The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is made up of a group of cannabinoid receptors that naturally exist in humans and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids that the body produces on its own). Cannabinoid receptors exist throughout the body — in the brain, organs, tissue, immune cells. There are two cannabinoid receptors that have been identified, thus far — CB1 and CB2. Researchers believe that there may be up to five different cannabinoid receptors that exist within the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the body’s nervous system, specifically in the brain. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the body’s immune system.

Researchers have found that CB1 receptors are directly linked to THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for getting people “high” or “stoned”. CB2 receptors are linked to CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that possesses many medical benefits like:

  • anti-inflammatory
  • antispasmodic (effective for muscle spasms)
  • antiepileptic (effective for epileptic seizures)
  • antiemetic (effective for nausea)
  • antipsychotic
  • neuroprotective

When a person’s endocannabinoid system becomes disrupted or “broken”, a person is likely to become ill. His/her body cannot produce endocannabinoids to keep its endocannabinoid system in balance. How does one fix this?

Phytocannabinoids! Phytocannabinoids is a term to describe cannabinoids that are produced by plants, mainly cannabis sativa (industrial hemp/marijuana).

So, if someone falls ill, it is likely that their endocannabinoid system is out of balance and is unable to bring it back into balance with its own endocannabinoids. A CBD supplement may help fix the problem.