Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) was named after the cannabinoids found in cannabis. We did that because we never knew about ECS until the research on cannabis enlightened us. Researchers found ECS in the year 1990 while exploring THC.
Then, researchers found more about the CB1 and CB2 receptors. In due course, they also explored a lot about the relation between the endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids. We will learn more about the ECS and its connection with CBD.
Let’s take a quick outlook…
Endocannabinoids, neuro-receptors, and neurotransmitters combine to form the endocannabinoid system. (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for our body functions. Endogenous cannabinoids deal with the receptors to boost the brain and body coordination. Exogenous cannabinoids (cannabis-derived cannabinoids) also can do the same in our endocannabinoids system.
What are the key constituents in the ECS?
Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are the chemicals found in the brain that send signals to the receptors.
Receptors: Receptors receives the signals and imply the same with the body cells.
Endocannabinoids: These are the endogenous cannabinoids that work closely with the receptors. It activates the receptors to speed up the body functions and immune functions. Our body can produce these endocannabinoids as necessary.
Cannabinoids: These are lipid substance that is found in the cannabis Sativa plant varieties. This lipid substance from cannabis Sativa has the abilities of the endogenous cannabinoids.
What are the functions of ECS?
There are two key endocannabinoids, namely Anandamides and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. And, there are these key receptors CB1 and CB2. The endocannabinoids links with these receptors to manage and maintain certain functions in the body.
With more research in this area researchers are hoping to uncover the full potential of CBD and other cannabinoids on our body and functions.
What is the connection between CBD and the ECS?
Cannabis was widely used in past centuries. Several countries banned marijuana since the majority of people started using it for recreational purposes. Cannabis produces hundreds of of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBC, CBDA, and so on. Researches reveal that these exogenous cannabinoids can influence our ECS.
Furthermore, it becomes clear that cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive. Several ongoing studies and researches are trying to discover the actual health benefits of exogenous cannabinoids.
Since the ECS doesn’t impact the functionalities of the heart and lungs, and that is the primary reason why high-doses of cannabinoids don’t result in fatality. We require a lot more studies and researches to reveal the therapeutic effects of exogenous cannabinoids on the ECS.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex mechanism that acts as a connection between the brain and our body cells. Both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids can influence the ECS functions.
These exogenous cannabinoids may be psychoactive and non-psychoactive. Cannabinoids are available abundantly in the cannabis Sativa plant family. Several pieces of research have already given us insight into the cannabinoids and our immune system. However, we still need a lot more such scientific evidence to make it a legal drug.