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Every individual has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that plays a crucial role in the body. In fact, it doesn’t just serve the process it got its name, which is interacting with cannabinoids. If you wish to find out more about its role and the effect it has, this guide is the right one for you. Let’s get started. 

What is the ECS?

The word ‘cannabinoid’ comes from cannabis, whereas ‘endo’ means internal of the human body. In that sense, endocannabinoid refers to substances that our very own body generates inside. The system itself is made up of three parts: endocannabinoids, enzymes to break down the cannabinoids and endocannabinoids, as well as receptors in the nervous system all around the human body, which endocannabinoids bond with. 

The ECS is a natural part of every individual’s body, and it plays a crucial role. The research in this field shows that the way it interacts with cannabinoids from outside sources and endocannabinoids leads scientists to believe that the part of the ECS is to contribute to homeostasis. Research also enhances the belief that cannabinoids from external sources can significantly help to this process, more importantly, CBD. 

What makes the ECS so important for homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the ability of the human body to maintain good balance and keep the internal environment stable, regardless of the outside stimuli. Your body is constantly monitoring how important functions are being handled. Is your temperature within a reasonable range? What about your hormone levels? If something seems off, the ECS steps in to correct the problem. For example, when you are feeling hot, it is the ECS that you have to thank for the cooling effect of sweat. 

The way that the ECS achieves this is via some receptors in tissues. So far, scientists have identified two significant receptors: 

• CB1 – this receptor is in the nerves of the spinal cord and brain, i.e. what essentially makes the central nervous system. 
  
  
• CB2 – this receptor is in the peripheral nervous system, the digestive system and some of the specialised cells of the immune system. 
  
  

Scientists estimate that all of these cannabinoid receptors make for the most plentiful in our nervous system. Some even speculate the possibility that there is a third yet undiscovered receptor as well. In any case, the function of these receptors is an important one. They regulate a ton of essential functions, such as mood, sleep, memory, pain, motor control, immune function, digestion, appetite, fertility/reproduction and more. 

The body only activates the parts of the ECS that it needs to. For instance, if the reproductive hormones are not balanced, ECS will only regulate them, without doing any alterations in the immune or digestive system. Its response is, therefore, a precise one. 

What role do receptors and enzymes play?

When cannabinoids from outside enter the ECS, they affect the receptors. For instance, THC, the major cannabinoid in marijuana attaches to the brain and thus creates a feeling of high. Not all cannabinoids have the same effect. For example, CBD is another one that has gotten a lot of attention, as it lacks the same effect as its cousin THC.

Endocannabinoid deficiency

If there is dysregulation in the system, clinical endocannabinoid deficiency may occur. This condition encompasses other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and fibromyalgia. One of the possible ways to correct deficiencies in the system is by implementing CBD products, which serve this purpose. 

Knowing more about the endocannabinoid system is definitely a good idea, as it helps us better understand cannabinoids and their effect on people. 

© MariPharm

CBD research is on the rise, as it is showing promising results in treating various conditions and illnesses. More and more people are discovering CBD oil in its many forms. It is a good thing that word of this cannabinoid is spreading, although the legal difficulties countries are experiencing with products related to it. That way, more people can make informed decisions about implementing it as a supplement on their way to better wellbeing and health. 

Still, despite all of the buzz, many know little about CBD, or only know myths about it, which is so good. If you have an interest in CBD, it is a good idea to educate yourself on the different aspects that surround it, so that you can make the most of it. Here are some of the well-known facts: 

This is only one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant

Cannabidiol is not the only compound found in cannabis. In fact, there are more than 100 compounds found within the plant, of which CBD shows the most potential in regards to an effect on the body. The products that feature CBD basically contain concentrated cannabidiol. 

It doesn’t get you high

Unlike THC, which is another one of the more popular compounds of the cannabis plant, CBD lacks psychoactive properties. THC is the main ingredient of marijuana, as it does make people feel high.  However, CBD lacks the same properties, unless the concentration of THC inside them is also rather high. 

Always check for THC content

In theory, CBD products should only contain trace amounts of THC. Manufacturers should create their solutions with no more than 0.3 per cent THC in anything they want to label as a CBD product. When you are considering one product or another, make a point to see how much THC is in it. After all, THC can easily intoxicate people, especially children. 

Consult the label

Obviously, you need to read the label of the product before trying it out. For one, you have to ensure the levels of THC are not higher and that there is enough CBD concentration in there for the solution to work. If you ever check out a CBD product and they don’t have that information listed, then that is a big red flag you should consider. 

There are actually different types of CBD

Isolates, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum are all distinctive forms of CBD. They are also the three main types of CBD you will find on the market. Isolate is a pure form of concentrated CBD. Full-spectrum involves a lot more compounds, like cannabinoids, terpenes and fatty acids. Broad-spectrum is the middle ground between these two types. 

Choosing your dosage is not an exact science

At best, there are general guidelines in regards to the doses, and there aren’t any strict rules. Finding out what works best for you is mostly a matter of trial and error. As with medications, it is a good idea first to try a small dose and then gradually work up until you find the optimal dose for you. Many experts recommend 10 milligrams three times a day as a starter dose and making adjustments to that weekly. 

As you can see, there is a lot to consider in regards to CBD. Educating yourself on the qualities of the product and its effect will improve your success with it. 

© MariPharm

A couple of decades ago, researchers of Tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC for short, discovered the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The system is a complex cell-signalling one, which is present in every human being. Scientists are still exploring the characteristics of this system and what it does. However, enough is known already about it to determine it plays a crucial role in regulating some of the essential processes in the human body, such as: 

• Mood 
• Appetite
• Sleep 
• Fertility and reproduction
• Memory 

Now, what many people don’t realise is that the ECS doesn’t solely function when your body receives compounds from the cannabis plant. In fact, since the ECS is so important, it is functional at all times. 

So How Does The ECS Work?

Three components make the ECS: endocannabinoids, enzymes and receptors. Let’s describe each of them in greater detail. 

Endocannabinoids

Also referred to as endogenous cannabinoids, these are molecules that our bodies produce. In a way, they are very similar to endocannabinoids, but there is one major difference: the body produces them. Scientists have found two different endocannabinoids: Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Their main function is to maintain homeostasis within the body, i.e. ensure all of the internal functions are running normally. The body produces them whenever they are needed, making it difficult to determine the typical levels. 

Endocannabinoid Receptors

These are receptors which the endocannabinoids bind to, essentially signalling the need for the ECS to take some action. There are two kinds of receptors: CB1 and CB2. The former are located in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoids bind to both of these receptors, but the effect they lead to differing based on where the receptor is located. For instance, if the compounds target the CB1 receptors in the spinal nerves, this will leave to pain relief. Others will bind to CB2 receptors in the immune cells to signal inflammation. 

Enzymes

Enzymes break down the endocannabinoids once their mission is complete. Fatty acid amide hydrolase is responsible for breaking down AEA, while Monoacylglycerol acid lipase breaks down 2-AG. 

What Are The Functions Of The Endocannabinoid System?

The functions of the ECS are rather complicated and research on them is still ongoing. Still, scientists link the function of the system to many processes: motor control, mood, metabolism, chronic pain, digestion and appetite, sleep, stress, nerve and skin function, muscle formation, inflammation, bone remodelling and growth, etc. 

All of these functions contribute to homeostasis, or in other words, the internal environment. For instance, when an outside source, like fever or injury, for example, disrupts the homeostasis of the body, the Endocannabinoid system kicks in to restore the body to its ideal operational parameters. 

How Do Plant Cannabinoids Interact With ECS?

There are two main cannabinoid compounds that we will describe here: THC and CBD. 

Let’s Explain What Happens With THC

When THC enters the body, in interacts with the ECS and it can bind to both receptors. That is why it is considered quite powerful in that regard. It is also why it affects both the body and mind, some of which can be beneficial, while others not so much. 

How Does CBD Interact With The ECS?

The major difference between CBD and THC lies with the way it binds to the receptors. Some experts say it works to prevent endocannabinoids from being broken down completely, essentially allowing them to have a better effect on the body. 

There is still plenty more to learn about the Endocannabinoid system and research on the matter is still ongoing. 

© MariPharm 

CBD-rich oil and all of the products that it involves has become a popular option for many people around the world. Ongoing research suggests that it has various uses, which everyone can explore. The focus is shifting from whether cannabis-derived CBD works to how it can be used for maximum effect.

If you are still new on the subject, you will be more than interested in finding out more about CBD. In this article, you will discover a few of the more important aspects of these products and the best way to take them.

First, let’s learn more about CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis plants. It is non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive and, according to recent studies, highly therapeutic. Health professionals, scientists and people who are trying it out for various conditions have increased interest in the matter. Studies are focusing on the effect that CBD has on a biological and physiological level. Cannabidiol is yet to become more widely used and accepted, and the research surrounding it is definitely helping this.

How do you best take CBD? 

When you think about the best way to take CBD, you need to consider dosage. To achieve the desired effect, you want an optimal dose for the desired duration and as little or none side effects. There aren’t just inhalable solutions available out there, but also oils, sprays and drops, which you can consider for the same effect. The way of administration outlines the onset time, as well as the duration of the effect. You can apply CBD solutions topically, take them orally or sublingually. As a general rule of thumb, oral administration provides a great duration of the effect (4 hours or more), but there is a much slower onset of 30-90 minutes.

What is an optimal dosage? 

The most effective dosage for CBD is tough to determine. Sometimes as little as few milligrams to a gram will do the job, whereas in other cases you may need to take more, depending on the concentration of the product. There are just too many factors to take into account. Concentration is one thing and how many times during the day you take the solution is another one. In order to get the right dosage for the desired effect, you have to adopt a self-observation method and take note of the effects. That will give you an idea of how much or how little you need for the best results. It is always preferable to start off small and increase the dosage afterwards if it is not doing as intended. There is another thing to consider: the THC in the product. This is the psychoactive compound of cannabis, and normally you wouldn’t want a product with a high concentration of it. There is hardly a chance to overdose on CBD but bear in mind that a moderate dose is much more effective than a high dose.

What to look for when choosing a CBD-rich product?

One of the most important details about CBD products is the CBD to THC ratio, so look for a product that has this information on the label. Pick your products from a company that is certified and lab tests all of their products. That way you will know the qualities of the product are consistent with the effect you are after.

This article may not provide everything you need to know about CBD, but it does give you the basics. With this information, you can definitely decide on whether CBD products are right for you and how to make the best use of them.

For additional guides on CBD, check with MariPharm.

© MariPharm