CBD Terpenes: Their Role and What They Are

In the world of CBD, we speak and write often about the compounds that naturally occur in the industrial hemp plant, like cannabinoids and terpenes. But what are CBD terpenes, and what is their role?

We know that cannabinoids like cannabidiol interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS brings homeostasis to the body when it’s properly nourished.

Terpenes, on the other hand, are potent chemical compounds that give plants their aromas, colors, and flavors. They’re produced by most plants and even some animals, such as termites and swallowtail butterflies.

Cannabinoids in Breast Milk & The major influence of cannabinoid receprtors during pre- and postnatal development

A research indicates that the human body has in fact evolved to both produce and utilize its own cannabinoids.

It comes as no surprise that these endogenous compounds are transferred to the infant via cannabinoids in breast milk. If the body naturally has cannabinoid receptors it stands to reason that it must then produce its own cannabinoids.According to the findings of several major scientific studies, human mothers naturally produce cannabinoids in breast milk and furthermore these cannabinoids are vital for proper infant development. They are classified as a specific type of neuromodulatory lipid. 

"one of the main functions of these cannabinoids in cannabis breast milk is to help a newborn child to feed by stimulating the suckling process".

The medical implications of these developments are far reaching and suggest a promising future for cannabinoids in paediatric medicine for conditions including ‘non-organic failure-to-thrive’ and cystic fibrosis.

Human breast milk has been traditionally considered sterile; however, recent studies have shown that along with the cannabinoids in breast milk, it also contains and supplies a completely natural cocktail of probiotic bacteria (commensal and mutualistic) to the infant gut.

Along with stimulating your babies feeding response these compounds also protect the infant against infections and contribute to the maturation of the immune system, among many other yet to be scientifically proven functions. 

Without cannabinoids in cannabis breast milk, infants would not be stimulated with a desire to feed. Observations of how babies act after being fed show that they exhibit symptoms of cannabinoid use.

Another research suggests that the endogenous cannabinoids ("endocannabinoids") and their cannabinoid receptors have a major influence during pre- and postnatal development. 

-High levels of the endocannaboid anandamide and cannabinoid receptors are present in the preimplantation embryo and in the uterus, while a temporary reduction of anandamide levels is essential for embryonal implantation. In women accordingly, an inverse association has been reported between fatty acid amide hydrolase (the anandamide degrading enzyme) in human lymphocytes and miscarriage.

-CB(1) receptors display a transient presence in white matter areas of the pre- and postnatal nervous system, suggesting a role for CB(1) receptors in brain development. 

-Endocannabinoids have been detected in maternal milk and activation of CB(1) receptors appears to be critical for milk sucking by newborn mice, apparently activating oral-motor musculature. Fourth, anandamide has neuroprotectant properties in the developing postnatal brain.


-Prenatal exposure to the active constituent of marihuana (Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol) or to anandamide affects prefrontal cortical functions, memory and motor and addictive behaviors, suggesting a role for the endocannabinoid CB(1) receptor system in the brain structures which control these functions. 

Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com
https://www.kalapa-clinic.com

https://cannabiscure.info

Cbda (cannabidiolic acid)

As the name suggests, CBDA is closely related to CBD. In fact, CBDA can be considered the parent molecule of CBD as it is present in raw cannabis, whereas CBD is only created through the process of decarboxylation.The structure of CBDA contains a carboxyl group comprising one carbon, one hydrogen, and two oxygen atoms, commonly expressed as COOH. Cannabidiolic acid, can be employed in the synthesis of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, which possess therapeutic and pharmacological properties, by using nonenzymatic decarboxylation.

According to studies into the effects of CBDA, it shows remarkable promise in the treatment of several conditions.

A Microbiome Assessment of Medical Marijuana

In a microbiome assessment of twenty cannabis samples from different dispensaries in northern California the authors found evidence for the presence of many potential fungal and bacterial pathogens. Cannabis is prescribed to patients at high risk for infections, and its potential to cause infection should be restricted by regulation. 

To reduce the risk of infection in highly immunocompromised patients, prophylactic antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents are frequently prescribed and patients are routinely advised to reduce their risk of exposure by avoiding soil, plants and cut flowers due to the presence of Aspergillus and other moulds and Nocardia spp. Other recommendations to limit exposures include the avoidance of water-retaining materials given their association with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, raw vegetable sprouts (Escherichia coli), undercooked eggs (Salmonella enteritidis), fresh salsa, and berries (Cyclospora etc.) among others. These recommendations do not comment on the infectious risks of medical marijuana—a substance now legal in 11 countries—and used by ∼13% of the US population yearly.

Cannabis and chemotherapy

By Cristina Sánchez
In the case of cancer patients, the specific question is whether cannabis can be used during periods of chemo-, immuno-, hormone and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, not enough clinical trials have yet been conducted to allow for a categorical answer. In these circumstances, patients are faced with the option of waiting for the results of high-quality clinical trials (without even knowing who might be willing to conduct such research or when) or weighing up the known and potential risks and benefits and act in consequence. In this article, we shall try to summarise the information currently available, to allow patients and doctors to take the best course of action for each individual case.