Written by Tamara Simon MD, MPH
Photos by Emma Thompson
The human body is a tireless machine fueled by many biological functions and like any machine, it can malfunction in countless ways. Healthcare options and treatments are expanding every day as new research becomes available to help with these malfunctions. One such option is the utilization of CBD. Recently the FDA has approved three new CBD drugs, to be used for serious diseases such as pediatric epilepsy, wasting syndrome and nausea.The FDA ruling combined with the recent Federally approved Farm Bill, (allowing farmers to grow hemp) has catapulted CBD to the forefront of medical interest.
Being a skeptic, I asked myself, How are we able to use this plant based substance in a non plant based system? So as a researcher, I set out to make sense of this CBD craze. What I found was amazing.
CBD is commonly confused with its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is an abbreviation of cannabidiol and is found in the stalks of hemp or cannabis plants. Hemp plants produce a significantly higher volume of CBD than the flowering part of the cannabis plants and have very low levels of THC, the active component in marijuana. In short, CBD does not have the euphoric or ‘high feeling’ associated with THC, while providing an array of potential health benefits.
CBD’s history goes back several centuries, and is rooted in treatment of a variety of uses and ailments. Archeologists have discovered the plant in tombs of the ancient Egyptians.
It was also commonly grown across European fields (champs de cannabis) as early as the 13 century and the stalks or fibers were used in the manufacturing of ropes for ships because of its durable strength. The plant was also crushed up into salves and used for pain management, epilepsy, anxiety, mood and digestive disorders.
In 1990 and 1993 the first endogenous (our own) receptors were discovered. CBR1 that binds THC, and CBR2 that binds CBD. We actually have our own naturally occurring Endocannabinoid System (ECS)! And these cannabinoids are present in all major body systems!
Your ECS works by communicating with the receptors for mood, pain, sleep, anxiety etc. Think of cannabinoids like a lock and key mechanism. Exactly like your hormone system. When a cannabinoid connects to a receptor, a door opens causing a reaction in the body and naturally produces endocannabinoids. However, as we age these cannabinoids, just like hormones, decrease. CBD binds to receptors allowing the body to work more efficiently. And taken in the right doses can have amazing results.
After conducting our own clinical studies, we found that some products worked well, especially for pain, anxiety, and sleep, while other products were found lacking.
Sourcing and extracting CBD is an incredibly vital aspect to successful results. Purchasing options are growing rapidly as the benefits become more scientifically apparent. Credibility of products is not something to be taken lightly.
At Simply Simon, we developed our own CBD products based on our findings. QR codes are displayed on all our products, meaning you can scan each individual item for lab results. Each product is extracted organically and is only harvested from mature hemp stalk, In addition, third party testing ensures that our products are indeed 0% THC free.
Both these steps are necessary to be compliant under Idaho’s strict CBD definition and drug policy laws.If you’re curious about availability or have additional questions, email info@simplysimonproducts.com or check out www.simplysimonproducts.com
