chemicals are present. Therefore, chemicals can cause a spectrum of reactions, with CBD being exactly one such chemical.
CBD indirectly acts upon the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, but it doesn’t stop there. It also reacts with a known serotonin receptor, 5-HT1A. In reacting with this serotonin receptor, we are understanding how CBD can regulate serotonin levels in individuals who may have an imbalance. This has led to theories around CBD that it has anxiolytic properties, meaning that it can reduce anxiety. These theories are currently under clinical study by scientists from all over the world, and the evidence for CBD is good.
CBD also is known to disrupt the opioid and nicotine receptors, meaning that it has been strongly linked with being able to satisfy the craving of addictive substances, without causing any of the negative effects associated with the substances that cravings it prevents. There is also compelling evidence that CBD isn’t addictive itself at all and that it can also help improve memory.
All-in-all, CBD looks to be very good for the mind.
CBD for the Body
We also have cannabinoid receptors located throughout the rest of our bodies. On our organs, in our muscles and even on the surface of our skin.
When CBD enters our bloodstream and our peripheral nervous system, it causes multiple different effects on our bodies. Scientific studies have shown that it can better cholesterol profiles and consequently have the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. When placed on the skin, CBD interacts with CB2 receptors and has been shown to regulate the production of oil in the sebaceous glands, potentially helping with both acne and psoriasis.
It has been completely proven to have anti-inflammatory effects in multiple studies, where it has been shown to interact with multiple organs throughout the body, helping to diminish inflammation systemically. Inflammation is associated with a wide range of diseases, so CBD has been shown to help with certain symptoms of these diseases.
Again, CBD doesn’t just react with cannabinoid receptors. When CBD binds to the TRPV1 receptor, an ion-channel that is associated with general chronic pain, it has been shown to play a positive role in the regulation of pain tolerance, inflammation and body temperature. Diseases such as colitis are associated with the TRPV1 receptor and studies are looking favourable for CBD in helping maintain the disease.
The main media storm surrounding CBD in the UK, however, has been with how it helps with certain forms of epilepsy. The story of Billy Caldwell hit the mainstream news in the UK when her mother was stopped at customs after importing medicine containing CBD that clearly showed it immediately helping with her son’s epileptic fits. This caused the media frenzy that put pressure on the UK government and eventually led the CBD being legalized in the UK on November 1st, 2018 for certain forms of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS) and it currently being researched into helping with other seizure-based diseases.
The evidence is pointing towards CBD being good for the body.
CBD for the Spirit
The spirit is the non-physical part of the person which is the driving force for our emotions and personality. It is our soul and our essence. Many believe that it is the spirit that gives life to all beings and is, therefore, is what is vitally ingrained in our ability to have free-will. People with a positive spirit are inclined to cause a positive impact on the immediate world around them.
Many experts of health and nutrition believe that our spirits are directly influenced by the content of what we consume. Bringing rise to the phrase, you are what you eat.
With it being a non-physical concept, it wouldn’t be possible to directly link any evidence for how CBD affects the spirit or to put it in more medical terms, stress.
But we can talk about how people who consume CBD say it affects them. Take Nate Diaz for example, a highly successful Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star who was seen consuming CBD after his famous battle with Conor McGregor. He stated that not only did it help with his inflammation, but that it “helps make your life a better place.” Meaning that it helps raise the spirit of the consumer.
Many will debate the mere existence of a life force or a spirit, but if there is one, then it appears that CBD does indeed help.
