What is the Endocannabinoid System?
Mammals, such as humans, have an endocannabinoid system.
A formal definition says the endocannabinoid system "is a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors located in the mammalian brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, consisting of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors."
In layman terms, in simple words: it is a vital system that affects just about every other system.
How do I make my Endocannabinoid System Healthy?
Cannabinoids are vital to achieving and maintaining a healthy endocannabinoid system. Cannabis sativa L. is one of the few sources of cannabinoids. There are over 100 cannabinoids in the plant, with research showing that they work best synergistically.
What do Cannabinoids Do?
Cannabinoids affect the user's endocannabinoid system by interacting with specific receptors, located within different parts of the central nervous system. Two kinds of cannabinoid receptors have been found to date and are termed CB1 and CB2. A substance that occurs naturally within the brain and binds to CB1 receptors was discovered in 1992 and termed "anandamide." Additional naturally occurring substances that bind to CB1 have since been discovered, and these, together with the receptors are termed the "endogenous cannabinoid system."
The actual effects that the cannabinoids have reflect the areas of the brain they interact with. Interactions tend to occur in our limbic system (the part of the brain that affects memory, cognition and psychomotor performance) and mesolimbic pathway (activity in this region is associated with feelings of reward) and are also widely distributed in areas of pain perception.
Marijuana Cannabinoid Classifications
The cannabinoids found in marijuana plants are grouped by the extent to which they are psychologically active, altering the user's state of mind. While there are over a hundred cannabinoid found so far in the plant, only the most prevalent have research available.
Cannabinoids Subclasses
- Cannabidiols (CBD) (non-psychoactive);
- Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) (psychoactive);
- Cannabigerols (CBG);
- Cannabichromenes (CBC);
- Cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL);
- Other cannabinoids (such as cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabitriol (CBT) and other miscellaneous types).
Controlled Research
CBD
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid, contributing up to 40% of cannabis resin. Interestingly, CBD may actually have anti-anxiety effects and lessen the psychoactive effects of THC. This means that a plant with a greater percentage of CBD may reduce the intensity of the effects of the THC. Use of a cannabis plant with more CBD has been shown to have an increased psychological impact and result in more mood stability and happiness.
CBN
When THC is exposed to air it oxidizes and forms CBN. CBN is only very weakly psychoactive and, like CBD, interacts with THC to reduce its effects. This is why cannabis that has been left out unused will have increasing amounts of CBN and decreasing amounts of THC and thus lose potency.
Why will Synthetic always be Inferior?
Scientists are still learning about the natural cannabinoids we each are born with and depend on. What we do know is that they are vital and CBD supplements have obvious medical value.
Much of the research on CBD has been done by pharmaceutical companies in search of the highest profit from desperate people. They need a synthetic version to profit the most, although it is the synergy between multiple cannabinoids that works best. Synthetic substitutes have proven negative side effects and unknown risks to your endocannabinoid system, too.
To get the most benefits and achieve a balanced body use organic, whole-plant CBD oil.
Getting the Perfect Amount of CBD
Our goal is to help you find the right amount of CBD to bring your endocannabinoid system to a perfect balance. While there aren't any side effects to taking too much CBD oil, there are not any benefits and it does prevent reaching the optimal homeostasis.