Our Endocannabinoid System & CBD

What is our endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of neurotransmitters spread throughout our bodies that bond with naturally produced endocannabinoids to help our complex internal systems efficiently function and maintain balance.

The two main types of receptors in the endocannabinoid system are CB1, located in our brains and central nervous system, and CB2, located throughout the rest of our bodies and core components present in our immune, muscular, and cardiovascular systems. The CB1 receptors are most highly concentrated in the limbic system, the central region of our brains, primarily responsible for the really important every day stuff: emotion, sleep, mood, stress response, motor activity, behavior, pain perception, memory, smell, and immune function.

When our CB1 receptors are not firing on all cylinders properly and an endocannabinoid deficiency is present, it is common for signs of anxiety, fear, depression, lack of appetite, and decreased libido to surface.

The result of an inefficient endocannabinoid system will inevitably lead to extreme stress, raised cortisol levels, and symptoms such as the following will begin to physically manifest: digestive problems, chronic pain, poor circulation (cold hands & feet), insomnia, low blood pressure, an underactive thyroid, and frequent urination.

For some, a deficient endocannabinoid system never finds balance and scientists believe a condition called Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (CECD) plays a huge role in the following conditions: 

How does CBD interact with our endocannabinoid system?

We as humans naturally produce endogenous cannabinoids (endo is Latin for inside) which our neurotransmitters in turn use those to create balance and help our bodies function. However, if our bodies are struggling to produce enough endocannabinoids naturally on it's own, we can supplement our ECS with phytocannabinoids (phyto is Latin for plant) such as CBD.

Research has shown that after introducing your body to cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid, it directly bonds with CB1 and CB2 receptors, improving their capabilities and functionality.

By taking CBD, we are essentially encouraging our bodies to maintain a balance and combating any type of endocannabinoid deficiency we may be experiencing by returning our bodies to a state of homeostasis.