The world’s CBD industry is flourishing more with each passing day. Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the 113 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, has already made its way to several edibles. Backed by several studies, various kinds of CBD products have been helping many people manage anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, pain, acne, and numerous other health conditions. Some recent studies also claim CBD to be an effective element to prevent cancer cell growth. 

A basic and common mechanism suggested by those studies was that the cannabinoids target the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for sleep, appetite, pressure, and pain. Now, the question is: How do cannabidiol affect ECS to promote health and cure symptoms of some ailments? 

Let’s dig deeper into the link between CBD and the endocannabinoid system to find an answer:

Different Parts of Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Cannabinoids are compounds that work on the ECS, which has different parts:

1. Endocannabinoids
2. Cannabinoid receptors
3. Enzymes to synthesize and break down endocannabinoids   

Endocannabinoids are known as the messengers of ECS. They are scattered throughout the human body. However, the two significant ones are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Anandamide is associated with functions like memory and appetite, while 2-arachidonoylglycerol is responsible for emotional states.  

Cannabinoid receptors, also called CB receptors, are available throughout the body. They protect different cell types & responses. Two of the main receptors of ECS are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors ensure the healthy functioning of the brain, while CB2 receptors handle the immune system. When someone uses high-quality CBD products to treat allergies, arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease, CB2 receptors help in the process.   

In addition to endocannabinoids and CB receptors, the ECS system has enzymes that help build or recycle these endocannabinoids. Also, these enzymes control how eCBs are produced and broken down.   

Receptors and Cannabinoids 

Receptors – CB1 and CB2 – are like locks that can be activated by a key, called endocannabinoids. Also, there are picklocks, which are cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. The most popular cannabinoids are CBD and THC. They hold the ability to target receptors in the human body and affect them.  

Effects of CBD on the Endocannabinoid System

Although CBD and THC are two significant cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, the former doesn’t make one feel high like the latter. Many studies have found that CBD is a weak antagonist for the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for the healthy functioning brain. However, the cannabinoid has been found to be the inverse agonist of the CB2 receptor, which means it weakens its efficiency.

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a useful substance to treat various kinds of ailments. Although the compound doesn’t impact any of the receptors directly, it holds the power to modify their ability to bind to cannabinoids. Its main role is to enhance the effects of anandamide. Also, various kinds of CBD oil products and other edible items influence other kinds of receptors in the endocannabinoid system. 

Both CBD and THC are known for their therapeutic benefits, although the latter makes one feel high after consumption. It is because each cannabinoid has its unique way of responding to receptors in the body. 

CBD, without THC’s quality to make one feel high, is a great option to treat various kinds of health conditions.   

Benefits of CBD

Although CBD doesn’t affect the receptors directly, it impacts the ECS by enhancing the effects of anandamide. In many recent studies, the compound has been found to be effective against various kinds of physical and mental conditions. Below are some health benefits of the cannabinoid.

• It helps manage anxiety by reducing stress, decreasing the condition’s physiological effects, and acting against symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
• It is an effective compound to help against insomnia and promote good night’s sleep.
• The cannabinoid reduces the number of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. Also, high-quality CBD products are found to be safe for people with seizure disorders. 
• CBD is effective against various kinds of conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Also, the compound is useful in reducing inflammation known for worsening neurodegenerative symptoms. 
• The compound from the cannabis plant can relieve symptoms of chronic pain, muscle pain, arthritis, and pain related to spinal cord injuries. 
• It has anti-acne properties that help in acne management. 

How to Buy High-quality CBD Products

CBD holds power to affect the ECS and reduce symptoms of various kinds of health conditions effectively. To reap these benefits, it is essential to consume quality CBD products, made of all-natural elements. These need to be clinically-tested products that are safe to use. One has to consume them daily for several weeks to notice their benefits. With high-quality products, one can expect reduced symptoms of their particular disease without side effects.  

Edward Bertrand