CBD & Endocannabinoid System: How Does CBD Works?

Posted by William john on December 22nd, 2020

The CBD market is going immensely with a wide range of CBD products in Alberta and other popular places. And there are good reasons for its popularity. CBD is known to be a non-intoxicating solution that comes with a number of therapeutic properties; that help our biosystem in many ways. Take a look at the working of CBD and how it interacts with our endocannabinoid system. 

What Is CBD?

CBD is available in a number of forms; from CBD oil to CBD balms, you can choose whichever product is convenient for you. However, before making a final decision while selecting the CBD form, it is important to understand what CBD is and how it helps humans. 

CBD is an abbreviation of “Cannabidiol”- one of the more than 100 naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plants. Each cannabinoid hasits own advantages, but only a few cannabinoids are added in CBD related products to make it convenient for every user. Besides, few cannabinoids like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN) come with some different properties. 

Unlike THC and few more cannabinoids, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, which means that people do not come in interaction with any psychoactive effects. CBD is known for its wide range of benefits, including helping in reducing inflammation and other common health issues. However, there is no formal documentation regarding its benefits, but several studies show its beneficial medical nature. CBD comes with natural components, including proteins, vitamins and minerals, nutrients, and more, making it more potent for humans. 

However, the working of CBD can vary on users depending on the goal one is looking for and the form one is using. So, it is quite difficult to comment anything about if its benefits are similar for every individual. Everyone’s body responds differently!

How CBD Interacts With Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological system in the human body. The ECS was discovered in the early 1990s. The ECS system is made up of three main components; endocannabinoids, receptors (that endocannabinoids bind to), and enzymes (that break down the endocannabinoids to produce a bodily response.) Here the two most cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. This concept is quite difficult to understand, but we take it out in simple words here; read on. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system, where they regulate brain function. CB2 receptors are the most prominent on immune cells throughout the bloodstream. Now, here comes the cannabinoids from the hemp plant; cannabidiol (CBD) can produce the body's therapeutic response by binding to the receptors. 

The Endocannabinoids system is responsible for regulating the following bodily functions;

  • Appetite and digestion
  • Temperature
  • Immune function
  • Inflammation
  • Motor control
  • Mood
  • Memory
  • Sleep
  • Response to pain and pleasure

When the Endocannabinoid system comes into interaction with CBD, it enhanced its functioning in favor of the human body. The ECS system all the therapeutic properties of CBD to treat the various body functions. Though, CBD does not directly bind and activate the cannabinoid receptors. As per the market reports and several research papers, CBD has a low affinity for cannabinoid receptors, which means it is not the priority of the receptors. But CBD interacts with the receptors through the different pathways and shows its effects on the body. 

However, at what time and speed; CBD will show its effects depends on the CBD form you choose. Every CBD product has a different absorption rate means different bioavailability. So while choosing a CBD product for you, ensure you understand its concept and work specifically according to your needs. 

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William john

About the Author

William john
Joined: June 24th, 2020
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