A recently discovered system that runs within our bodies has sparked interest in both scientists and citizens of the world. Discovered in 1992, the CBD oil and endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex unit that runs within our bodies. What makes the ECS so special is the fact that it naturally produces a compound known as cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are also found in the cannabis plant which has given much meaning to the system.
So, how does CBD oil and the endocannabinoid system correlate to each other? Let’s take a closer look at how these two things connect.
When Was the Endocannabinoid System Discovered?
The American government invested quite a lot in medical research concerning the cannabis plant. Research was supposed to be about how harmful the cannabis plant is to the human body. Mainly because it was always popularly known for its drug-like effects when used as a recreational drug.
To everyone’s surprise, it was discovered that certain parts of the plant isn’t harmful at all. In the early 1990s, the National Institute of Mental Health discovered that endocannabinoids (also found in the cannabis plant) are neurotransmitters that help calm the mind.
A study on lab mice proved that another cannabis compound, THC, would connect with neurotransmitters and active receptors in the mind. This activation will cause a variety of results. Which included the regulation of pain, calming of the mind, and even improved focus.
After this was discovered, it sparked much interest in the scientific world and many researching laboratories started look into the ECS and its connection to the cannabinoid plant.
While researching different pathways in the body by looking at endocannabinoids and Phyto cannabinoids, it became clear that there was a strong signaling system within the body. This system was later named the endocannabinoid system. Learn more about the endocannabinoid system here: https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system#.
Because the system has so recently been discovered, there is a lot about it we don’t know. Any claims made by manufacturers of cannabidiol products have yet to be proven. Even though many private users have testified of its powerful therapeutic properties, it is still yet to be confirmed by scientists.
What is CBD Oil?
Looking at CBD oil respectively, it is a compound found within the cannabis sativa plant. It’s one of almost 85 ingredients within the cannabis plant family and next to its naughty nephew, THC, it’s one of the most well-known components.
Cannabidiol oil derives from either the hemp or the marijuana plant and is extracted through a variety of methods. It’s usually extracted from the plant’s flower and holds high levels of cannabidiols.
CBD is the part of the plant that holds no psychoactive properties. The ‘high’ feeling that recreational users experience are caused by THC, that is present in high percentages within the cannabis plant. Most manufacturers farm hemp plants because they have almost no THC percentage. This makes cultivating and extracting of the resourceful substance that much easier.
Extraction methods are used to remove THC from the flower and separate it from the CBD. Depending on the extraction method used, the cannabidiol will have a high or low quality. This is also dependent on the source itself and whether the hemp or marijuana plant is of high quality.
How Do the Endocannabinoid System and CBD Oil Work Together?
As stated before, the endocannabinoid system has only recently been discovered. Hence, there are still many ongoing studies. Regardless, scientists have made it known that the ECS is responsible for many different functions within the human body. Surprisingly, the same system runs through mammals like cats, dogs, and horses.
The ECS consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2), neurotransmitters, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. It releases endocannabinoids naturally into the bloodstream. These compounds are received by the receptors and then broken down by the enzymes to help cope with certain functions within the body.
The receptor CB1 is responsible for functions within the brain, muscle, cardiovascular system, lungs, and digestive system. Whereas CB2 is responsible for spleen, skin, and bones. Both CB1 and CB2 are responsible for the immune system, bone marrow, and liver pancreas.
When stimulated, neurotransmitters break down endocannabinoids which then has a healing effect on these different parts. The function is ultimately to achieve overall homeostasis.
The ECS naturally produces endocannabinoids (cannabis-like cannabinoids) within the body. They are similar to Phyto cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis and hemp plant (also known as cannabidiol or CBD). Because these two are so similar in construction, it can be assumed that both components will be able to work hand in hand with the ECS. Consumers can go to this site to learn more about CBD oil products that work hand in hand with the ECS.
Studies have suggested that by consuming cannabidiol from cannabis and hemp plants, it acts as a supplement to help the ECS be more efficient. This has been proven by consumers who suffer from anxiety, epilepsy, and restlessness. When CBD oil is consumed once or twice daily it has a calming effect on the user.
Other functions that can be regulated when the ECS is at optimum function is memory, metabolism, immune response, pain, and inflammation. Any other illnesses that affect the physiological equilibrium like arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, and cancer can also be regulated.
Even though we don’t have all the proof just yet, it is clear that the connection between our bodies and the cannabis plant is there.
