How familiar are you with your body? Just off the top of your head, name as many body systems as you can. You can probably rattle off the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and the nervous system without too much thought. Did you know, however, that there is also an endocannabinoid system? It’s true.
ECS for short, the endocannabinoid system was more recently discovered than most other major bodily systems. It was stumbled upon by accident in the early 1990s by scientists who did not know it existed. The original study was on how the body is affected by cannabis. Very soon, the scientists realized how our everyday lives are affected by this “new” system.
The Endocannabinoid System and Your Body
Throughout the body, ECS components can be found. This system assists in the regulating of physiological and neural functions. Homeostasis and internal balance is maintained and held in check by ECS. For our bodies to function normally and stay healthy, this internal balance is necessary.
A variety of receptors and components make up the ECS. CB2 and CB1 receptors are currently the most well-studied. Various peripheral systems and the immune system are locations for CB2 receptors while the central nervous system is where CB1 receptors are primarily found. Endocannabinoids, compounds produced by our body, are what these receptors respond to. When CB2, CB1, and endocannabinoids work together they maintain balance and regulate our systems.
The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis
What does cannabis have to do with the endocannabinoid system? Cannabinoids (a wide range of chemical compounds) are produced naturally by cannabis plants. There may be as many as 100 different cannabinoids, according to some researchers. Similar to the natural endocannabinoids of our body, cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoids of system receptors. By binding to the CB2 and CB1 receptors in peripheral systems and the central nervous system, cannabinoids interact with the ECS. To what benefit is this? Better than it would normally function on its own, cannabis plants enhance the performance of the ECS.
Cannabinoids
Interacting with ECS in ways dissimilar to each other are the two most commonly known cannabinoids – CBD and THC.
A euphoric “high” feeling is experienced by individuals when THC interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors of the brain. This is because THC binds mostly with central nervous system-located CB1 receptors.
While CBD does interact with CB1 receptors, there is a much different manner in the way CBD interacts with ECS. No psychoactive effects are caused. Rather than causing a “high”, CBD can provide a variety of physiological and psychological healing effects.
The following symptoms have shown improvement or have been soothed through the use of cannabinoids:
- Chronic pain
- Sleep disorders
- Inflammatory illness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- …. and more
For the above listed soothing effects, CBD is experiencing popularity at a steadily increasing rate.
Shop EV Naturals for CBD Products
At EV Naturals, we have an impressive selection of CBD oil and related products. We even have CBD products for your pets! Yes, it’s true, pets can benefit from the use of CBD oil just like humans can. Don’t wait another minute to find out what so many people have already discovered – the possible benefits of CBD are many. Start enjoying those benefits today!