What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, and it’s one of more than 113 active compounds found in the flowers and leaves of the Cannabis/Hemp plant. It acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system, creating physical changes in the body, which can be beneficial in many ways. In recent times, it has become increasingly understood that taking CBD oil, a product made from Cannabidiol, can have a positive influence on many aspects of life and health.
How Does CBD Work?
Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive. This allows for benefits from the many health properties of the Cannabis/Hemp plant without “getting high.” What allows it to effectively help, and maintain health and wellness in the body, is how the cannabinoids found in CBD interact with the receptors throughout the body. CBD has become a very popular option for those seeking a natural alternative type of care.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System?
Let's break down the word "endocannabinoid." "Cannabinoid" comes from "cannabis," and "endo" is short for "endogenous," which means that it’s produced naturally inside of our bodies. So "endocannabinoid" simply means cannabis-like substances that naturally occur inside us.
The ECS (Endocannabinoid Sysytem) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipidbased retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the mammalian central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. The ECS (Endocannabinoid System) is responsible for the overall wellbeing of the human body.
The Endocannabinoid System is crucial for homeostasis, which is our body's efforts to keep everything in the right zone, and is essential to our health and survival. The ECS maintains the internal environment of the body, creating stability at optimal levels. It works continuously to monitor important functions throughout the body. When our body is operating outside of the optimal range, the ECS is activated to make proper adjustments. The ECS will activate through cannabinoid receptors found in select tissues and organs.
The two main types of cannabinoid receptors within the body are:
Located in the central nervous system (brain and nerves Located in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your of the spinal cord).
Located in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your of the spinal cord). extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system.