Many people ask what is the Endocannabinoid System (and how does CBD help)?

As awareness of CBD (Cannabidiol) grows around the world, more and more people are seeing how it can be beneficial to the general health and well-being in humans. The reasons why it can be beneficial to humans, however, it less well known.

In short, CBD interacts with a system in the human body called the Endocannabinoid system. This is the system that is responsible for keeping functions in the body well-balanced.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid system was only discovered recently – in the 1990’s – when scientists found that there is a system which keeps the body in a state called homeostasis – which means that it keeps things stable and in equilibrium.

The Endocannabinoid system is important – just like the other systems in the body such as the immune, reproductive or digestive systems.  This one is crucial to keeping the body working properly as it keeps everything balanced, which helps to control a number of functions, such as:

• Appetite
• The immune system
• Digestion
• Mood
• Inflammation, including neuroinflammation
• Reproductive system
• Sleep
• The regulation of body temperature
• Motor control
• Pain
• Memory
• Pleasure/reward

The Endocannabinoid system is comprised of three parts:

• A number of receptors named Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptors.
• Endocannabinoids which are made by the body and which interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
• Enzymes which are used to break down Cannabinoids and Endocannabinoids

The CB1 receptors are mainly found in the brain and central nervous system, glands and connective tissues, and so has an impact on motor functions, pain perception, stress response and memory.

The CB2 receptors are mainly found in the organs around the body and so have more of an impact on the immune, cardiovascular and muscular systems.

These receptors receive Cannabinoids naturally in the body – the two most notable being anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). However, there are other cannabinoids which can be consumed, that can also interact with the receptors, and which can be found naturally in the hemp plant – one of which is CBD.

How does CBD affect the Endocannabinoid System?

CBD is one of the most effective cannabinoids in the hemp plant, and by consuming it, it can have an impact on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body and help to boost your Endocannabinoid system. This results in more balance within the body, strengthening your general health and well-being.

Relatively speaking, the Endocannabinoid system is new to scientists, and although we are understanding more and more about it, researchers are very excited about the possibilities that this greater understanding can have. Due to the fact that CBD can interact with this system, scientists can see great potential for the future of boosting good health in general as well as for medicinal benefits.