Isn’t it amazing how our body works in mysteriously complex ways? One such enthralling phenomenon is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which acts as a bridge between your body and brain. This hidden yet crucial subsystem plays an extensive role in regulating various bodily functions, interacting with cannabinoids outside your body, and striding towards homeostasis—perfect internal stability within our bodies.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
If you haven’t yet used CBD products, you might be wondering what exactly they do to your body. Say hello to your endocannabinoid system that has been silently influencing several key bodily functions without making much fuss about itself!
The ECS comprises a network of neurotransmitters called cannabinoids and their corresponding receptors—CB1 and CB2—that are dispersed throughout our bodies. Think of these receptors as locks on cellular surfaces looking out for specific keys—endocannabinoids—to unlock them.
Endocannabinoids are lipid-based neurotransmitters naturally produced by our bodies which bind to these receptors, just like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main compound responsible for the psychoactive properties in cannabis. But here’s a surprise; unlike THC, endocannabinoids don’t produce psychoactive effects but heavily contribute to maintaining the wellbeing of your entire body!
How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?
To put it simply, the endocannabinoid system has four main components:
- Endocannabinoids: These are lipid-based neurotransmitters (anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol), which in turn are chemical messengers. They are produced in a cell and then exposed to other cells to transfer signals from one cell to another. Of course, endocannabinoids are just one of many neurotransmitters in our body.
- Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are the parts of a cell that the endocannabinoids bind to and, therefore, receive the message.
- FAAH enzymes degrade the endocannabinoids after a short time to avoid overcrowding with unnecessary messages, as this would confuse the body and break homeostasis. The FAAH enzymes are just one of many types of enzymes in our body.
- Neurons, neural pathways, and other cells where the above are localized: CB1 receptors can be found mostly in the central nervous system cells (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves), while CB2 receptors are mainly located in the peripheral nervous system cells and inside immune system cells.
The endocannabinoid system operates on a molecular level. When something is outside the normal levels, endocannabinoids are produced in the transmitting cells, and the CB1 or CB2 receptors of other cells are exposed to them for a short time. This starts the homeostatic process.
It is a precise intervention, which means that the endocannabinoids only bind in the cells of the specific system that needs intervention, without impacting the other systems. Then, once homeostasis is achieved, FAAH enzymes break the cannabinoids down and stop the process.
By operating at a cellular level, endocannabinoids break through system barriers. They are often found where two different systems join, to enhance communication between their cells whenever they need to work together to address an imbalance.
Functions of the Endocannabinoid System
Regulation of Pain and Inflammation
When tissue gets damaged or inflammation occurs due to trauma or disease conditions, increased levels of endocannabinoids serve as messengers triggering anti-inflammatory responses. By doing so, they not only help manage pain but also protect tissues from further damage.
Modulation of Mood and Emotions
CB1 receptors, abundant in our brain, play a vital role here. Endocannabinoids binding to these receptors assist in regulating mood and emotions by influencing serotonin—the essential neurotransmitter popularly called the ‘happy chemical’—levels.
Role in Memory and Learning Processes
Endocannabinoid signalling is crucial for memory formation, especially associative memories. This system facilitates synaptic plasticity—altering connections strength between neurons—which is pivotal for cognitive processes like learning.
But there’s a caveat! Overstimulation might lead to memory impairment, explaining why excessive cannabis use can possibly cause forgetfulness!
Regulation of Appetite and Metabolism
ECS plays a key part in maintaining energy balance within us. It regulates food intake—essentially hunger—and nutrient transport as well as storage & metabolism, implying its significant commitment to threads of metabolic health.
Involvement in Immune Responses
Emerging research suggests CB2 receptors expressed on immune cells influence immune responses. By modulating cytokine release—inflammation triggering substances—they have potential roles in reducing inflammation, thereby contributing their bit amidst an array of complex immune mechanisms.
How Does CBD Effects the ECS?
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic effects without causing psychoactive reactions typically associated with recreational marijuana use. This appeal largely stems from its unique interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
Contrary to popular belief, CBD does not directly bind to conventional cannabinoid receptors (CB1 or CB2). Instead, it exercises influence over the system indirectly.
Here’s how:
- CBD acts as a negative allosteric modulator on CB1 receptors: Essentially translating to a downregulation of these receptors’ activities, this aspect might explain why CBD counteracts some of THCs psychotropic effects.
- Interaction with Non-CB Receptors: Underscoring its complexity, CBD also interacts with several non-cannabinoid receptors that indirectly associate with the ECS including serotonin 5-HT1a receptor and vanilloid receptor TRPV1 – both play roles in pain perception, inflammation and mood regulation.
- Prevention of Endocannabinoid Breakdown: According to various research studies, CBD may suppress enzymes that break down endocannabinoids—one factor involved in preserving higher levels of “naturally occurring” cannabinoids within our body.
Generally speaking, through these different routes of interaction, CBD can potentially influence and balance the functioning of your ECS, helping to maintain overall body homeostasis.
What CBD Products Are Best for Your ECS?
Choosing the right CBD products to support your endocannabinoid system (ECS) can be crucial for achieving optimal results. Most experts recommend full-spectrum CBD products because they contain a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the cannabis plant. This comprehensive blend works synergistically to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. Full-spectrum CBD products are often preferred for maximizing ECS support.
At OnlyPure, we are committed to providing the best possible quality full-spectrum hemp distillate. We control quality from seed to sale, testing against heavy metals and pesticides, and for potency to ensure that every bottle or softgel contains the promised level of CBD.
If you’re looking for quality CBD products that enhance the functionality of your endocannabinoid system, visit our online store. We have a wide range of products to meet your needs.
