We at Green Monkey Bar believe that Knowledge is Power

While it is our GOAL to SHARE with you the basic knowledge of hemp and hemp-derived products, we here at The Green Monkey Bar are not physicians. As with any other health concerns you may have, please be sure to include your healthcare professional(s) in on any homeopathic avenues you would like to explore.  

The discovery of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant eventually led to the discovery of the Endocannabinoid system. The first link to this discovery was by National Institute of Mental Health researchers, Allyn Howlett and William Devant. In 1988, these two researchers identified a cannabinoid receptor in the brain (of mice) which was dubbed CB-1. This receptor was abundant throughout the brain, specifically found in the areas controlling emotions, appetite, motor functions, cognitive functions, and memory. In 1993 another receptor was identified, which was located in the areas throughout the gut, liver, spleen, heart, kidneys, circulatory system, lymph nodes, and reproductive system. This receptor was dubbed CB-2. 

These discoveries led scientists to believe that cannabinoids play a much larger role in our physiology. These endocannabinoids are similar in structure to many phytocannabinoids. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are able to easily attach to CB-1 and CB-2 receptors in the body, which is why cannabis has such a direct impact on the body. 

What is the Role of the Endocannabinoid System?  

All substances interact with the human body through our endocannabinoid system. For years, doctors have been prescribing medications - either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescriptive pharmaceuticals which have been responsible for controlling functions like sleep, appetite, and immune response. While the body creates its own naturally occurring cannabinoids to regulate these systems, researchers are now looking at other options which may also augment these endocannabinoids with phytocannabinoids like hemp to further encourage homeostasis within the body, allowing it to operate at its pinnacle

What is the endocannabinoid system responsible for? 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system in the body that helps regulate and balance key bodily functions. Research suggests that the ECS may be a potential therapeutic target in numerous physiological conditions such as energy balance, appetite stimulation. Furthermore, the ECS has been recently recognized as an important modulatory system in the function of brain, endocrine and immune tissues. It appears to play a very important regulatory role in the secretion ones related to reproductive functions and response to stress. The important elements of the system are the endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 as noted below.

While there have been several scientific studies that  suggest that cannabidiol hemp may be useful for managing all types of pain -including managing pain which occurs not only at the skin's surface  but managing pain all the way to the brain. But it would appear that our government is not quite ready to stand behind those studies - yet.

Cannabinoid receptor sites are located all throughout the body, from the brain to the connective tissue. Cannabinoids bind to these sites in order to promote the proper physiological function of the muscular system, immune system, nervous system and more. When considering the effects of phytocannabinoids like cannabidiol, two primary cannabinoid receptors are of interest: cannabinoid-receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2).

Cannabinoid receptor type 1 is found primarily in the central nervous system, although some of these receptors are also present in the peripheral tissues, including the endocrine glands, spleen, heart and other locations. CB1 receptors are G protein-coupled receptors. They respond to endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide, as well as external cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.

Cannabinoid receptor type 2 is found only in peripheral tissues and is not typically found in the central nervous system. Like cannabinoid receptor type 1, CB2 is a G protein-coupled receptor that responds to endogenous cannabinoids, as well as CBD, THC and other phytocannabinoids.

Together, CB1 and CB2 are responsible for regulating neuro-hormones in the body. These receptors have an active role in many different physiological processes, including memory, mood, sensations of pain and appetite regulation. When cannabinoids are introduced to the receptors, either from within the body or from external sources, the receptors activate and produce physiological changes. Click below to see where they are located throughout our body.

Tinctures are a sublingual application to administer Hemp Extract Oil to the entire body. We are proud to offer this product in two bases: MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) and Hempseed Oil.  Hempseed Oil does not have a cannabinoid profile and has a more earthy taste. MCT is an option for those concerned about the flavor of the Hempseed Oil. Both products may be infused into food and drink. 

While a 500mg serving size is ideal for general "wellness" maintenance such as aiding in inflammatory concerns throughout the body. Persons experiencing more serious dysfunctions should seek medical advice regarding possible benefits from a greater milligram dose tincture. 

BEST USES:

Tinctures are the most common way to ingest Hemp Extract Oils. They allow more flexibility when it comes to serving sizes. Because they travel well, they can be administered in many different ways- whether it be sublingually, orally or infused. DISCLAIMER: As always, it is best to discuss use of hemp-derived products with your physician.  

Sublingual applications (application under the tongue) allows for the active ingredients of hemp oil to be directly absorbed through the mucous membrane in the mouth. NOTE: There are many capillaries, or tiny blood vessels, under the tongue that transfer directly into the bloodstream. The bio-availability (a word used to describe how medicine gets into the body and starts to work) is generally 15-25% greater than when ingested or swallowed.  

Edibles are ideal for anyone interested in the most convenient way to incorporate into your daily routine. There are several varieties of edibles, which include gel capsules, candies, lozenges or chews. Gel capsules and soft chews would make it easy to support the body’s endocannabinoid system and naturally promote balancing benefits in the body. With edibles, there’s no need to measure out your serving because each piece is individually formulated. 

Which One Is Right for You?  Choosing whether edibles or capsules are better for you is a personal preference choice only you can make. Both have their pros and cons. If you are an individual who tends to overindulge with a good snack, then perhaps capsules may be a better choice for you. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to these products.  It's all in how you want to fit it into your wellness lifestyle routine. 

You be the judge - Scientific studies suggest that hemp helps to reduce both inflammatory and neuropathic pain.  Studies have revealed that hemp molecules are able to attach to receptors in the brain. When they attach to these neural receptors, they were able to block signals intended to induce inflammation or feelings of pain. This indicated that pain relief can be distributed to the entire body, including surface pain, pain due to injury or post-operative recovery, as well as pain caused by nerve injuries or neuropathic disorders. The test on mice revealed that cannabidiol provides this pain relief without causing any analgesic tolerance at all, which is not the case when using opiates and other pain medications that need to be increased when taken over long periods of time. As you can imagine, researchers are hopeful as they continue to explore the benefits of hemp.