What Is The Endocannabinoid System?
In the following article, we’re going to break down the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and how it works!
You may be surprised to learn that inside everyone is something known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Regardless of whether or not you’ve ever tried any cannabis products, you still have an ECS. What’s also interesting is that many animals, including cats and dogs, have an ECS too!
In the following article, we’re going to take a look at what the endocannabinoid system is, how CBD interacts with the ECS, and much more. If you’re trying to learn more about what the ECS is, then keep reading, and we’ll take a detailed look at:
- What is The Endocannabinoid System?
- How Does CBD Affect the Endocannabinoid System?
- CBD and Cannabinoid receptors
- Does the human body produce Cannabinoids like CBD? What are Endocannabinoids?
- The Endocannabinoid Conclusion
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a recent discovery in the scheme of things, only being identified in 1992 by Czech chemist Lumír Hanuš and American pharmacologist William Devane working at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Together they identified the first endocannabinoid, anandamide. They named it after the Sanskrit word for bliss or joy.
More recently, we’ve learned that not only does the body produce its endocannabinoids, it also interacts with phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids which come from plants) such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The ECS is made up of a series of receptors that are spread throughout the body but strongly focused on the immune system and central nervous system. When you introduce CBD into the ECS, the cannabinoid binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It produces a variety of different reactions, including promoting homeostasis (balance and harmony) throughout the body and internal systems.
How Does CBD Affect The ECS System?
Your ECS plays a pivotal role in regulating a variety of different functions throughout the body from how we feel, to inflammation. Its primary purpose is to interact with the endocannabinoids that our body naturally produces.
As scientists discovered more about the ECS, they learned that not only will it respond and interact with endocannabinoids. It will also interact with cannabinoids such as CBD.
According to studies and research into the ECS done by the National Institute of Health, manipulation of the ECS with cannabinoids such as CBD shows a lot of potential, but more research needs to be done before making specific claims.
CBD and Cannabinoid Receptors So far, experts have agreed that there are two types of cannabinoid receptors, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The easiest way to imagine the receptors is as locks. Cannabinoids are the keys that fit into the locks and unlock them. While they sound the same, both receptors perform vastly different roles within the ECS.
- CB1 Receptor – The CB1 receptor is strongly centered throughout the brain, the central nervous system, stomach, and a variety of other glands.
- CB2 Receptor – The CB2 receptor was discovered a few years after the CB1 receptor and is mostly located in the B and T cells, microglia, with only a small number of the CB2 receptors found in the brain.
Does the human body produce Cannabinoids like CBD? What are Endocannabinoids? Four main endocannabinoids are produced by the body naturally, including anandamide, 2- arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), n-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA), and virodhamine (OAE).
Endocannabinoids are different to other neurotransmitters. Many neurotransmitters are made by the body and stored ready to be used later. Endocannabinoids are produced and used when they’re needed.
The Endocannabinoid Conclusion While we are learning more about CBD and the Endocannabinoid System, more research is required before scientists fully understand the potential that CBD has to support with a variety of different conditions and how it interacts with our bodies.
There are a variety of different variables that affect how our bodies process CBD and how long it will take before you start to experience any effects from CBD. It’s going to involve some trial and error, so it’s essential to give your body time to get used to CBD before you give up.
When you first start with any CBD oils or tinctures, it’s vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are currently taking any medication, it’s essential to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional before starting to take any CBD.
Heaven’s Organics has a variety of Premium Grade CBD products to choose from. If you have any questions about any of Heaven’s Organics CBD products, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
