
Cannabis contains over 500 distinct compounds, which include cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and omega fatty acids.
Whole plant or full spectrum herbal cannabis conveys health benefits via their synergistic effects similar to the benefits of whole plant diets. In researching cannabis medicinal effects this has been named the entourage effect meaning that different compounds work together to achieve an effect that would not be impossible for them to achieve on their own.
Research has shown that the various cannabinoids impact both the brain and peripheral nervous systems via interactions with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is one of the major stress management systems of the body.
Nutritionist are telling us we need to eat a whole plant diet as the research shows that lifestyle changes including a whole plant slant on diet can reverse chronic disease. “Concerns about the rising cost of health care are being voiced nationwide, even as unhealthy lifestyles are contributing to the spread of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.”
Whole plants contain phytochemicals which simply means plant chemicals. They are naturally occurring components in fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. They give plants its color, flavor, smell and are part of a plant’s natural defense system (disease resistance). Phytochemicals are bioactive, non-nutrient plant compounds in fruits, vegetables, grains and other plant foods that have been linked to reducing the risk of major degenerative diseases. Moreover, studies have been conducted on the synergy effects of herb extracts.
Likewise, a groundbreaking study from Israel has documented the superior therapeutic properties of whole plant CBD-rich cannabis extract as compared to single-molecule cannabidiol (CBD). The article directly challenges one of the sacred cows of Big Pharma and the medical-industrial complex—the notion that “crude” botanical preparations are inherently low grade and less effective than pure, single-molecule compounds.
As Dr. Lester Grinspoon, a retired Harvard Medical School professor observed:
“Needless to say, the pharmaceutical industry is increasingly devoting its massive resources to the development of cannabinoid analogs or other products which can compete with herbal marijuana. But none of these products will be as inexpensive or useful as herbal marijuana. Legality, not efficacy, is their major appeal.”
While we do not know all the actions of the 500 compounds in the cannabis plant on humans, we do know that they act on CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in the body’s peripheral nervous system regulating signals from one neuron to another.
For example, stimulating the brain’s CB1 endocannabinoid receptors protects the brain by reducing brain inflammation and encouraging neurogenesis. Also, cannabinoids target the anxiety areas in the brains amygdala region healing to downregulate anxiety.
CB2 receptors in the immune system regulate inflammation in the peripheral nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD targets cells (enteric glial cells) implicated in irritable bowel syndrome. These actions lead to a reduction of intestinal damage. Results therefore indicate that CBD is a new therapeutic approach to treat inflammatory bowel diseases.
A brief history of antibiotics gives us a lens to view the whole plant vs. lab created single compounds discussion. While they both have their place in the pharmacopeia of disease management and health promotion, there is compelling evidence to support whole plant cannabis medicine over lab created isolates in the same way we are using whole plant diets to address the deleterious effects of western processed food diets and the over reliance on pharmaceuticals to address chronic disease.
*2000 B.C. – Here, eat this root *1000 A.D. – That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer. * 1850 A.D. – That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion. * 1920 A.D. – That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill. * 1945 A.D. – That pill is ineffective. Here, take this penicillin. * 1955 A.D. – Oops…. bugs mutated. Here, take this tetracycline. * 1960-1999 – 39 more “oops” …Here, take this more powerful antibiotic. * 2000 A.D. – The bugs have won! Here, eat this root.
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