Why CBD?

Why CBD? by Peter Ballenger, M.D.


The recent discovery of the secrets behind homeostasis has opened up a whole new world of health benefits. Homeostasis is a Greek word that means “stability,” which our bodies seek to achieve. When I was in medical school, we were taught the definition of homeostasis, and that it was a state to strive to achieve, but we were not taught how the body reaches this state.


The underlying science supporting the concept of homeostasis was revealed in 1992 and is known as the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., an Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, discovered the endocannabinoid system and found through his research that it is activated by cannabinoids. He also found that the endocannabinoid system regulates all physical as well as emotional systems in the body.


Our bodies produce the endogenous cannabinoids 2AG and anandamide, but at times of stress, Mechoulam found that the ECS may function more efficiently by supplementing it with phytocannabinoids, or plant-based cannabinoids. CBD is just one of the multiple cannabinoids available in the hemp plant.


There are many anecdotal stories of individuals who believe they have resolved a variety of health issues by supplementing the endocannabinoid system with hemp-derived CBD. Presently, research is being conducted at several institutions such as Harvard University, Monash University, Australia & University College London to understand better how CBD affects the body. And therefore the future is exciting for the effect of CBD on the ECS and long term health.

Using visual aids, Peter Ballenger, M.D., explains the science of CBD and its effect on the brain and individual cells.