Key Takeaways

• The ECS primarily helps in homeostasis and is pivotal to the normal functioning of the body.
• That CBD can be found directly working within the cannabinoid receptors located inside the human body is false.
• On the contrary, it prevents the breakdown of the endocannabinoids and changes the amount of endocannabinoids in the body.

Cannabidiol, or, succinctly, CBD, is another compound that has recently made headlines because of the medical benefits it has to society. Whether it is the palliative treatment of nausea, generalized anxiety, or even a plethora of other issues, purely isolable CBD in any of its forms has been considered quite an invincible weapon. But then again, how exactly does it affect the endocannabinoid system, the system of the brain that is responsible for ensuring that all states within the body can return to stable homeostasis?

What is the Role of the Endocannabinoid System?

Endocannabinoid System refers to a broad physiological system that includes three structural elements.

• Endocannabinoids: These are chemicals produced in the body that are structurally related to cannabinoids obtained from cannabis sativa plants.
• Activation of cannabinoid receptors: These are the proteins found in the cellular membrane that are responsible for binding with endocannabinoids. The most well-known is CB1. It’s situated mainly in the brain and some parts of the central nervous system, whereas the second sub-type, CB2, is situated within the immune system and peripheral organs.
• Enzymes: Enzymes are quite a lot as they perform one of the most important internal procedures of degrading endocannabinoids after they have performed their duties.

The ECS allows almost all processes in the human organism. It affects such processes as emotional state, reaction towards pain, immune reaction, and even the sleeping state.

How Does CBD Affect ECS?

There is one active component found in cannabis plants called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main contributor to giving the body the feeling of getting high. This can function through these receptors located within the body. However, CBD will be utilized with the ECS but not incorporated into the system.

Here’s how CBD gets the job done:

Inhibits Breakdown of Endocannabinoids: CBD opposes the action of fatty acid-amide hydrolase (FAAH), which normally metabolizes an endogenous agonist anandamide. As a neurotransmitter, anandamide (commonly referred to as the bliss molecule) assists in the regulation of stress, mood, and pain levels. Thus, since anandamide is less metabolized due to cannabidiol’s (CBD) action, higher brain levels of anandamide may have positive effects on mood and factors related to chronic pain.

Receptor Activity is Regulated: CBD can alter THC binding with the CB1 receptors. This is the main reason why it is expected to diminish the psychotropic effect induced by THC. 

Interaction with Non-ECS Receptors: In addition to the ECS, an effect of CBD is also seen in non-cell central systems. CBD has proven able to affect numerous receptors, including the following:

• Body receptors like TRPV1 play a part in pain, inflammation, and temperature regulation of the body.
  
• Receptors like GPR55 may have a role in blood pressure control and bone density regulation.

Thus CBD, due to its additional receptor targets, is useful in many other areas, including anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, and anti-anxiety activity.

4. Reduces the Stress of Oxidation and the Causes of the inflammatory response.

On the other hand, CBD has been found to possess very good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that is very helpful in dealing with oxidative stress, which is caused by high levels of free radicals above the amount that can be handled by the available antioxidants. This benefits the neurons (brain tissues) as it cuts down the inflammatory actions within the body, improving brain health.

What are the Possible Positive Effects of CBD via the ECS?

Considering that ECS is more of a broad spectrum and allows for the modulation of quite a number of processes, there are some benefits that the wapping of ECS with CBD may bring:

• Management of pain: Helps in the management of some chronic pains, especially in cases of arthritis and neuropathic pain, through elevating anandamide levels and acting on TRPV1 channels.
• Combating Anxiety and Depression: There is the treatment of anxiety and depression by CBD acting upon the serotonin receptors as well as working upon the changes of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide.
• Neuroprotective: It is hoped that such antioxidant activity will thwart the death of non-dividing cells, including those in the brain, thus devising a novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
• Down-Regulation of Inflammation: Within specific illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, or even some autoimmune diseases, there is a chance of helping with diseases through the use of CBD with respect to how the compound interacts with the CB2 receptors and has anti-inflammatory effects.

What is the nature of CBD and the ECS?

The endocannabinoid system is a little bit more personal, as people respond differently to CBD depending on how well their ECS system functions, their genetic makeup, and also their health plan. While a few will only need a little bit of this substance and have the desired response, some people may necessarily need more in order to achieve wellness.

Conclusion

Simply put, CBD is not THC and does not try to act like it. It does affect the endocannabinoid system, however, in a manner that encourages the activity of the endocannabinoids, decreases inflammation of the tissues, and lessens pain and stress.