CBD as Functional Medicine
This is Part Two in a series on Cannabinoids as Functional Medicine with Dr. Joe Cohen, Doctor of Osteopathy, Functional Medicine Provider, and Cannabinoid specialist.
Treating Pain and Beyond : What is CBD?
CBD is the most well-known and well-studied of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids. I first started to see the benefits of CBD in my patients 12 years ago when a dispensary was able to smuggle some seeds of Harlequin from California. Harlequin generally has about a 1:1 ratio of CBD : THC. I noticed that patients really saw the benefits of this strain when dealing with pain. There were, however, many other benefits from combining CBD and THC. In 2013, I was invited to be a speaker at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and my topic was CBD. While reviewing the literature, I came across a newly released study that explained how CBD works when combined with THC.
1:1 Ratio of THC : CBD - How does it Work?
We have CB1 receptors in our brain (CB1 receptors are the most prevalent receptor found in the brain) and it is these receptors that have binding sites for our endocannabinoids (produced in our cells) as well as to the phytocannabinoids (plant based).
It turns out that, in addition to enhancing pain relief, CBD also decreases the psycho-activity of THC while also decreasing anxiety and tachycardia—two potential side effects of THC.
THC binds to what is known as an orthosteric binding site on the CB receptor and CBD binds to an allosteric binding site on the same receptor. In doing so, it changes the configuration of the THC-bound orthosteric binding site and, therefore, alters some of the effects of THC.
Chronic Inflammation is at the Core of ALL Chronic Diseases
CBD tends to bind to our CB2 receptors—prevalent in our immune system. As Functional Medicine practitioners will tell you, most of our immune system lives in our gut. There are between 80-120 different autoimmune-related disorders: these diseases are now epidemic in our society affecting at least 1 in 6 of us.
One of the root causes of autoimmune disorders starts in the gut with a syndrome known as “leaky gut.” This occurs when bacteria, viruses and toxins invade our immune system and wreak havoc. This creates an autoimmune response and associated chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is at the core of ALL chronic diseases.
How Does CBD Help Autoimmune Conditions?
CBD works in three ways to assist patients who have an autoimmune condition.
CBD is an anti-inflammatory.
CBD is an immune modulator, therefore helping to bring the immune system to a homeostatic state.
CBD helps heal leaky gut.
Benefits Beyond Autoimmune Support
Other benefits of CBD include the following:
CBD is effective as an anti-anxiety medicine- especially when used in the form of a tincture.
CBD, along with THC, CBDa, THCa, and CBG may have anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells.
CBD has been shown to reduce seizure activity, especially in children.
It has been suggested in a University of Chicago study that CBD may help prevent replication of the virus responsible for COVID as well as potentially reducing the inflammatory storm seen in severe cases.
In order for CBD to bind properly to our CB2 receptors, it needs help form a small amount of THC as well as terpenes such as Beta caryophyllene. You can rest assured that all CannaKoru CBD products have the combination necessary to be effective.
CannaKoru CBD Products are Formulated by Dr. Joe
CannaKoru is produced organically and grown locally by PhD scientists formerly connected with Colorado University. "Based on having treated thousands of patients with cannabinoids as well as researching the literature, I have formulated several compounds in a variety of different delivery systems. These are now available as the ultimate adaptogens and supplements utilized in a functional medicine practice. I will continue in this blog series to provide more detailed information on the benefits of cannabinoids. Be sure to follow us to stay updated with the latest up-to-date CBD information." To Your Health, Dr. Joe Cohen