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Cannabis, weed, marijuana, pot… you have probably crossed paths with cannabis in some form. In spite of having a sense of what cannabis is, when it comes to cannabis and wellness, there’s a lot to unpack.
To start, we’ll dive into the wonderful world of CBD. What are the potential benefits of this cannabinoid for women 40? How can it enhance your wellness routine? We will also look at how this cannabinoid interacts with our internal systems 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 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it is the second most common compound present in cannabis. Each cannabinoid has a unique profile with specific therapeutic properties, but studies have shown that these properties are most effective when other naturally occurring compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) are present. This is due to the synergistic relationship that exists between all of these elements, which produces the “entourage effect.”
In recent years, millions of people around the world have tried CBD as a natural treatment for a variety of concerns and conditions. Research suggests that for women 40 and over, it holds incredible potential to provide relief from challenges like 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 non-intoxicating. CBD 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, or balance, in our bodies. This system regulates key physiological processes including pain sensation, temperature, stress, fertility and reproduction, appetite, mood, memory, and 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. Studies have shown that CBD can mitigate negative effects such as paranoia and anxiety that can accompany THC consumption. There is a growing body of research showing that CBD and other cannabinoids hold 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.
As research on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids continues to grow, new solutions emerge, we look forward to sharing this with our Madge Love community and to hear from you about your own experiences with cannabis.
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.