The Endo Cannabinoid System

What is it?

The Endogenous Cannabinoid System is a biological network of chemical signals and receptors packed throughout out our bodies and brain that is responsible in controlling and regulating our most critical bodily functions including, alertness, temperature, hunger, among other things.

How Does It Work?

When our body needs to respond to any stimulus, molecules called endocannabinoids named after the molecules found in the cannabis plant are released in order to bind to special receptors in our body. These receptors which have been identified as CB1 and CB2, are located throughout the entire nervous system and periphery act as traffic signals to adjust, stop, or intensify an action.

Is It Real?

Very much so. However the discovery of the endocannabinoid is fairly modern and the full understanding of it is still in its infancy. The receptors weren’t cloned until the 1990’s. Unfortunately because of its connection to cannabis and marijuana the mention and study of it have sort of been shadowed by the stigma of their namesake. However the truth of the matter is that the ECS is one of the most essential systems in our body.

So How Does That Have to Do With CBD?

Well for starters our body communicates using a system of chemical signals that stimulate receptors that tells our brain to do something. It just so happens that these molecules are extremely similar to molecules found in the cannabis family of plants. We know them as Cannabidiol, Tetrahydrocannabinol, and hundreds more. In short these are botanical analogs for the molecules our body produces which as we mentioned earlier are named after the ones found in the plant. Each has a certain effect that comes along with it and depending on the method of use more or less steps in as a substitute when consumed. CBD just happens simulates receptors without giving you the psychoactive (high) of Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC).

Due to the prevalence of encodcannabinoid receptors in our body when something is off or wrong the ECS is most definitely involved. As such the use of CBD may help mitigate discomfort or “jump start” a response of other systems. Which is why we see the use of it for a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.

I’ve Tried it And it Doesn’t Work

As we like to say its a molecule not a miracle. As such it's an analog for a molecule produced in the body. Additionally not all CBD is made equal. Also the CBD content in a product may not be reaching the intended receptors. That’s why sometimes a balm might not be the best for sleep but a tincture might stabilize your nightly rest. We welcome you to try out different products to find the one that suits your needs.