The human body is an extremely complex machine; we still have not figured it out completely. One system within ourselves that has been getting a lot of attention recently is the endocannabinoid system, and how CBD interacts with it.
When it comes to bodily functions, people generally think that neurotransmitters within the brain, and the central nervous system, hold a monopoly over them. However research have begun to uncover an additional system that plays a major role regulating these bodily processes. This system is the endocannabinoid system. Today, we are going to take a brief look at what it is, and how CBD interacts with it.
WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors that reach throughout the body, pretty much everywhere the central nervous system does. As the name suggests, the endocannabinoid system is what the many cannabinoids found within cannabis interact with. Additionally, and rather interestingly, apart from the natural equivalents the body produces itself, there are no known other natural sources of cannabinoids other than cannabis. It is thought that the endocannabinoid system has a far reaching and widespread role within the body, with research suggesting that it is also involved in the regulation of many bodily functions.
CBD AND THE RECEPTORS
The endocannabinoid system is made up of a network two primary receptor types. These are CB1 and CB2 receptors. Unlike THC, which can bind to CB1 receptors, CBD can bind to neither perfectly. The result is stimulated activity without actual binding taking place.
This means that any cell containing a CB1 or CB2 receptor is changed by the interaction with CBD, and since these receptors are found in pretty much every part of the body, including the brain, the effects of the change are system wide. It is this method of interaction that is largely to thank for the effects people feel when they take a CBD supplement.
TAKING CBD FURTHER
In addition to its work with the endocannabinoid system. CBD is also known to interact with other receptors within the body. For example, it is thought to activate serotonin receptors, as well as G-protein receptors that are associated with temperature control and perceived pain.
Research also continues to find new and interesting ways CBD works within the body, uncovering its secrets. We are only just scratching the surface of this supplement. Who knows what the future of CBD related research could hold!