CBD & The Brain

How cannabinoids interact with our brains

The human brain is the most complex super computer found in nature. It is the command center for the human nervous system. It contains about 86 billion nerve cells (neurons) & billions of nerve fibers, connected by trillions of connections called synapses. On these cells in the brain are cannabinoid receptors that accept and directly communicate with the compounds in cannabis and hemp. Cannabinoids help your brain with so many functions in your body & CBD is like an air traffic controller for cellular communication and facilitating Homeostasis!


Until the late 1980's cannabinoid research only involved a handful of scientists in the United States and abroad. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) undermined these efforts by only subsidizing studies designed to prove only the adverse effects of cannabis in any form, while blocking inquiry into it's potential benefits. As it turns out, NIDA inadvertently helped to facilitate some pretty major discoveries about the extraordinary workings of the human brain. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam is the father of cannabis research, best known for identifying, isolating and synthesizing Delta-9 THC in 1964. He said it best when he stated "By using a plant that has been around for thousands of years, we discovered a physiological system of immense importance. We would not have been able to get there if we had not looked at the plant"


This discovery launched a myriad of questions... It was known that smoking cannabis caused a psychoactive effect causing users to be "stoned", but at that time what was actually happening on a molecular level in the brain remained a mystery. How did it work to relieve nausea and seizures? How did it stimulate appetite and relieve pain? How was it that smoking cannabis relieved an asthma attack in seconds? So many unanswered questions revolving around this seemingly miraculous little plant. It wasn't until many years later that the answers began to emerge. In 1992, Dr. Mechoulam and his team discovered an endogenous (meaning "made internally") cannabinoid that attached itself to the same brain cell receptors as THC. They named this neurotransmitter Anandamide which is derived from the Sanskrit word for bliss. This discovery ultimately led to the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System.


These early days of cannabis/brain research has spawned an explosion of scientific research into the many many benefits of this amazing plant and new studies emerge every day. The US government even stood up and took notice, & holds a patent on Cannabidiol(CBD) as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant. Two very specific things that the patent covers:


  • Cannabidiol (CBD) as a Neuroprotectant : The language of the patent states Cannabidiols effectiveness in limiting neurological damage following trauma, stroke & treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD) as an Antioxidant : The patent effectively claims that Cannabidiol is "useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of a wide variety of oxidation associated diseases such as ischemia [stroke related], age related, inflammatory and auto-immune disease"


More clinical trials are needed to satisfy the scientific community, but the bottom line is: Cannabinoids are good (I would argue "needed") for the health of your brain. Each of us has a brain fighting every second to achieve and maintain homeostasis.. that is the job of your Endocannabinoid System... and your Endocannabinoid System is perfectly supplemented and empowered with the use of cannabinoids.

Rustic Oils CBD Of Lee's Summit LLC Blog

By Rachel Crawford January 28, 2026
We’ve all had that moment.... . During a belly rub, you feel it—a new "lump or bump" that wasn't there last week. Your heart sinks, and suddenly, nothing else matters than the health of your fur baby This is where the ancient wisdom of mushrooms like Turkey Tail and Reishi steps in. Think of them as nature’s quiet protectors. I have given them to Abbey for a couple of years but I so wish I would have started from the beginning. Turkey Tail is the "Immune Architect." It’s packed with beta-glucans that help the body’s natural defenses recognize and respond to cellular changes. It’s like giving your dog’s immune system a pair of glasses so it can see exactly where it needs to go to work. Reishi is often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," but for our pups, it’s the "Mushroom of Zen." It supports longevity, helps manage the body’s response to occasional stress, and provides much-needed relief for those pesky seasonal allergies. When we combine these in our homemade treats or as a food topper, we aren't just feeding them; we’re fighting for more "zoomies," more tail wags, and more years of companionship. Why We Trust Verdant Leaf When it comes to our pets, "good enough" isn't an option. That’s why I’ve always been uncompromising about the brands I bring into the shop. Verdant Leaf is the gold standard for clean, reliable supplements for a few very specific reasons: Purity First: Their powders are free from the fillers, grains, and "fluff" that often plague commercial pet supplements. You are getting 100% functional mushroom power. Transparent Sourcing: They prioritize high-quality extraction methods, ensuring the beneficial compounds (like those vital beta-glucans) are actually bioavailable for your dog to absorb. Tested & Trusted: Every batch is held to rigorous standards, so you can feel confident that what’s on the label is exactly what’s in the bowl. Using a clean brand like Verdant Leaf ensures that your "fur baby" is getting the support they deserve without any of the junk they don't. Here are links to Verdant Leaf Turkey Tail & Verdant Leaf Reishi Recipes you can make at home! I actually use these powders as a topper for Abbey's food or I make a mushroom broth for her to drink, but you can also create these yummy treats at home for pups that are a little pickier "Immune-Boost" No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls Best for: Quick prep and masking the earthy mushroom taste. Ingredients : 1 cup Oat flour (or blended rolled oats) 1/2 cup Natural peanut butter (ensure it is Xylitol-free) 1/4 cup Unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Verdant Leaf Powder: 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per 10 lbs of dog weight (totaled for the batch size) Instructions : Mix the mushroom powder into the peanut butter and applesauce until well-blended. Stir in the oat flour until a dough forms. Roll into bite-sized balls based on the dog's daily dosage needs. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer. Sweet Potato & Reishi "Cookies" Best for: Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Ingredients: 1 cup Mashed cooked sweet potato 1 1/2 cups Brown rice flour (or whole wheat flour if tolerated) 1 Egg Verdant Leaf Powder: Calculate total dosage for the number of cookies (e.g., if making 20 cookies and the dog needs 1/2 tsp daily {1/4 tsp each species, or 1/2 tsp of any single species}, add 10 tsp to the batch). Instructions : Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).Mix all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm. Golden Mushroom Bone Broth (Liquid Topper) Best for: Older dogs who might enjoy a warm topper on their meals. Ingredients : 2 cups Low-sodium beef or chicken bone broth (onion/garlic-free) 1/2 tsp Turmeric (for extra anti-inflammatory benefits) Dash of black pepper (needed to activate anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric) 1 tsp coconut oil, beef tallow, or fish oil Verdant Leaf Powder: Whisk in 1/4 {1/8 tsp each species, or 1/4 tsp if you are using only one species} tsp per serving. Instructions : Warm the broth slightly (not boiling).Whisk in the mushroom powder and turmeric until dissolved. Pour over kibble or freeze in ice cube trays for "pupsicles." MUSHROOM DOSING GUIDELINE * Daily Maintenance Dosage (Give once daily for general health) Under 20 lbs: 1/4 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 3/4 teaspoon Over 90 lbs: 1 teaspoon Therapeutic/ Loading Dosage (Give for "lumps and bumps" or the first 2 weeks of use) Under 20 lbs: 1/2 teaspoon 20 to 50 lbs: 1 teaspoon 50 to 90 lbs: 1 & 1/2 teaspoons Over 90 lbs: 2 teaspoons *The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act require this notice.
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