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Science Behind CBD; A Glimpse of the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabidiol, or as most people know it, CBD is a compound that is found in the hemp plant.

Many people mistakenly consider it to be the same as marijuana. However, hemp does not have near the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that the marijuana plant has.

Many years of crossbreeding and careful planning have led to the creation of the dynamic hemp plant. It is full of the highly coveted cannabinoids and terpenes that marijuana has, but lacks the potentially psychoactive compound known as THC. In fact, in order for recreational CBD products to be sold legally, they must have a THC content of 0.03% or less.

So what’s the big deal? It turns out that cannabinoids work with a system that we all have in our own bodies. The endocannabinoid system.

Homeostasis and Health

In order for our bodies to work properly, there has to be a perfect balance within that keeps us from being lopsided in any way. Our temperatures need to be at a certain degree. Our heart rates need to be adjusted appropriately in order to accommodate our ever-changing activities throughout the day. Our emotions need to be in check or we can end up in a lot of trouble.

There is an ancient belief system referred to as Daoism that illustrates a perfect balance in order to maintain a healthy and peaceful state of mind. Without balance everything becomes askew. Imagine if the solar system became unbalanced, even just a little.

The endocannabinoid system helps to maintain  the balance of our natural wellness mechanisms  which prevent our health from plummeting into a catastrophic state. This fascinating endocannabinoid system and the way that it corresponds with cannabinoids is crucial in our daily lives. If you are passionate about your health and wellness you may already know that it all starts with balance. So how does it work?

Cannabinoids

A cannabinoid is a chemical substance that joins or bonds with the cannabinoid receptors within the bodies and brains of humans and animals. Cannabis plants are chock full of naturally occurring cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBD) are compounds within the cannabis plants.

There are well over 100 known phytocannabinoids that are present within the cannabis plant.  Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis are the three base plants of the cannabis family.

Although there are many scientific studies regarding health benefits from the use of cannabinoids there is still a lot to learn. One thing that is for certain is that certain cannabinoids definitely cause changes to occur within the brain and other parts of the body. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system was only discovered in 1992*. Scientists and experts are still trying to pin down solid answers as to exactly how it works. So far the popular belief is that the endocannabinoid system is a network of our own naturally produced cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, and the cannabinoid receptors within our bodies.

Both humans and animals produce endocannabinoids. They are created when they are summoned in order to maintain balance within the body. This state of balance is known as homeostasis.

As a constant dialogue continues within our bodies throughout the bloodstream and the central nervous system our own bodies send out signals to receptors in order to relax or tense up, produce natural pain relief, elevate our internal body temperature, and so on. In short, the endocannabinoid system is an integral part of the communication system within us that strives to achieve a delicate balance within our bodies and keep it there.

Cannabinoid Receptors

There are two main cannabinoid receptors located in the body. This is also true with animals, but for the sake of this article, we will focus on the ones who can read it. If your dog or cat happens to be able to read, hopefully, they will learn something too.

In any event, the two main receptors have a lot to do with the way cannabinoids affect our bodies. CB1 and CB2 are two members of the receptor family. CB1 is found mostly in the brain and CB2 is found in the immune system.

They both gather information silently in the background and send signals out to the body when they need something. When the receptors receive the endocannabinoid they form a bond momentarily.

Once the endocannabinoid has lived its allotted time, it dissipates. The purpose of the meeting will vary depending on the needs of the body at that time. For instance, if there is a need to reduce pain, or inflammation, the endocannabinoid will be produced, sent to the source, and play its part in the magic symphony of the healing mechanism in the body. 

THC and the Cannabinoid Receptors

As mentioned above THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid that is found in the marijuana plant. The most popular use for THC is to get high, or “stoned.” For a lot of people, smoking pot brings euphoria and relaxation. Many people get anxious or even paranoid after they smoke it. THC binds directly to the CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the brain. This is part of the reason behind the label “psychotropic drug” that is attached to marijuana. It is within this binding wherein the effects of marijuana begin.

CBD and the Cannabinoid Receptors

Although CBD and THC are both cannabinoids, they are different. Pure CBD is derived from the hemp plant and does not contain THC. Therefore it does not get you “high.” The way that it reacts with the cannabinoid receptors throughout the body is a little different than THC.

Scientists believe that instead of bonding with the receptors physically, it actually directs the body to produce its own endocannabinoids naturally in order to address problems such as stress or discomfort. It is as if the CBD gently coaxes the body to heal itself. Although science has yet to prove any substantial medicinal value from the use of CBD, research is still going on that looks extremely positive.

High Falls Hemp NY CBD Products

With so many CBD products out there to choose from, we understand how things can become confusing. We make sure that we always create high-quality products that deliver true results for our customers.

Visit our online store and see our level of excellence for yourself. Feel free to browse our CBD 101 learning center to  gain valuable knowledge about our products and CBD in general. And please take a moment to read our customer reviews… we’re very proud of what our customers have experienced and said about our products and our service.

*https://www.labroots.com/trending/cannabis-sciences/8456/endocannabinoid-system-discovered