Recent studies on the human nervous system (and the endocannabinoid system) have brought some incredible results to light. In the early 1990s, we had found that our brains have cannabinoid receptors and natural cannabinoids (called endo-cannabinoids) floating in it all over.
The CBD molecules aren’t just taken in by your nervous system. Its very molecular structure fits your brain sensors so perfectly, they appear like two matching pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
Sounds too fairy tail-ish? Well! There is scientific evidence that back it up. This article will shed some light on the endocannabinoid system, what it does for you, and how it works.
What is The Endocannabinoid System?
Coincidentally, the human body has its own chemical factory that produces endogenous cannabinoids (endogenous means internally produced) to perform important bodily functions. This is called the endocannabinoid system (or ECS).
The ECS is spread throughout the central nervous system, and it responds to external and internal environments in different ways. Its primary function is to regulate the body’s internal activities.
Endocannabinoid systems have two types of receptors; the CB1 and CB2. The CB1 type, which is present in relatively high amounts, determines how much activity happens in your brain. And the CB2 receptors play an important role in controlling your immune system.
Unlike CB1, stimulating CB2 receptors doesn’t create intoxicating effects. Moreover, because CB2 receptors are so closely linked to the immune functioning, it is the center of interest among most drug development entities.
What Does The Endocannabinoid System Do?
The ECS is still under research, so we don’t yet know how it influences the bodily functions, but we know it plays an important role in modulating brain activity, endocrine system and immune system. We also know that it has something to do with digestion, metabolism, mood, sleep, stress, learning and memory, the body’s motor control, muscle development, immune system, and many other minor functions.
Through research, we’ve found that the ECS helps maintain homeostasis in the body. In other words, it regulates internal body functions and acts the moment something bad enters your body (like bacteria, dust, virus, or if injury happens). ECS also regulates temperature. So, when you’re feeling cold or hot, your ECS is active.
The endocannabinoid system also plays an important role in learning and memory. Studies suggest that THC (the active recreational compound in cannabis) disrupts short-term memory formation of the brain for some time, and if the person abstains from it, she or he regains balance.
Endocannabinoid system and CBD
When you take cannabinoids in any form, either high in THC or CBD, your endocannabinoid system immediately responds to it because both THC and CBD combine with CB1 and CB2 receptors.
The cannabidiol molecules combine with the CB1 receptors in your brain and CNS and, therefore, reduce brain activity. Many people claim they feel relaxed, sleepy and calmer when they take CBD.
In addition, CBD also activates serotonin receptors and anandamide production in the brain, which is why many people experience blissfulness after taking CBD (Anandamide: ananda is a Sanskrit term for bliss).
Some people also suggest that CBD combines with receptors in the brain that are yet unknown.
CBD or cannabidiol is a psychoactive substance, but unlike THC, it doesn’t make you high. In fact, CBD acts as an inhibitor and reduces the brain’s ability to respond to THC and other chemical compounds, giving you a relaxing and pain killing effect. Besides that, because CBD blocks CB1 receptors, it also mildly suppresses hunger and helps with weight loss.
How Does CBD Benefit Your ECS?
People use CBD for various reasons. Some use it to relax their bodies before sleep, some use its anti-inflammatory effects to regain skin-glow for a younger look (face cream), some people use it to treat muscle soreness after the gym (bath bombs and Pain rubs), and some use it to release stress and anxiety (Oil roll on) before giving a breathtaking speech.
While there’s not much established research on CBD and how it affects the human body, the results speak for themselves. Many people have reported amazing results with CBD, which makes it more than just a placebo.
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Conclusion
The endocannabinoid system is relatively a new subject and we know very little about how it functions. During the early stages of research, people from scientific communities demonized ECS because they associated ECS with cannabis (which is a drug). Only until recently, the study has gained consensus and science has put both feet in to understand how everything works.
The studies are promising, as controlling ECS can resolve several complex conditions, and create human wellbeing as a fringe benefit.
Here are some studies done on the endocannabinoid system.
An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system
The emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in endocrine regulation and energy balance
Pharmacognosy and Effects of Cannabinoids in the Vascular System