Welcome to Cannabis 101
Cannabis, weed, marijuana, pot... you have probably crossed paths with cannabis in some form, but when it comes to cannabis and wellness, there’s a lot to unpack. In spite of having an awareness of what cannabis is, you may be wondering how cannabis works on your body, and why it could be a powerful addition to your personal wellness routine.
With that in mind, we wanted to create a space to address common questions about cannabis, share authentic stories from women on similar journeys, insights from leading wellness experts, and explore how you can elevate your self-care practice through the intentional use of cannabis.
To start, we will dive into the wonderful world of CBD, the potential benefits this cannabinoid holds for women 40 and over, and how it can be a meaningful addition to your wellness routine. We will also look at why many people believe that cannabinoid can interact with our bodies to promote relaxation, encourage healing and provide other enriching benefits.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the over 100 cannabinoids (active compounds) found in the cannabis plant. After the more well-known THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is the second most common compound found in the cannabis plant. Each cannabinoid has a unique profile with specific therapeutic properties, however studies have shown that these properties are most effective when other naturally occurring compounds (additional cannabinoids and terpenes) are present due to the synergistic relationship that exists between these elements, also known as the “entourage effect.”
In recent years, millions of people around the world have turned to CBD as a natural treatment for a wide range of health concerns and medical conditions. Ongoing research suggests that for women 40 and over, it holds incredible potential to provide relief from challenges such as chronic pain, sleeplessness, anxiety, loss of vitality as well as symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Will it get me high?
While many believe that CBD can be a powerful mood influencer, in particular for its ability to relieve symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, unlike THC it is nonintoxicating, meaning it does not produce the feeling of being “high" typically associated with cannabis consumption.
So how does CBD actually work? To answer that, we need to dive a bit deeper into how this plant-derived cannabinoid (phytocannabinoid) interacts with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
On a cellular level, cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a collection of cell receptors and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that our body naturally produces) that function to maintain homeostasis (a.k.a. keeping our bodies balanced). It does so by regulating key physiological processes including pain sensation, temperature, stress, fertility and reproduction, appetite, mood, memory, immunity.
The ECS has two main cell receptors, both of which are present throughout the body: CB1, located mostly in the brain, and CB2, in the immune system. Cannabinoids bind to these internal receptors, impacting their function. One way to think about the interaction between the cannabinoids and receptors is as a lock and key system where the receptor is the lock, and the cannabinoid is the key.
CBD interacts with the receptors in the ECS, helping the body to manage stressors and maintain homeostasis. Research shows that the ability to modulate the ECS offers great medical promise for the treatment of a wide array of conditions and disorders, which may explain why many people have come to rely on CBD to help manage pain, anxiety and inflammation.
The quantity of endocannabinoids and receptors in an individual's ECS varies person to person, and because this determines how much (or how little) CBD our bodies need, each person will have an optimal dose that is unique. Understanding how our ECS functions and interacts with CBD and other cannabinoids gives us an opportunity to take control of our health in a meaningful, intentional way.
Is CBD safe?
There are no side effects or adverse health outcomes associated with CBD. In fact according studies have shown that CBD can mitigate negative effects such as paranoia and anxiety that can sometimes accompany THC consumption. There is a growing body of research showing that CBD and other cannabinoids holds promise as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of chronic pain without the adverse side effects and risk of addiction common to prescription opioids.
People have turned to CBD to treat conditions as diverse as epilepsy, depression, insomnia, chronic pain and arthritis. Research is ongoing, but this powerful cannabinoid has also been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, neurodegenerative disorders and even menopause.
So there you have it – a brief introduction into cannabis, CBD and your endocannabinoid system. The growing body of research on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids carries with it the possibility of providing relief from the challenges faced by many women as they experience the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that accompany aging. As new information becomes available, and new solutions emerge, we are excited to share this with our Madge Love community and to hear from you about your own experiences with cannabis.
In wellness,
Madge Love
Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Our goal is to share the most accurate and up to date information available, however, this is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice. We encourage you to always consult a medical professional when seeking treatment or guidance for your particular health-related needs and concerns.