Endocannabinoid System and CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are turning to it for relief from various ailments. But what many don’t realize is that this positive effect is only possible due to a complex biological system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Unknown until relatively recently, the ECS is responsible for a range of important processes within our bodies, and understanding how it works can provide key insight into how CBD affects us. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of the endocannabinoid system and how CBD works on it to produce its therapeutic effects.

What is the endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, such as pain, mood, appetite, and memory (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). It consists of endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds produced by the body, and their receptors, which are found in various parts of the body, such as the central and peripheral nervous system, and immune system.

The two main endocannabinoids identified so far are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). These endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, and activate them, leading to various physiological effects. The ECS helps maintain homeostasis by regulating various physiological processes, such as immune function, inflammation, and pain perception (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).

Overall, the endocannabinoid system is a critical component of the human body and has important implications for various health conditions and diseases, such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help reduce inflammation and pain, and has been shown to be effective in treating various medical conditions.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are the active compounds found in the Cannabis plant (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological processes, such as mood, appetite, and pain sensation (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020). There are over 100 cannabinoids, but the two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD does not have intoxicating effects and is thought to have a number of therapeutic benefits(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).

How does CBD work with the endocannabinoid system?

Cannabidiol (CBD) works with the endocannabinoid system, a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, by indirectly interacting with its receptors to regulate various functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response(National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020). The ECS is a network of receptors and chemicals that helps regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including pain, appetite, mood,  immune function and maintain homeostasis in the body(National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).

The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids, which are naturally-occurring molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in the immune system. 

Endocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors and activate them. This triggers a response from the body that helps to maintain homeostasis. For example, when you eat something sugary, endocannabinoids will bind to CB1 receptors in your brain and trigger a release of dopamine, which gives you a feeling of pleasure.

CBD binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and modulates the activity of the endocannabinoid system by inhibiting the breakdown of endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, thereby increasing their levels and enhancing their effects (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020). CBD may also bind to non-cannabinoid receptors, such as serotonin and vanilloid receptors, and exert its effects through these pathways (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).

While research on the therapeutic benefits of CBD is still ongoing, early studies suggest that it may have potential for treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy (National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020).

References 

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020). The Science of Substance Abuse: The Endocannabinoid System.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. Retrieved fromhttps://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Cannabinoids. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556960/

Josh Maixner

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