Recently scientists have begun to explore and understand what is known as the endocannabinoid receptor system, a complex signaling network within the human body. The cannabis plant is rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, essential oils and some 80 cannabinoids, the most important of which appears to be cannabidiol - or CBD for short. Without a doubt, the most balanced source of CBD is found in industrial hemp. Hemp's sister plant, known derisively as marijuana has been bred to be increasingly high in the well-known psychoactive cannabinoid known as THC. While hemp contains a small amount of THC, the balance of cannabinoids in hemp fit like a lock and key to spark and activate those endocannabinoid receptors, which in turn help to regulate the way every body system functions, serving to create a feeling of well-being without the extreme high of marijuana.

Cannabinoids were patented in 2003 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as antioxidants and neuroprotectants. The abstract lists CBD's use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and HIV dementia, as well as providing cardioprotective benefits from ischemic insults of strokes.

For over 4,000 years mankind has been using these plants with overwhelmingly safe and positive results. Indeed until the late 1930's no American doctor would have left home to care for patients without cannabis in his black bag! It was historically used for a wide variety of ailments such as: auto immune conditions, seizures and spasms, stress, depression and anxiety, chronic pain and neuropathy, as well as nausea, irregular cells, eye conditions such as glaucoma, and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

We would be much further along in the study of cannabinoids for health, but for the fact that all cannabis, including hemp has been outlawed for the last 80 years with much negative propaganda, causing scientific testing to be curbed. However, as of 2014 CBD from hemp is now legal in the State of Florida (HB843) and medical marijuana is becoming legal in an increasing number of states.

In the coming months there will be loads of CBD products proliferating; to assure the best therapeutic levels of CBD, here are a few things to look for: 3rd party ISO lab testing for purity and efficacy, supercritical CO2 closed cold fluid extraction, and the higher milligrams of CBD, not the volume of liquid.

For more information contact Janice Mills, representative for Sunshine Global Products, at 800-334-1236.  Sunshine Global products currently available are: Oral sublingual CBD in a 700 milligram air-pressed pump, an 1800 milligram air-pressed pump, and a 400 milligram flavored vaping product for inhalation. These products can be found locally at Nature’s Market, Melbourne 321-724-6936; Organic Food Center, Indialantic 321-724-2383; and Appleseed Health Foods, Rockledge 321-631-1444.