Our bodies were made for cannabinoids Debunked
Updated: Dec 16, 2019
As we continue to browse social media’s abundant #Cannabis posts, we find ourselves having a difficult time choosing which post to debunk next. There are just too many to choose from! While several qualify to be featured in The Debunked Series, we decided to debunk this inaccurate social post found on Instagram claiming the following…
“CBD - Our bodies were made for cannabinoids. We have a system designed to receive cannabinol to help regulate our internal body.”
First of all, CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol; and CBN is the abbreviation for cannabinol.
Unfortunately, this inaccurate social post confuses CBN for CBD!
Additionally, the statement claiming that "we have a system designed to receive cannabinol" has no scientific basis.
So, what is the difference between CBN and CBD?
Cannabinol (CBN) is mostly found in aged or oxidized Cannabis flower. Unlike cannabidiol (CBD), CBN does not stem directly from CBG (or its acid form, CBGA), but rather is the degraded product of delta-9-THCA. If Cannabis is exposed to air or ultraviolet light (i.e. sunlight) for a prolonged period of time, THCA will convert to cannabinolic acid (CBNA). CBN is then formed by decarboxylation of CBNA (the acidic form of CBN).
Cannabinoic acids are phytocannabinoids in their acid form. For example, CBDA, CBNA, delta-9-THCA are all cannabinoic acids. When cannabinoic acids undergo decarboxylation they convert to their neutral form (i.e. CBD, CBN, delta-9-THC). While phytocannabinoids are synthesized in nature as cannabinoic acids, humans decarboxylate them to their neutral forms before consumption. This has been historically achieved by either burning or baking Cannabis flower. Partial decarboxylation happens naturally as the cultivated Cannabis plant material dries. But most of the decarboxylation will take place with heating.
Decarboxylation of cannabinoic acids occurs rapidly when heated above 105°C (221°F), which is a condition obtained during the smoking or baking process. Decarboxylation does occur slowly at room temperature as well, but the rate increases with temperature. For this reason, it is very important to store Cannabis-derived products like CBD tinctures in a dark cool place. When traveling to a warm climate with Cannabis derived products, it is important to insulate the product before transporting to keep the rate of degradation low.
CBN acts as a partial agonist at CB1 receptors, but has a higher affinity for CB2 receptors; however, it has lower affinities relative to delta-9-THC. As of 2019, no known clinical research has identified therapeutic properties of CBN in humans.
On the other hand, several clinical research studies have been conducted, effectively identifying several therapeutic properties of CBD in humans. If you are interested in learning more about the science behind CBD and the other phytocannabinoids, we highly suggest you enroll in one of the Cannabis Medicine or Cannabis Science Certification programs by Blaze Therapeutics. The certification programs are designed for different professionals so if you are unsure as to which one would be best for you feel free to call 833-422-5293 or email info@blazetherapeutic.com.
In an effort to correct #Cannabis misinformation, we have recreated the Instagram post to reflect an accurate #Cannabis social post.
Titled "CBD - one of several phytocannabinoids,"
in this edited version, we explain that our bodies have a system called the endocannabinoid system, where phytocannabinoids engage in different ways with CB receptors.
While some phytocannabinoids bind in the traditional lock and key method with the CB receptors, like delta-9-THC, other phytocannabinoids bind allosterically and have a more indirect effect on the CB receptors, like CBD.
Ultimately, the endocannabinoid system is a complex biological system that cannot be summed up in a single social media post. The manner in which phytocannabinoids engage with our endocannabinoid system can result in either up-regulating and/or down-regulating metabolic mechanisms throughout our body, ultimately resulting in different neuromuscular and/or psychological effects, some desirable and some undesirable.
The one thing we hope you take away from our edited version of the debunked social post is that the endocannabinoid system is complex and has a direct effect on how the rest of our body's biological systems operate. It is important to understand that while supplementing the body with phytocannabinoids is proving to be a promising therapeutic potential for several conditions, a lot goes into developing a therapeutic Cannabis derived product and effectively integrating Cannabis into a therapeutic regimen. There are potential drug interactions and dosing varies from individual to individual.
Before integrating Cannabis flower or any Cannabis-derived products into your medical regimen, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to avoid unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects. Additionally, if you are not purchasing Responsibly Distributed Cannabis derived products, be sure to review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each product BEFORE consuming it.
It is important that misinformation does not become misperceived as common knowledge. If you have a #Cannabis post you would like for us to consider debunking, email it to info@blazetherapeutics.com. Blaze Therapeutics reserves the right to chose which social media posts will ultimately receive the debunked spotlight. You can also follow us on Instagram @BlazeTherapeutics to find all of the edited versions from The Debunked Series.
#Cannabis #CBD #THC #Hemp #endocannabinoidsystem #cannabinoid #blazeeducation #blazetherapy