The staff of BAK 2 Basics CBD Medical Consultants attended the annual American Nurses Association Rhode Island (ANA-RI) meeting on February 1, 2019 which included a comprehensive medical marijuana conference titled “Empowering the Nurse’s Role in the Medicinal Cannabis Movement”. The conference was presented by Carey Clark PhD, RN, who is the President of American Cannabis Nurses Association. Carey Clark PhD, RN was very informative at the conference and we couldn’t possibly fit everything in one blog. We learned so much and we look forward to sharing with you!
The Endocannabinoid system is an intricate network of receptors found throughout the brain and body, which uses enzymes, proteins, and various other components to pass signals between one another.
The Endocannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis throughout our body and does its best to support internal stability within our body. Why is this relevant? Maintaining a general, healthy balance in our lives is very important and it’s just as important for our body and everything within it to sustain a stable internal environment.
Every cell in our body strives for this kind of balance. Without this balance, the cells in our body would not function properly. The Endocannabinoid system is made up of two receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system. CB2 receptors are primarily found in peripheral organs and in cells associated with the immune system.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabidiol) is the psychoactive chemical in the cannabis plant. THC primarily reacts with the CB1 receptors which causes the “high” or “stoned” feeling, but it also interacts with a few CB2 receptors.
CBD (Cannabidiol) does not have any psychoactive effects and works primarily with the immune system and at the CB2 receptors. CBD does not directly “fit” CB1 or CB2 receptors, but have very powerful indirect effects on them that are still being studied.
CBD has been shown to possibly modulate the “high” caused by the THC at the CB1 receptor. In theory, this would reduce the effects of the THC or counteract the psychoactive feel. Starting low and slow is preferred to avoid over stimulation of the Endocannabinoid system.
