How does CB work in your endocannabinoid system

In an attempt to answer common question #1 from our market customers, I have provided a general explanation about CBD and how it works.  Edited for space and time, there is much I don’t have room for.  I have tried to keep it simple, while providing the beginning on an understanding and a framework for additional research or questions. As always, thank you for your time and input. Bye for now. Debbie L.

 

How does CBD work in your body?

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Cannabis is a plant that makes a thick substance called cannabinoids. There are more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, and many are being studied now.

 

The two most common cannabinoids in a cannabis plants are CBD and THC. Hemp and marijuana are both members of the cannabis family.  Marijuana has high levels of THC, a controlled substance, that is psychoactive or mind-altering.  Hemp has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC and doesn’t give you the high euphoric feeling that high THC levels produce.

 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered in the 1990s. Everyone has an active, working endocannabinoid system (ECS) whether or not they use cannabis.

Since the ECS is relatively new, researchers are still trying to fully understand the ECS system.

At this time, they know it plays roles in assisting/regulation of a number of human functions/processes including…

Appetite and digestion

Sleep

Chronic pain

Metabolism

Mood

Memory

Stress

Skin and nerve function

Muscle formation

Bone remodeling and growth

Reproductive system function

 

These functions all contribute to homeostasis, the body’s ability to regulate its internal systems in response to changing conditions. Many experts believe that maintaining homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS.

 

IE: If pain from a fever or an injury throws off your body’s homeostasis, your ECS kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation.

 

There are three core parts to the ECS:
endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

 

1)Endocannabinoids are molecules made by your body to help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces them as needed.

 

2)Endocannabinoid receptors

Two types:

• CB1 receptors found mostly found in the central nervous system(brain) and CB2 receptors, mostly found in your peripheral nervous system(body). Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to.

 

3)Enzymes

Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids                                      once they have carried out their function.

 

CBD and THC interactions with the ECS

THC interactions with the ECS cause a range of effects on the body, primarily involving pain reduction and appetite stimulation, and sometimes causing paranoia and anxiety.

CBD interacts with the ECS by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down. It can help with pain reduction, nausea, mood, and other symptoms associated with multiple conditions involved with keeping your internal systems stable.

I hope this provides a basic understanding of how CBD and THC works with the ECS system. There is still a lot being studied about the ECS. As experts develop a better understanding of the ECS, it could eventually hold the key to treating several conditions.