Welcome to your introduction to the health science behind cannabis and CBD, and a truly Irie body and mind. Understanding is the first step towards better health. CBD stands for Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of at least 113 active cannabinoids identified in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is a major phytocannabinoid (phytocannabinoid is the name for cannabinoids that occur naturally in plants), accounting for up to 40% of the plant's extract. Cannabinoids (CBD and THC among many others) are one group of chemical compounds found within the Cannabis plant that provide therapeutic and supportive effects when consumed.

The human body naturally produces cannabinoids, which are a key compound responsible for moderating how cells communicate with each other. This system of regulating cellular function is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), and it is responsible for maintaining internal stability (homeostasis) and health. When there is a deficiency or problem within the endocannabinoid system, a variety of physical symptoms and imbalances can manifest. Amazingly, one of the only places in nature cannabinoids occur outside of those humans produce, is in the cannabis sativa plant. By imitating our natural cannabinoids these compounds are able to bind to receptor sites throughout our bodies, helping to insure healthy regulation of all our physiological systems.

Perhaps the most commonly known cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is the compound that produces a psychoactive effect on the brain, or makes you feel “high”. This high occurs because the receptor sites in the body that THC binds to are found primarily in the brain (CB-1 receptors), and when they bind to these receptors they produce a euphoric effect. To get more information about the medicinal properties of THC, visit the IrieMEDICINALS site here.

CBD prefers to bind to a variety of different receptor sites found throughout the body (CB-2 receptors). CBD produces no psychoactive effects. Consuming CBD does not affect the way you think or function, but can support a variety of bodily systems by binding to CB-2 receptors.

Different cannabinoids have different effects, depending on what receptors they bind to. CBD and THC are just two members of the cannabinoid family, and though they are the most abundant to occur in the plant naturally, they are not the only ones that can bind to receptors in the human body. CBG, CBN and THCV are other compounds that make up this diverse network, and though more research is needed to truly understand their full effects, new potential benefits associated with each one are consistently being discovered and analyzed.

The United States Government provides access to current research on CBD through the National Institute of Health website which you can access HERE. While IrieCBD cannot make any claims about our products in regards to specific health conditions, we encourage our customers to do their own research on CBD and take advantage of the current reputable research on cannabidiol and other cannabinoids on the NIH website.

Supporting the body’s Endocannabinoid System holistically, with whole plant derived, terpene rich CBD products, allows for a gentle and effective return to healthy regulation and cell communication. With no negative side effects, CBD extracts deliver the benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes by working with your body, not suppressing or altering any part of it. CBD is intriguing in its ability to affect not only the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, but other neurotransmitter receptor sites as well. CBD can also increase the naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body by affecting the enzymes that break them down. A powerful neuroprotectant, everyone can benefit from the anti-oxidant effects, and the increased vitality found when our natural systems are properly nourished.