The Endocannabinoid System Explained
The endocannabinoid system is a recent discovery that has unlocked significant data regarding human biology. The key to why CBD works so effectively and offers a wealth of medicinal benefits is found within our very own endocannabinoid system.
Years of cannabis research actually led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system– named after the plant. Scientists argue that this may be the most important physiologic system in establishing and maintaining human health.
The endocannabinoid system is a biochemical communicative system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating and stimulating our physiology, appetite, mood, memory, pain sensation, and a variety of other physiological and cognitive processes. This system is also involved in regulating fertility, pregnancy, as well as pre- and postnatal development.
This network of neurons, the endocannabinoids, are found throughout the human body and are incorporated in every major system. In each tissue, these endocannabinoids perform different, crucial tasks but all maintain the same goal of homeostasis. Cannabinoids promote homeostasis on all biological levels. The major discovery of these receptors within the brain that respond pharmacologically to CBD and the subsequent discovery of endogenous cannabinoid compounds found within our bodies that bind to these receptors has considerably revolutionized our own understanding and knowledge of human biology.
This biochemical communicative system is literally the bridge between our mind and body.
The Cannabinoid Receptors– CB1 and CB2
Cannabinoid receptors are incorporated throughout the body, featuring a larger quantity than any other receptor system. Scientists have discovered two cannabinoid receptors found in our biology– CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are predominantly located within the brain, nervous system, connective tissue, glands, and organs. CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and corresponding organs.
Endocannabinoids that are naturally occurring within our own bodies are created to stimulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The most prominent and well-understood molecules are called anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG. Anandamide, also known as the joy molecule, plays a major role in regulating feeding behavior as well as the neural generation of motivation and pleasure. 2-AG is present throughout the central nervous system and has been found in human breast milk. 2-AG plays a crucial role in pre- and postnatal development.
When the CB1 and CB2 receptors interact with CBD found in cannabis plants, the CBD triggers chemical compounds within the endocannabinoid system that lead to the optimization of regulating and simulating of all the roles that fall under this biochemical communication system. Ultimately when the CB1 and CB2 receptors receive signaling, the CBD promotes homeostasis among your endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD
The endocannabinoid system is built within human biology to respond directly to the endogenous cannabinoids produced naturally in our bodies. Scientists have discovered that our endocannabinoid system also responds to external sources, including phytocannabinoid cannabidiol– the CBD compound found within cannabis plants.
When CBD is introduced to this biochemical communicative system, 2-AG is increased which directly stimulates the CB1 and CB2 receptors offering a full body, homeostasis effect.