Did you know that your body produces it's own cannabinoids similar to CBD and THC? We have a system of naturally occurring cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor sites throughout our entire bodies! These endocannabinoids ("endo" meaning inside) and their receptors are called the Encocannabinoid System (ECS). They are primarily located in the brain and immune system but can also be found in organs, connective tissues and glands.
The ECS was discovered by an Israeli Organic Chemist, Dr Raphael Mechoulam, in the early 1990s and it's discovery shed new light on our health. The overall function of the ECS appears to be regulating homeostasis: the ability to maintain stable internal conditions. Disease or illness may be the result of failed homeostasis, so researchers are studying the ECS as a potential target for a variety of medical applications.
How does CBD interact with the ECS?
In my last post, we looked at Cannabidiol, the cannabis compound. CBD works like a switch to turn on the regulatory Endocannabinoid System.
When CBD is ingested, it enhances the endocannabinoid action because the ECS receptors are stimulated to produce their own cannabinoids. This inturn enhances the overall effect on the body to maintain equilibrium/balance. So when we take CBD, we are supplementing a naturally occurring cannabinoid system.
The ECS is responsible for regulating all sorts of bodily processes, including mood, metabolism, reproduction, pain and immune functions. Dr Russo (MD, psychopharmacology researcher and former Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals) believes that supplementing an impaired ECS with plant cannabinoids, like CBD, will bring it back to optimum function, thus provoking an improvement in any health associated conditions. Research has also shown that cannabinoids are able to target damaged cells while sparing normal cells.
CBD balancing the body
Cannabidiol seems to tap into the ECS balancing system to produce it's therapeutic effects as the compound has a similar chemical structure to those that our body naturally produces (endocannabinoids).
In Conclusion
In a nutshell, your ECS is responsible for making sure your entire body is working optimally — that is some challenge! This is why CBD has the possibility to help with a diverse range of health issues because it helps the ECS maintain equilibrium. So supplementing your diet with CBD, may help create a healthier endocannabinoid system and, therefore, a healthier you. Research is still ongoing and I was pleased to read a post by @doitvoluntarily about Oxford University starting research into the Endocannabinoid System.
The following video is called "What is CBD Good For? The Endocannabinoid System Explained" and provides a good analysis of CBD and the Endocannabinoid System.
Thanks for reading.
Please consult your qualified personal health care provider before making any dietary (cannabis food supplement) changes.
Research material:
https://www.solcbd.com/pages/how-cbd-works
https://www.allbud.com/learn/story/how-marijuana-works-endocannabinoid-system-ecs
https://www.sundancecosmetics.com/blogs/news/how-cbd-works-in-the-endocannabinoid-system
http://meetharmony.com/2016/10/04/exactly-cbd-endocannabinoid-dysfunction/
https://www.endoca.com/blog/news/taking-cbd-correct-endocannabinoid-deficiency/
http://herb.co/2016/07/26/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cbd/
https://www.premiumcbd.co.uk/what-is-cbd