The human being is a very complex organism, this is because many processes occur within our body at all times and a large number of these processes are regulated by the endocannabinoid system. Today we will explain what this system is and its importance for the proper functioning of our body.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
This system is composed of several sets of receptors, which are responsible for regulating essential functions in the human body, vertebrate animals and some invertebrates.
These essential functions include appetite, pain sensation, sleep cycle, body temperature and even glucose levels.
The receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system are known as cannabinoid receptors, which are found in our brain, organs, central and peripheral nervous system, tissues, glands and immune cells, in other words almost everywhere except the medulla oblongata.
What are the receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system was discovered in the 1990s while researchers were conducting a study on the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, in this case THC. During this study it was discovered that there were two main receptors called CB1 and CB2, the researchers not only made the discovery of these receptors, but also found that they were far more abundant than any other neurotransmitter in the brain.
These receptors interact with both endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body, as well as with phytocannabinoids produced by plants, such as CBD and THC. Let’s take a closer look at the main endocannabinoid receptors in our body.
CB1 receptors
These receptors are most abundant in the brain, from the hippocampus to the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia, hypothalamus and amygdala, in virtually all areas responsible for physiological and mental processes, such as memory, higher cognition, emotions, appetite and even motor skills. THC, which is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It has a special relationship with CB1 receptors, which is why this component of the plant is used to stimulate CB1 receptors to regulate pain and even enhance stem cell migration and brain cell growth.
CB2 receptors
Unlike CB1 receptors, CB2 receptors are more concentrated in the immune and nervous system, although they can also be found in the gut, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands and reproductive organs.
The cannabinoid known as CBD or cannabidiol by its unabbreviated name, interacts greatly with the CB2 receptors, which is why today CBD is used to treat various ailments, since by interacting with our endocannabinoid system it provides us with its anti-inflammatory, relaxing, anti-convulsive, etc. properties.
We can conclude that CB1 receptors are responsible for psychoactivity in our body, while CB2 receptors regulate our immune system, pain response and inflammatory processes in our body.
We could say that the endocannabinoid system regulates almost every physiological process in our body, and studies have even concluded that this set of receptors influences the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in better digestion. In addition, it is also believed that this system can regulate fertility in both women and men.
What are the main endocannabinoids?
The main endocannabinoids involved in the endocannabinoid system are known as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG). These are produced by our body when the neurons in our brain need them, let’s look at a hypothetical case of how our body can produce endocannabinoids in case of need.
If a person suffers from a stroke, it can have side effects such as neuropathic pain, which is difficult to treat with traditional synthetic drugs. One of the neurotransmitters present in such cases is glutamate, but if present in excessive amounts it can make the pain worse rather than better and even cause cell death. That is why our body produces endocannabinoids to regulate glutamate, reduce pain and cell death. THC and CBD interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, thus enhancing it.
Endocannabinoids are found in various systems in our body, which makes communication easier between different types of cells, such as immune cells, nerve cells and even organs in our body.
Another important aspect of the endocannabinoid system is that it can also produce biosynthetic enzymes which can produce or break down EAA and 2-AG. By interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors that make up this system, CBD can inhibit the breakdown of AEA, thus strengthening its effects.
Is the endocannabinoid system only found in humans?
Nothing could be further from the truth, this system can be found in all vertebrate animals and even in some invertebrates, which is why today you can find CBD products for dogs and even CBD for cats.
How is the endocannabinoid system activated?
Now that you know the important role of the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, you may be interested to know how you can activate it to its full potential. If you want to take advantage of an enhanced endocannabinoid system and all its benefits, the best way to do so is by using CBD, as it stimulates our cannabinoid receptors without the psychoactive effects that THC can leave behind. Discover our CBD oils.
Conclusion
Remember that the most important thing to have a healthy endocannabinoid system is to eat, take CBD, relax and sleep. An optimal endocannabinoid system will protect you from many ailments your body may suffer from, so remember taking CBD is taking care of your body.