CBD AND CBG ARE A POWERFUL COMBO FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT.

Today, more than ever, people are really worried about keeping their immune system healthy. That’s why sales of natural, immune remedies have surged. Sales in March for Vitamin C were up 146%, zinc up 255%, and elderberry up 415% (source: IRI). With everyone turning to supplements to stay healthy, many supplements are out of stock.

The endocannabinoid system supports your immunity

The amazing thing about our endocannabinoid system (ECS) is that when it is in balance, in homeostasis, it supports our immune system. Our ECS has two receptors, (that’s what we know now but that could change as we learn more), CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, and peripheral organs and tissues, and there is some speculation that CB1 receptors are also on immune cells. CB2 receptors are located in immune cells, the spleen, and the thymus. Our endocannabinoids, the cannabinoids our body naturally makes, increase with the use of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), and as a result, supports our immune system and decreases inflammation (1).

Never heard of CBG. You’re not alone.

CBG has flown under the consumer radar probably due to being overshadowed by CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBG requires more logistical planning because it potentially involves harvesting cannabis crops earlier when the concentration of CBG is higher. CBG is one of the most expensive cannabinoids to produce and has been called the “Rolls Royce of cannabinoids.” “It takes thousands of pounds of biomass to create small amounts of CBG isolate,” James Rowland, CEO of the CBG brand Steve’s Goods, told Forbes.

CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and neuroprotective effects including the recovery and regeneration of the nervous system (2, 3). CBD and CBG have been shown to cause cell death in specific cancer cells, inhibit cell growth of some tumor cells (4, 5) via the immune response, which is activated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). “There is some evidence suggesting the involvement of the ECS in the control and elimination of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and some protozoa.” (4,6)

How to maintain a healthy immune system

Maintaining a healthy immune system also includes reducing our stress, eating healthy, having a good social network, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, getting enough sleep and exercise, and of course washing your hands. These are all solid steps to boosting immune health, not only for ourselves but for those around us. For extra immune support, CBD and CBG are a good option.

As always, consult with your healthcare provider when using CDB or CBG especially if you are taking other supplements or prescriptions drugs as there may be contraindications. CBD, CBG or hemp is not a “miracle drug”, it is a plant that has health benefits and as more clinical trials take place, we will grow our understanding of this plant and its application to support health and well-being.

Blessings,
Janna Champagne, RN

References
1. Turcotte, C., Blanchet, M., Laviolette, M., & Flamand, N., (2016). The CB2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 73, 4449-4470. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00018-016-2300-4

2. Gugliandolo, A., Bramanti, P., Mazzon, E., Pollastro, F., & Grassi, G., (2018). In vitro model of neuroinflammation: Efficacy of cannabigerol a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(7). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073490/

3. Rodrigues, R., Lourenco, D., Paulo, S., Mateus, J., Ferreira, M., Mouro, F., Moreira, J., Ribeiro, F., Sebastiao, A., & Xapelli, S., (2019). Cannabinoid actions on neural stem cells: Implication for pathophysiology. International Journal of Molecules Sciences, 24(7), 1350. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6480122/

4. Hernandez/-Cervantes, R., Mendex-Diaz, M., Prospero-Garcia, O., & Morales-Montor, J., (2017). Immunoregulatory role of cannabinoids during infections disease. Neuroimmunomodulation, 24, 183-199. Retrieved from https://ww.karger.com/Article/Pdf/481824

5. Massi, P., Solinas, M., Cinquinnna, V., & Parolaro, D., (2014). Cannabidiol as a potential anticancer drug. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(2), 303-312. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3579246/

6. Reiss, C., (2010). Cannabinoids and viral infections. Pharmaceuticals 3(6), 1873-1886. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903762/