Written by The possibilities that CBD has shown regarding its medical applications has made it a very popular cannabinoid among the masses. People are resorting to CBD for treating their chronic pain and other health issues. But how exactly does this affects our body is important to know for all of us. So today, we will discuss all the CBD and The Endocannabinoid System of our body and how CBD impacts our Endocannabinoid System.
What Is Homeostasis?
Homeostasis can be considered as stability or a state of balance. The ultimate goal of the Endocannabinoid System present in our body is to maintain this state of balance throughout our body. Homeostasis just tries to maintain that equilibrium that our body needs for proper functioning.
According to Britannica, “If homeostasis is successful, life continues; if unsuccessful, disaster or death ensues. The stability attained is a dynamic equilibrium, in which continuous change occurs yet relatively uniform conditions prevail.” ECS is important as it helps in maintaining homeostasis.
The Endocannabinoid System – Process
The ECS is present in our body and helps in maintaining many biological functions throughout the body. The main components of ECS are the Cannabinoid receptors, the Endocannabinoids and the Metabolic Enzymes.
The two major cannabinoid receptors that are found in the ECS are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and the CB2 receptors are found in the immune system of our body.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that are produced naturally by the cells within a human body. The two major endocannabinoids found in ECS are Anandamide and 2-AG. These endocannabinoids are made only when they are needed by the body.
ECS also includes the metabolic enzymes that break down or destroy the endocannabinoids once they are used. The FAAH enzyme is used to break down the Anandamide and MAGI which breaks down the 2-AG endocannabinoids. These enzymes make sure that endocannabinoids get used and break down when needed.
So these three key components are called upon in order to help maintain homeostasis.
The Endocannabinoid System and its receptors are found throughout our body, they play an important role in maintaining and regulating many bodily functions.
These functions include:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Pain
- Appetite
- Immunity System
- Memory
- Pleasure sensation
- Motor control
- Body Temperature
CBD And The Endocannabinoid System
Cannabidiol or CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system of our body. The CB1 and CB2 receptors are scattered in almost every part of our body. It is important to know here that CBD is the antagonist of these receptors. The antagonist does not activate the receptors but blocks it. So CBD has a lower affinity when it comes to these endocannabinoid receptors.
For the CB1 receptors, it is believed that CBD is the weak antagonist which means it does not bind well with the CB1 receptors. This feature is considered very important during the presence of THC in our body. CBD, when consumed significantly, reduces the psychoactive effect of THC. It does not allow THC to induce a high in you and similarly is itself a non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
When it comes to the CB2 receptors, CBD becomes an inverse agonist of these receptors which is associated with its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD weakens the efficiency of the CB2 receptors, so its impact on CB2 receptors is quite low.
Now, the question arises How CBD becomes a powerful cannabinoid when it interacts with both these receptors at such low levels?
Well, CBD has indirect effects on ECS. It affects the ECS in two indirect ways, firstly it activates receptors such as GPR55 which has shown improvements in pain and inflammation.
Secondly, by modifying the concentration of anandamide, the endocannabinoid found in the ECS. CBD makes the enzyme called FAAH, which is responsible for metabolizing of anandamide inhibit the breaking of anandamide, thus increasing the concentration of these anandamides. In simple words, it inhibits FAAH to break down anandamides and increases its impact on the system.
So if we outline, how CBD works on the ECS, then we can say that CBD does not bind well with CB1 receptors, it is an inverse agonist of CB2 receptors. It inhibits the FAAH and thus increases the impact of anandamide.
CBD also is involved in the stimulation of 5-HT1A serotonin receptors which is known for its anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective effects.
CBD can help you with:
- Autism
- Depression
- Autism
- Chronic pain
- Epileptic Seizures
- Insomnia
- Parkinson’s Disease and more.
What are some of the health benefits of taking CBD?
CBD is a preventive source of plant medication. Cannabinoids are neuroprotective, which means they shield our neurotransmitters from emotional trauma and inflammation. Here are some mental and physical benefits of using CBD
- Relaxation
- Helps with social anxiety & stress
- Reduces menstrual cramps + PMS symptoms
- Treats Insomnia
- Reduces symptoms of depression
- Improves memory
- Aids indigestion
- Strong evidence for treating epilepsy
- Strengthens bones
- Relieves migraines
- Reduces acne due to its ability to balance sebum production
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps with addiction and substance abuse treatment
Will CBD make you high?
No! CBD contains a low dose of THC (another compound in cannabis which is “psychoactive”) that will not create the “stoned” or “high” impact that you get when you smoke marijuana. So basically, you’re ready to appreciate the natural benefits of the cannabis plant without the “side effects.”
Is CBD legal?
Indeed! As per The 2018 “Farm Bill” listed products derived from the industrial hemp with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis are considered as legal in all 50 states. ThoughtCloud items contain somewhere in the range of 0.00% and 0.3% THC making it totally legal for them to ship CBD items directly to your doorstep
Wrapping Up!
Thus, this was all about How CBD impacts our Endocannabinoid System. A lot of research needs to be done in this regard, but the conclusion is that CBD is a potent compound which can help our body in regulating many functions as well as treating many health conditions. We hope you liked this article on CBD and The Endocannabinoid System and found it useful. If you have any suggestions for us, let us know in the comment section below. We would love to read them!
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