As a regular CBD user, you may have heard about the endocannabinoid system. However, you may be unsure as to exactly how it works, as well as the nature of its purported connection to CBD Oil. In this article, we will be looking at the role the endocannabinoid system plays in our health and wellbeing as well as its relevance to CBD. What is the Endocannabinoid System? Healthline describes the endocannabinoid system as a complex cell-signalling network identified in the early 1990s by researchers. Research is ongoing to fully understand the endocannabinoid system, but so far it has been established that it plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes in the body such as sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproduction. Experts believe that the primary role of the endocannabinoid system is maintaining the stability of your body’s internal environment. If an outside source such as pain from an injury throws off this stability, your endocannabinoid system kicks in to help your body return to its ideal state. The endocannabinoid system is made up of the following three parts: Endocannabinoids The receptors that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids bond with Enzymes that break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids What are Cannabinoid Receptors? The endocannabinoid system comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors throughout our bodies. Cannabinoid receptors are embedded in cell membranes and are believed to be more numerous than any other receptor system. Currently, there are two known kinds of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain, but are also present in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. They outnumber many of the other receptor types in the brain and control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters. The abundance of CB1 receptors in several regions of the brain could potentially explain why cannabinoids influence functions such as memory processing, pain regulation and motor control. The other type of cannabinoid receptor is referred to as a ‘CB2 receptor’, which exists mostly in our immune tissues. This receptor is critical in helping control how our immune system functions. Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids to stimulate these receptors. It is interesting to note that these endocannabinoids have a similar structure to cannabinoids, the molecules found in the cannabis plant. The Endocannabinoid System and CBD The supposed link between chronic conditions and a lack of endocannabinoids is one of the main theories guiding recent research. While experts are yet to fully understand exactly how they work, it is believed that they may help to manage functions such as sleep, mood, and our body’s response to pain. Though still just a hypothesis and not yet considered a scientific fact, there have been indications that CBD either attaches itself to our body’s endocannabinoid receptors, or prevents endocannabinoids from breaking down which allows them to be more effective. We look forward to reviewing more clinical studies that deepen our knowledge of how CBD works in the body. Although experts aren’t completely sure how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, they do know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC (the psychoactive component found predominantly in marijuana) does. This is generally considered as the reason why CBD Oil doesn’t give you a ‘high’ but instead provides a gentle calming effect on the mind and body. A fantastic example of this is our very own best-selling CALM 5.5% | 500mg CBD Oil, which mixes the finest quality CBD Oil with Mint, Chamomile and Ashwagandha. These natural ingredients work together to help relax the mind, whilst also delivering a deliciously smooth flavour. This CBD Oil is enhanced with the inclusion of Vitamins B6 and B12, which help to support mental performance and fight fatigue.* Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented on this site are not intended for medical use nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme. *Contains Pantothenic Acid (B5) which contributes to normal mental performance and Vitamins B6 and B12 which contribute to normal psychological function. Read more about CBD.
