What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System, short form ECS, is the physiological mechanism in the body to regulate and balance the most essential as well as vital bodily processes. The Endocannabinoid system is found in all human and animal brains and nervous systems and is the most complex but nevertheless the most vital biological system of receptors present in the body. This is known because of the significant amount of studies and evidence regarding the endocannabinoid system. The current studies reveal that cannabis is an active agent in the development and functioning of the system.
Human Endocannabinoid System
Human beings are born with an endocannabinoid system. It plays a very major role in the development of the brain, as well as the formation and maintenance of synapses, which are electrical connections in the brain that enable neurotransmitters to transfer and receive information. The endocannabinoids work within the receptors in our brain to activate and function them properly.
The endocannabinoids and the receptors are spread throughout the neurological system, glands, immunological cells, organs, and connective tissues, as well as in the brain. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for several functions involving maintaining and generating new neurons, which can be linked to memory, learning, and regulating many physiological processes in the body.
Functions
The ECS infiltrates the eleven prime physiological systems in the human body, which all work towards fulfilling the various tasks necessary to sustain our lives. Coordination and regulation of activities such as breathing, growth, digestion, and metabolism take place.
Another role of the ECS is to regulate critical physiological activities that include sleep, hunger, pain, inflammation, memory, mood, and reproduction, and it serves as one of the body's primary pain-balancing mechanisms. The ECS helps in maintaining homeostasis in all human physiological systems, keeping them working in peaceful coexistence. The human body has its own natural cannabinoids for the regulation of biological functions. For example, stress raises the stress hormone cortisol in your blood, which increases endocannabinoid production. Endocannabinoids rise with stress levels to balance cortisol levels in the blood.
Best of all, CBD is a non-psychoactive, endogenous (your body creates it), relaxing agent in the human body that regulates biological functions by way of endogenous cannabinoid receptors.
ECS Composition
The ECS operates with the keylock model, where cannabinoids function as keys in the endocannabinoid system, and the receptors act as locks. Each time a key fits into a lock, it causes something to happen inside the body.
The ECS is composed of three main elements:
- Endocannabinoids
- Enzymes
- Receptors
There are two primary forms of endocannabinoids in the body. 2AG is the most common endocannabinoid that regulates hunger, pain, response, and other activities through the immune system. Anandamide is known for producing the runner's high and joyful moods resulting from exercise and meditation.
Enzymes work in the ECS to recycle spent endocannabinoids once the body has used them up. Cannabinoids are one of the major groups of active compounds that send messages from the receptors of the ECS.
Types of Receptors
There are two main types of receptors: First, CB1, located in the brain and spinal cord, functions in the act of repressing appetite, memory, and pain. Second, CB2 is found in various locations throughout the immune system and is primarily involved in reducing inflammation throughout the body.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) performs a variety of functions in different parts of the body, but the ECS always has one goal: balance, also referred to as homeostasis. The homeostasis system tends to preserve the body's stability in the face of the inevitable changes and fluctuations in the external physical and mental environment.
This unique mechanism is the reason for the clinical application of medicinal cannabis. Now that you know how CBD Oil works, it can help reduce your anxiety or serious pain.
Natural Endocannabinoids vs. External Cannabinoids
The body produces these chemicals naturally. Exogenous cannabinoids, on the other hand, are substances outside your body—think CBD and THC.
These are the phytocannabinoids derived from plants, functionally similar to endogenous cannabinoids produced by the human body. However, due to lifestyle changes and chronic diseases, our body may not produce sufficient endogenous cannabinoids, leading to imbalances that can be regulated by natural cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBG, etc.
Phytocannabinoids have been used in balancing the ECS. Throughout history, civilizations like those in China and India have recognized the medicinal properties of cannabis and hemp for curative medical treatment.
Do We Really Need CBD or THC?
Even though our body can produce endocannabinoids naturally, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and other factors can hinder their production, resulting in biological imbalances and diseases like chronic inflammation, poor immunological response, depression, and anxiety.
Just as we utilize essential oils for a pleasant aroma in our homes, ancient civilizations could harness the properties of plants to support their health.
CBD and THC extracts have been administered in oil form to heal human diseases by reversing the natural changes that occur in the endocannabinoid system.
Modern-Day Remedies
Examples of modern remedies include combined extracts such as Cannabidiol Oil and THC: CBD. Notably, cannabis is the only plant known to scientifically produce anandamide, a chemical that contributes to feelings of well-being, relaxation, and happiness.