The amazing Endocannabinoid System
A basic knowledge of your endocannabinoid system is a key to oversee why cannabis products have such potential. Good news: you don’t need to be either a chemist or a doctor; just read this article. As we all know, the balance of our body is a wonderful thing, whether it is on a mental, on physical or on a psychological level. We love it when all things collaborate in harmony. To help this, science has made a great step forward by exploring our endocannabinoid system which is responsible for homeostasis, that is, our inner balance.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (or ECS) is in some way our body’s control panel that hadn’t been discovered until the 1990s. This system is connected to the brain, the organs, the glands, the muscles, the tissues and the nerves. Its primary goal is to maintain homeostasis, the body’s internal balance that enables an optimal collaboration of all systems and organs.
Even though there are still plenty of unanswered questions about its functioning, we know for sure that ECS is an important factor to several functions of our body, such as:
- appetite
- metabolism
- pain
- inflammatory reactions
- mood
- sleep
- mood balance
- body temperature
- digestion
- immune functions
- brain functions
- memory
- cognitive and motoric functions
- reproduction and many other things
Dr David Allen, cardiovascular surgeon
The endocannabinoid system consists of three main parts:
1.) Endogenous cannabinoids
2.) Endogenous cannabinoid receptors on the cell wall surface
3.) Enzymes that break down cannabinoids
1.)Endogenous cannabinoids
Our body itself produces cannabinoids whenever it feels the need of it. These endocannabinoids act by interacting with ECS receptors and work in a similar way to the compounds of cannabis.
It has been observed through research that some incredible changes can be achieved at several levels by ingesting extra cannabinoids on top of what the body produces. These are called phytocannabinoids, the best known of which are CBD, THC, CBC, CBG and CBN, all abundant in cannabis. The best way to access phytocannabinoids is through CBD oils, described in more detail below.
The two most known cannabinoids are Anadamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Anandamide (AEA) – a.k.a. „happiness molecule”
This endocannabinoid is considered a natural version of THC since it gives you a certain feeling of joy. Have you ever experienced an euphoric feeling after an intense workout or a good run? If so, this was due to an increased level of anandamide stimulated by exercise. By the way, anandamide can be found in chocolate, too!
2-arachidonoil-glicerin (2-AG)
It has been proven that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) imitates some physiological effects of THC, primarily affecting mood, appetite, inflammatory processes and immune response.
2. Cannabinoid receptors
Cannabinoid receptors are found at the surface of cells that are woven throughout our body, from our brain to our immune system. These receptors are activated by cannabinoids and influence several different biological functions such as:
- inflammatory response
- neurological signal transduction
- appetite stimulation/oppression
- pulse measuring
- mood regulation
At present, there are two known cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. The two have a similar structure, only with slight differences that yet cause diverse responses in the human body.
- CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain and in the central system, so they are mainly associated with mood, fatigue, hunger and pain.
- CB2 receptors are mostly located in the peripheral nervous system, among which in the immune cells that affect the immune system, the skin and the bones.
Cannabinoid receptors function by transmitting information about the changes of the external environment to the centre of cells. As a response, a process corresponding to the external change begin in the cells, to fix the problem as soon as possible.
3. ECS enzymes
Enzymes, too, are important agents of the endocannabinoid system, since they are the ones responsible for breaking down cannabinoids after these are done with their jobs. Without these enzymes, ECS would not function properly.
The break-down process is performed by two main enzymes:
- fatty acid amide hydrolase that breaks down AEA
- monoacylglyceric acid lipase that breaks down 2-AG.
Why is homeostasis important?
Like I have mentioned before, endocannabinoid system supports the body’s healthy functioning in several ways. The most important of these is the creation of homeostasis.
But what is homeostasis?
Homeostasis means the stability of our body’s physiological and cognitive functions. In an ideal case, our body reacts quickly to various internal and external anomalies and restores the given area’s balance.
For instance, when you have fever or an injury such as a broken tendon, or maybe your tooth is inflamed, it upsets your body’s internal balance. This is when your endocannabinoid system steps into action and helps to restore this balance. Fun fact: not just humans but animals have an endocannabinoid system, too – so CBD oils can affect them, too.
Is there such a thing as lack of endocannabinoids?
ECS never stops fighting with external effects to maintain a stable internal environment. A well-functioning ECS is virtually indispensable for an optimal health and well-being.
In case of symptoms such as anxiety, mood imbalance, chronic pain, inflammation, weak immune system or other health issues, the reason might be a lack of endocannabinoids that ECS is unable to make up for. Plenty of external factors can cause trouble in the ECS, such as a bad diet, an excessive level of stress, environment-polluting substances, viruses or even our genome. No matter what the reason is, you should always strive to get the balance back, since endocannabinoid insufficiency disturbs the balance of our entire body which can lead to the following states:
- Mood swings
- Lack of focus
- Acne
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Digestive disorders
- auto-immune insufficiencies and so on.
Ethan Russo, neuroscientist of Washington University has come to the conclusion that a “clinical lack of endocannabinoid” (CED) can be the cause of migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and many other degenerative and autoimmune states that can react well to cannabinoid therapies.
What do phytocannabinoids have to do with all this?*
Even though the discovery of Endocannabinoid System is still at an early stage, scientists have already found out that phytocannabinoid-supplements can mean a great change in the health of those who suffer from a lack of ECS.
Meanwhile, phytocannabinoid-supplements act as preventive means to healthy people in keeping their balance and stopping diseases.
How is this possible?
While our endocannabinoid system produces cannabinoids called endocannabinoids in our body, plants are also able to do the same, in the form of phytocannabinoids.
Endo = body
Phyto = plant
Phytocannabinoids differ from endocannabinoids produced by ECS. However, they are able to interact with our ECS receptors just like endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids interact with our ECS’ CB1 and CB2 receptors in different ways.
Some of them has a stronger bond that induces a stronger biological response, while some have a low bond, generating a more subtle reaction. And there are some that may block the receptor completely, stopping altogether some specific unwanted responses.
CBD vs THC
Of the phytocannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, the two most controversial compounds are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is well-known for its psychoactive effects, due to the activation of CB1 receptor and the fact that it is able to induce an increased synthesis of anandamide and 2-arachidonoil-glicerin.
CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive (non-narcotic) cannabinoid and has been shown to have incredible therapeutic properties for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.
How does CBD cooperate with your endocannabinoid system?
Our body is a wonderful self-healing organism, equipped with a range of natural mechanisms. This is how it takes up the fight with cancerous cells, with contagious diseases, regenerates broken bonds and is even able to delay aging process. Cannabis is an extraordinary herb that takes advantage of our body’s natural functioning.
Since CBD is able to connect with CBD receptors and change their shape, it is used in several therapies as an alternative treatment. Only a few examples of the conditions studied nowadays:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Hormonal imbalance
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Irritable bowel synsrome
- fibromyalgia
- Anomalies due to drug abuse
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Research and popularity of medical cannabis and cannabinoids has grown a lot in the last few years, getting more and more professionals and lobby groups to join in the spreading of this “alternative therapy”.
Which CBD oil to choose?
CBD intake can have several ways such as tinctures, wape, jelly beans and locally applicable CBD creams. The choice and the dosage is always up to personal preferences and goals. To answer the question, we have put together a list called “11 CBD tips” which could be a huge help in deciding which aspects to consider before buying a certain kind of CBD oil.
If you have tried CBD products before but the effect didn’t kick in, you should know that it is essential to experiment with the quality and the dosage before finding your ideal one.
Unfortunately, the market is overloaded with shallow quality products, since CBD is a huge trend nowadays and very much in the spotlight.
Certified by the US Hemp Authority, HempWorx is one of the very few hemp producers that live up to the strictest quality and security regulations. HempWorx renews its badge yearly keeping the quality under continuous control for the consumers.
You can find various tinctures, capsules, jelly beans and locally applicable creams on our website.
Our commitment:
- Made from 100% organically grown, GMO-free hemp
- Produced through CO2 extraction, an organic and non-synthetic process
- Minimal ingredients with no carrier or added oils
- Hemp grown in Kentucky, USA
- The growing of hemp and the production of the oil are in the same hands
- The quality of the oil is continuously tested by a gas chromatography test
- The product is free from heavy metals, strong chemicals, solvents and pesticides
- The product has a verifiable certificate and an FDA qualification
- Tested by a third party which is indispensable for quality and security
- A 60-day 100% money-back warranty
