The Endocannabinoid System and CBD works directly together . Cannabidiol, also commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp plants. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound, which means it doesn't cause the feelings of euphoria as THC does.
CBD is legal on the federal level with the condition that it should be hemp-derived and must contain less than 0.3% THC. With the rising popularity and awareness about the benefits of CBD, we can see it being sold in various different forms so that people can get its benefits without getting high.
How does CBD interact with our body and produce calming effects? If you are looking for the answer to this question, stick to the end, as we will shed light on the working of the endocannabinoids system and CBD in this article.
The Endocannabinoid System
The complex signaling system in our body is the endocannabinoid system. It was discovered by scientists in the early 1990s. However, very little is known about its working. So far, we know about the three components of the endocannabinoid system and its role in regulating different processes and functions. ECS regulates:
Mood
Appetite
Memory
Inflammation
Appetite and metabolism
Digestion
Sleep
Reproduction and fertility
These are only a few functions we know of the ECS. It is known that cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to regulate these functions. The ECS consists of three key elements. These are: Endocannabinoids, Receptors, Enzymes
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are similar to cannabinoids. The only difference is that endocannabinoids are produced by our bodies. They run the internal functions by interacting with the ECS. These endocannabinoids work more like messengers and bind to the endocannabinoid receptors. The two common endocannabinoids include:
Anandamide (AEA or arachidonoyl ethanolamide)
2-archidonoyl glyerol (2-AG)
Receptors
Throughout our central nervous system, small portals are present on the surface of the cells. These are the regions where the cannabinoids attach. According to the site of placement, endocannabinoid receptors are categorized into CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are present throughout our body, but CB1 receptors are concentrated more in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors surround the immune system.
The results that a certain cannabinoid produces depend on the receptor to which it binds. For instance, the binding of a cannabinoid to the CB1 receptor quickly relieves the pain. The binding affinity of phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids extracted from cannabis plants) with the CB1 and CB2 receptors can be very strong to very weak.
Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins in nature that are naturally made by our bodies. They play a role in regulating the level of the endocannabinoid and catalyze biochemical reactions. In ECS, enzymes serve to break down the endocannabinoids once they have performed their functions. Fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase are two common enzymes that break down AEA and 2-AG, respectively.
The Working of the Endocannabinoid System
Just like the endocannabinoids, CBD and THC also bind to the target receptors in the endocannabinoid system. THC can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, and as a result, it can cause a high and increase in appetite. On the other hand, CBD does not bind to either of these. Scientists believe that CBD doesn't bind to the receptors directly; rather, it influences the ECS in many indirect ways.
CBD may change the shape of a receptor to allow a strong attachment to opioids. It can also block a receptor to turn off its activity completely. In its interaction with the immune system, CBD can impact inflammation.
There are dozens of other ways CBD is believed to interact with ECS. Most of all, its interaction and the effects it produces are influenced by its dosage. For instance, CBD can turn on the serotonin receptors at low doses, while it turns off the same receptors at high doses.
Research is still going on to find out how CBD interacts with the ECS, but it is certainly known that CBD can help us relax and overcome pain and nausea.
Effects of CBD
Since CBD is non-psychoactive, it is considered an effective chemical for therapeutic use. Apart from treating general body pain, it also helps overcome various mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. CBD also has neuroprotective effects and anti-inflammatory properties.
Epidiolex is a CBD-based prescription oil approved by the FDA for the treatment of epilepsy. CBD is well known for treating a wide range of other conditions as well, but the research supporting these claims is very limited.
It is important to note that CBD can prove beneficial in regulated doses only. If consumed in high concentrations, it may cause many side effects. Drowsiness, dry mouth, and lightheadedness are the commonly reported effects. Therefore, it should be taken in appropriate amounts following your physician’s guidelines.
How is Full-Spectrum CBD More Effective?
Full-spectrum CBD, which is a mix of all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in a hemp plant, is found to be more effective than CBD isolate. Such a whole plant extract produces an entourage effect. It is a hypothesis which states that all the cannabis compounds work in synergy to modulate the psychoactive effects.
In Conclusion
The endocannabinoid system has a significant role in regulating many important body functions. Many conditions can be overcome by targeting the ECS; you can read more about The Role of the Endocannabinoid System here. CBD is a well-known non-toxic compound that maintains ECS, interacts with it and helps overcome many different conditions.CBD is used in a variety of different forms by people for their general well-being. Various CBD products include CBD oil, tincture, supplements, gummies, vapes, joints, edibles, etc.
However, not much is known about its working, but it is believed that a better understanding of ECS and CBD comes with a bright future in medicine.
Are you wondering How can CBD help pain ? Read Here.