Endocannabinoid System (“ECS”)Learning Center

The exciting discovery of this previously unknown biological system has led to a profound breakthrough
in knowledge over the last few decades toward maintaining optimal health.

ECS Pods: Educational Podcasts by ECS Therapeutics

Click on the icons below to hear a 1-2 minute podcast about each topic.

Broad Spectrum Hemp

Similar to Full Spectrum hemp, when a gentle, low heat extraction process is used to create Broad Spectrum hemp, a wide range of nature's phytonutrients is preserved. But unlike Full Spectrum hemp, to create Broad Spectrum hemp, an additional distillation process filters out the THC. Learn about Broad Spectrum hemp extract in this ECS Pod.

Entourage Effect

What is meant by the "entourage effect"?

This ECS Pod describes the concept of botanical synergy and how retaining many beneficial phytonutrients in the hemp plant can contribute to a stronger, more comprehensive nutritional effect.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic oils in a variety of plants that create their unique odors and flavors. Terpenes are responsible for that familiar aroma of cannabis. There are a wide range of terpenes found naturally in the hemp plant. This ECS Pod explains what terpenes are and the roles they play.

THCa and THC

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol and is also called Delta9-THC. It's the familiar psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, better known as the hemp plant.

When the hemp plant is in its natural "raw" state, it first produces THCa, the acidic precursor, and only after being heated does the THCa convert into THC. Learn about both THC and THCa in this ECS Pod.

CBD Isolate

To create CBD isolate, all natural phytochemicals in the hemp plant except CBD are removed during distillation. CBD is pulled apart, or isolated, from the rest of the hemp plant to produce pure CBD. In this ECS Pod, learn about CBD isolate, and its pros and cons when compared to full spectrum and broad spectrum hemp extracts.

Drug Testing

Those in job positions that require mandatory drug screening often ask if taking a hemp / CBD product could cause a positive result on a drug test. This ECS Pod addresses that topic.

Gummies

Gummies have been used as a delivery system for vitamins and minerals for decades, and have recently emerged in the hemp industry. In this ECS Pod, learn about the advantages of choosing a hemp gummy, including absorption, taste and ease of use.

Agricultural Hemp

Agricultural hemp, which is also called "industrial hemp," is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant that has been cultivated to produce high amounts of CBD, short for cannabidiol, and very low amounts of THC, or tetrahyrdocannibinol. Learn about agricultural hemp in this ECS Pod.

CBG /CBC/ CBN

CBD and THC are the most abundant and well-known cannabinoids in the hemp plant.

But scientists are now beginning to uncover more information about the effects and benefits of minor cannabinoids in hemp as well. Learn about three minor cannabinoids – CBG, CBC and CBN – in this ECS Pod.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are natural chemical messengers produced by the body that interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system. In this ECS Pod, learn more about cannabinoids created by the body or that occur naturally in some plants.

CB Receptors

The milestone discovery of the body's Endocannabinoid System ("ECS") led to the identification of two cannabinoid receptors, named CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are present in very high levels in several brain regions and in lower amounts in a more widespread fashion. CB2 receptors are primarily distributed in the immune system. In this ECS Pod, learn about CB receptors and how they interact with the body's ECS.

Purity and Lab Testing

Certain plants use their roots to pull potentially toxic contaminants from the soil. Hemp is one of them. Hemp was used to decontaminate the soil from high concentrations of radioactive and toxic metals after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion in the Soviet Union.

To be certain that hemp products you are ingesting on a regular basis are free of contaminants, ask to see independent lab testing that shows thorough purity testing. This ECS Pod discusses the importance of reviewing 3rd party lab testing to not only verify purity, but also to confirm potency, as many products in the marketplace have been found to have inaccurate labeling.

Choosing a Product

When choosing the type and delivery form of hemp / CBD to use, keep in mind that we are all individuals and there is no "one-size-fits-all" answer. This ECS Pod will explore various considerations and guidelines to help determine what's right for you.

CBDa and CBD

CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is the most well known and abundant cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, better known as the hemp plant. While CBD gets most of the notoriety and attention, CBDa, it's acidic precursor, is very active. Learn about both CBD and CBDa in this ECS Pod.

Endocannabinoid System

The Endocannabinoid System, or "ECS" for short, is best explained as a vast network of receptor sites found in the brain and throughout the body that receives chemical compounds. In this ECS Pod, learn more about the discovery of this important body system and how the ECS works to bring overall balance to the body.

Full Spectrum Hemp

When a gentle, low temperature extraction process is used to create hemp / CBD extract, a full spectrum of the naturally occurring phytonutrients is preserved, to provide a comprehensive nutritional effect. Learn more about Full Spectrum Hemp extract in this ECS Pod.

"Raw" Hemp

In its natural state, before the hemp plant is exposed to heat during distillation, there is almost no naturally occurring THC or CBD present. Rather, these phytocannabinoids are found in an acidic state, and better known as cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa). The acidic precursors interact with the body in ways that are distinct from the decarboxylated forms. Learn about Raw Hemp in this ECS Pod.

Decarboxylation

Before the hemp plant is exposed to heat through a process called decarboxylation, there is almost no naturally occurring THC or CBD present in the plant in its "raw" state.

This ECS Pod explains how decarboxylation of the hemp plant during the distillation process transforms the acidic precursors, CBDa and THCa, into CBD and THC.

Dosing

"How much hemp / CBD should I take?" This is a commonly asked question.

While there is no universal answer to the question, as dosing is highly individualized, this ECS Pod discusses an approach to determine the right amount, and when to take it.

CBD Side Effects

"How will I feel when taking hemp / CBD products?"

The effects of taking hemp extracts is individualized, so one person's experience may differ from the next person's. While CBD is usually well tolerated, even in large doses, this ECS Pod notes minor side effects that may potentially affect some who take products made from agricultural hemp.

Interactions

Are there interactions when taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs along with hemp / CBD products?

This ECS Pod provides information to be aware of to safely use OTC medications and pharmaceuticals along with CBD. It also presents delivery form options for those concerned with potential drug interactions.

ECS Therapeutics is a health-professional exclusive hemp line, and before taking any hemp product you should discuss any medications you are taking with your health practitioner.

The information in our Learning Center is presented for educational purposes only and was developed to provide health professionals with an understanding of the potential applications of cannabinoids. These statements and materials have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.