The biggest question we are asked on a daily basis is “will this get me high?” and our answer is NO this is not a hallucinogenic like its cousin plant marijuana which has high levels of THC. The hemp plant has high levels of CBD which is essentially the antithesis of the THC found in the marijuana plant.. For example, THC can bring on social anxiety, while CBD can relieve social fears, such as stage fright. While THC makes one high and takes one away from reality, CBD creates focus and brings one into reality. They are the yin and yang inside the medicinal cannabis plant – and we need them both! But the utilization of CBD is only just starting to be understood in the scientific community!
Our ancestors throughout the world understood CBD from hemp. This plant has been used medically since 2700 BCE; hemp was actually the inspiration for us to switch from being hunter gatherers to agricultural settlers – the Neolithic Revolution! Today, in 2021, we are at the very beginning of a CBD revival!
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Why do CBD and THC work in opposite ways?
To begin, THC binds to the CB1 receptors and CBD binds to CB2 receptors. Neurologically CBD and THC produce different chemical reactions in the brain. While THC produces dopamine (the excitatory chemical), CBD regulates serotonin production (the satisfaction chemical). THC impairs short term memory, while CBD binds onto adenosine receptors, which improve the short-term memory dysfunctions caused by THC.
This is not meant to be hating on THC at all, it’s another thing in itself and we have love for all cannabinoids here. But many people don’t enjoy THC and fear that if they consume CBD they will experience similar effects – this could not be further from the truth!
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What about the trace amounts of THC in my products?
Because CBD changes the way that THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors, and there is only a trace amount of THC in hemp-derived CBD products, there is absolutely no way that CBD from Botanicam would impair one mentally. CBD produces GABA (calming the excitatory pathways), binds onto glycine receptors (abundant messengers of the spinal cord), serotonin modulators, PPARy receptors, adenosine receptors, opioid receptors, GPR18 receptors, 32 different enzymes, 10 different ion channels, and 3 transporters. Due to all this activity, THC’s ability to bind onto our neurological receptors is just not present.
CBD improves mental clarity as it protects cognitive function by providing antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Activating CB2 receptors can reverse oxidative stress and alleviate many cognitive impairments. CB2 receptors are what activate the microglia of the brain. Microglia are cells which activate the immune response of the central nervous system and cleans cellular debris as well as dead neurons from the nervous tissue of the brain through the process of phagocytosis, or cell eating. Additionally, CBD promotes neurogenesis, or the creation of new brain cells! Of course, CBD’s main job is regulating and synthesizing the systems of the body. When the body is working synergistically, one sleeps better, heals better, and this means mental health and focus will be enhanced. Spread the word: Hemp-derived CBD does not get you high!! For any other questions feel free to call and talk to our cannabinoid therapist at 186622TRUST!
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An Article By Evie Louise
Evie Louise is a recent psychology graduate from New York University. She is a certified in International Cannabinoid Clinical Therapy. Evie sees all forms of the cannabis sativa plant as the future of psychiatry, and hopes to use it in her therapy practice as a full spectrum approach to mental health and wellness.
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