How does CBD work in the body?
The ECS System
To understand how CBD works you first have to understand how our bodies work. We all have an Endocannabinoid system, a complex signalling system that works at keeping our bodies in a stable condition. When we are stressed our ECS produces Cannabinoids to help offset the stress, when we are in pain the ECS produces Cannabinoids to help combat pain, when we are anxious our ECS produces Cannabinoids to keep us calm.
So where does CBD fit? Cannabis has its own PhytoCannabinoids that are produced by the plant that mimic the EndoCannabinoids produced by our bodies. They are an almost perfect match. CBD also encourages the body to produce more of its own endocannabinoids by triggering nerve and pain receptors, some of which are called CB1 and CB2.
The endocannabinoid system’s most important job is to maintain homeostasis or balance in our bodies. It does this by stimulating endocannabinoids and CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. These are found in the nervous and immune systems. When we experience stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, or any imbalance regulated by the ECS, it signals, to create cannabinoids to interact with these receptors. A chemical process begins, targets and resolves the imbalance, returning the body to a state of perfect balance.
Receptors
Like we talked about, CB1 and CB2 receptors respond when our bodies cry out. They are waiting to get to action and lend their help. Pretty cool hey. But they need help so they go looking for Endocannabinoids. We have many endocannabinoids in our bodies but the 2 that seem to do a lot of the heavy lifting is AEA or Anandamide and 2-AG which is short for 2-Arachidonoylglycerol. AEA is similar in structure to THC and is credited with producing euphoria or happiness. It is a very powerful neurotransmitter that regulates our processes like memory, pain, body temperature, motivation and fertility. AEA also stimulates neuron creation helping to reduce anxiety and inflammation. 2-AG on the other hand is one of the most common endocannabinoids and it plays a vital role in pain management, immune function, appetite and addictive behaviours. It is made from fat-like molecules within a cell membrane and when the receptors call it is created as needed. We don’t have stores of it in the body but we create it when we need it.
The cool thing is that AEA and 2-AG are really similar to Phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis like CBD and THC. In fact, researchers believe that consuming cannabinoids may help the ECS maintain balance in the body. CBD activates receptors creating a variety of positive effects in the body promoting a sense of wellbeing while stimulating anandamide production.
The ECS is designed as an efficient messaging system that controls functions in our bodies to help keep us healthy and happy.
If you would like to learn more about our CBD products or have additional questions on how CBD oil can help with depression, anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and other health conditions, please feel free to send us a message. We are always here for you, ready and happy to be of any help.
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NOTE:
All information presented here at Cornerstone Hemp is purely for informational purposes only. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. As always, please consult your doctor first.