In recent years there has been increased interest in the possible health effects andBenefits of cannabisincreased greatly. Much of this interest has focused on the cannabinoids CBD and THC. First discovered in the 1940s, CBD has recently become increasingly popular as a natural treatment for a number of medical conditions. What exactly CBD is and how it works in the body can be found in the following lines.
The abbreviation CBD stands for “cannabidiol” and it is the second most common chemical compound in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning you cannot get “high” from consuming it. There are currently 113 known cannabinoids, each playing a role in the endocannabinoid system. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN) are two other well-known types of cannabinoids. THC is the phytocannabinoid that produces a psychoactive effect and is associated with marijuana.
CBD is obtained as oil from the cannabis plant through various extraction processes. The CBD oil is then used in a variety of different products – capsules, ointments, sprays and much more. You can find more information about their application oncbdolkaufen.defind.
The endocannabinoid system simply explained:
THC and CBD affect thisEndocannabinoidsystemfrom, a system that plays an important role in maintaining mental-physical homeostasis. Let’s look at the word “endocannabinoid.” “Cannabinoid” comes from “cannabis” and “Endo” is short for “endogenous,” which means coming from within. “Endocannabinoid” simply means cannabis-like substances that occur naturally in our bodies.
The ECS itself consists of three components:Endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes.
To understand the ECS, it is first helpful to understand whatHomeostasisis. Basically, homeostasis is your body's effort to keep all of the body's physiological functions in proper balance. When something is out of balance, your body activates the ECS to correct it. For example, if you feel too warm and start sweating, thank your ECS for working to cool you down. Stomach growling? This is your ECS reminding you to eat something because you need strength.
The ECS does this via cannabinoid receptors found in select areas of the body. There are two types ofCannabinoidrezeptoren: (A third cannabinoid receptor called GPR55 is now being discussed.)
- CB1 receptors,which are located in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord) and are responsible for controlling coordination, movement, pain, appetite, memory, mood and other functions.
- CB2 receptors, which are found in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system. These affect pain and inflammation.
Through these receptors, the ECS can regulate many important functions in the body, such as:
– Appetit
– Digestion
– Immune function
–Inflammation, including neuroinflammation
- Mood
- Sleep
– Potency/fertility
– Motor
– Temperature control
– Memory
– Sensation of pain
- Enjoyment
Once the endocannabinoids have done their job and brought things into balance, certain ones come alongEnzymeinto play to break them down and prevent the balance from shifting in the opposite direction. It's a very precise reaction.
The role of receptors and enzymes
When someone smokes marijuana, the phytocannabinoid THC binds to the CB1 receptor in the brain. One of your own endocannabinoids that binds to the same receptor is called anandamide. Anandamide has similar effects to THC, but is more sedative than intoxicating. In fact, it gets its name from “Ananda,” the Sanskrit word for bliss. A known function of CBD in the brain is to prevent the FAAH enzyme from breaking down anandamide, allowing this endogenous cannabinoid to have a greater effect. This is why it is believed that CBD can help treat anxiety disorders.
In the brain, cannabinoids and endocannabinoids act as neurotransmitters (chemical messengers that deliver information from one cell to the next). Neurotransmitters all interact with many different receptors and therefore have many different effects. Researchers believe that CBD does not bind directly to the receptor, but influences it in some way. Activation of these receptors is what enables many of the health benefits.
Possible benefits of activating CB1 receptors:
– Reduced anxiety and depression
– Lower blood pressure
– Relief from intestinal inflammation
Potential Benefits of Activating CB2 Receptors
– Help with alcohol and nicotine addiction
– Increase in appetite
– Help with neurodegenerative diseases
– Reduction of chronic pain
– Reduction of inflammation
– Improved stress response
Conclusion
There is still much to be researched when it comes to the endocannabinoid system and the role of CBD. However, it is clear that CBD has a positive effect on the endocannabinoid system and can be useful in treating a variety of different medical conditions. TheResearch on possible uses of CBDcontinues to increase.
