What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and how does it interact w...

Did you know that your body produces it's own cannabinoids similar to CBD and THC? We have a system of naturally occurring cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor sites throughout our entire bodies! These endocannabinoids ("endo" meaning inside) and their receptors are called the Encocannabinoid System (ECS). They are primarily located in the brain and immune system but can also be found in organs, connective tissues and glands.

The ECS was discovered by an Israeli Organic Chemist, Dr Raphael Mechoulam, in the early 1990s and it's discovery shed new light on our health. The overall function of the ECS appears to be regulating homeostasis: the ability to maintain stable internal conditions. Disease or illness may be the result of failed homeostasis, so researchers are studying the ECS as a potential target for a variety of medical applications.

How does CBD interact with the ECS?

In my last post, we looked at Cannabidiol, the cannabis compound. CBD works like a switch to turn on the regulatory Endocannabinoid System.
When CBD is ingested, it enhances the endocannabinoid action because the ECS receptors are stimulated to produce their own cannabinoids. This inturn enhances the overall effect on the body to maintain equilibrium/balance. So when we take CBD, we are supplementing a naturally occurring cannabinoid system.
The ECS is responsible for regulating all sorts of bodily processes, including mood, metabolism, reproduction, pain and immune functions. Dr Russo (MD, psychopharmacology researcher and former Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals) believes that supplementing an impaired ECS with plant cannabinoids, like CBD, will bring it back to optimum function, thus provoking an improvement in any health associated conditions. Research has also shown that cannabinoids are able to target damaged cells while sparing normal cells.

CBD balancing the body

CBD is an incredibly versatile tool and can be used to regulate any given issue within the body as it aims to bring about homeostasis (balance) in these ways:
An effective treatment for neuropathic pain and inflammation
Triggers an inhibitory response that slows depression, anxiety, addiction, appetite, sleep, pain perception, nausea and vomiting
Has broad anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body
May act to decrease both bone reabsorption and cancer cell proliferation.
Can decrease dopamine release, thereby minimizing schizophrenic symptoms
CBD also opposes the action of THC at the CB1 receptor, thereby muting the psychoactive effects of THC

Cannabidiol seems to tap into the ECS balancing system to produce it's therapeutic effects as the compound has a similar chemical structure to those that our body naturally produces (endocannabinoids).

In Conclusion

In a nutshell, your ECS is responsible for making sure your entire body is working optimally — that is some challenge! This is why CBD has the possibility to help with a diverse range of health issues because it helps the ECS maintain equilibrium. So supplementing your diet with CBD, may help create a healthier endocannabinoid system and, therefore, a healthier you. Research is still ongoing and I was pleased to read a post by Hive account@doitvoluntarily about Oxford University starting research into the Endocannabinoid System.

The following video is called "What is CBD Good For? The Endocannabinoid System Explained" and provides a good analysis of CBD and the Endocannabinoid System.