We all know that CBD has been having a moment lately. And for a good reason! This natural compound offers a variety of potential therapeutic benefits with few side effects. But how does it work?

What is CBD?

First, here's a refresher course on CBD. The popular hemp compound is short for cannabidiol, one of over 100 cannabinoids the hemp plant produces. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you high. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible for the high caused by the cannabis plant. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that only contains trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less), so it's impossible to get high from CBD products made from hemp.

CBD works by interacting with the human body naturally through the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

But what's ECS? It's a biological system of receptors and molecules that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. It helps keep our bodies balanced, regulating various functions like pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep.

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the scientist who discovered THC, is also credited with discovering the human endocannabinoid system in the early 1990s. He and his team studied how THC affected the brain when they made their groundbreaking discovery.

The endogenous cannabinoid system comprises endocannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors and help regulate various bodily functions.

Think of them as the keys that unlock the doors to the multiple systems in our bodies, influencing everything from the nervous system to the peripheral immune cells.

The two primary cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2.

The CB1 receptor is predominantly found in the brain and central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, while CB2 receptors are primarily in the immune system. Both are present throughout the body.

Enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they've done their job. The two main enzymes are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide, and MAGL, which breaks down 2-AG. These endocannabinoids are crucial to working with the body to maintain homeostasis (balance) in the body. Simply put, they help keep the endocannabinoids in our bodies in check.

The ECS is a complex system still at the forefront of medical science. But we know it plays a vital role in keeping our bodies functioning correctly and expect it to play a significant role in future medical advances, including drug discovery with the development of synthetic cannabinoids.

Now that we've reviewed the basics of CBD and the ECS let's take a closer look at the system.

How Do Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids Differ?

Phytocannabinoids or exogenous cannabinoids are compounds that come from plants, like CBD and THC. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced naturally by the body. The most well-known endocannabinoid is the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide, nicknamed the "bliss molecule." Think of these as lock and critical systems. Endocannabinoids fit perfectly into the cannabinoid receptor, like a hand in a glove.

CBD works by mimicking the effects of endocannabinoids. It binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and helps regulate various bodily functions. CBD also inhibits the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, allowing them to stay in the system longer and do their job more effectively.

THC binds directly to the CB1 receptor. Therefore, THC produces psychoactive effects. It's also why CBD won't get you high.

2-AG is another endocannabinoid that binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Research shows it has many therapeutic implications for pain relief, inflammation, appetite, and immune function.

There are also a few other endocannabinoids, like noladin ether, virodhamine, and N-arachidonoylglycine (NAGly). These are still in the early stages of research, and we know little about them.

Endocannabinoids are like phytocannabinoids in structure but have different effects on the body. We know they play an essential role in maintaining balance, but we're still learning how they affect humans and all mammals with an endocannabinoid system.

Now that you know the difference between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids let's look at how they work together.

How Does CBD Work with the ECS?

CBD works with the system in a few different ways.

First, it helps increase levels of endocannabinoids. CBD does this by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down. This means that endocannabinoids can do their job for longer.

CBD also binds to cannabinoid receptors. This process helps regulate various bodily functions, like pain, inflammation, mood, and sleep. It's thought to affect CB2 receptors, which is why it's often used to relieve inflammation.

CBD also has an indirect effect on CB1 receptors. This change occurs because it inhibits the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, the endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors. By doing this, CBD indirectly increases levels of anandamide.

What Are the Functions of the ECS?

Research shows that the ECS is involved in many functions. Keep reading to learn about a few of the most well-studied ones.

PAIN RELIEF
CBD and THC bind to the receptors and may help with pain control. Studies show cannabinoids are effective at reducing pain related to inflammation, like arthritis pain. The CBD/ECS combo may work by producing an inflammatory response, which is often the root cause of pain.

Other pain types, like chronic pain, are more complicated. CBD may help by reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. They need more research to understand how it works.

MOOD
Research shows that the ECS plays a role in regulating mood. Anandamide, the endocannabinoid that binds to the CB1 receptor, has been linked to happiness and feelings of well-being. Professionals are studying the ECS and CBD for evidence it can help with several mood-related disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The ECS may also play a role in PTSD and addiction.

How does it work? We don't know for sure. It may have to do with the fact that CBD interacts with several neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood. Serotonin handles anxiety and depression, while research links dopamine to focus, energy, and motivation.

INFLAMMATION
The ECS is involved in reducing inflammation. CBD and THC bind to the cannabinoid receptors and may help regulate the inflammatory response. This includes both the innate immune responses and the adaptive response.

The innate response is the body's natural defense against infection. The adaptive response is when the body produces specific antibodies to fight a particular pathogen. Together, these two systems protect the body from illness and disease.

CBD directly interacts with the CB2 receptors, potentially reducing inflammation by regulating the inflammatory response. To simplify, this means that CBD may help reduce inflammation by modulating the body's natural defense mechanisms.

APPETITE
The endocannabinoid system is also involved in regulating appetite. THC binds to CB1 receptors and increases appetite. CBD may have the opposite effect.

Endocannabinoids can do their job for longer, which may help reduce appetite. Research suggests that it may help reduce appetite by modulating the ECS. It works by inhibiting the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids.

CBD may also affect the body's production of hunger hormones. Ghrelin is a hormone that increases appetite, while leptin is a hormone that decreases appetite. CBD may help reduce appetite by reducing ghrelin levels and increasing leptin levels.

BONE HEALING & FORMATION
CBD may also help with bone healing and formation. This is because of its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. CBD may encourage decreased inflammation and preserve nerve cells, which are critical for bone healing.

It seems like the possibilities are endless with the endocannabinoid system. Research is still in its early stages, but we're slowly learning more about how this system works and what it can do for our health.

Future studies involving CBD and cancer cells, immune cells, and clinical endocannabinoid deficiency can help researchers better understand the role of ECS and cannabinoids like CBD.

CBD is a safe, non-addictive, and natural way to support the ECS. You can take CBD oil by mouth, apply it to your skin, or even vape it. If you're looking for a way to support your health, try Medigreens Nano CBD Oil.