CBD and the ECS: How it Works
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a dynamic and critical regulatory system in the human body that is composed of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes, working together to modulate various physiological processes and maintain homeostasis, or internal balance. Discovered relatively recently, in the 1990s, the ECS has been touted as being perhaps the most important physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining human health, with endocannabinoids being some of the most versatile and widespread molecules found in the body!
We are still at the dawn of an age of discovery of the ECS as scientists continue working to discover just how many physiological processes it affects and how many therapeutic benefits it can offer. This will revolutionize not only our understanding of how the body works but also how to maintain health and wellness and combat some of our most common and devastating diseases.
Discovery
The endocannabinoid system was discovered when scientists set upon exploring the effects of cannabis on the human body. In 1964 scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, along with his colleagues, Dr. Yehiel Gaoni and Dr. Haviv Edery, identified and isolated delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. This led to the revolutionary understanding that there must be receptors in the body that interact with these compounds. His total synthesis of THC, as well as other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), was the foundation of the burgeoning medical-cannabis industry, and, most importantly, the catalyst for the discovery of cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system in the human body about 30 years later.
Cannabinoid Receptors
In the early 1990’s researchers identified the first cannabinoid receptor, CB1, present in very high levels in several brain regions and the central nervous system. CB1 receptors, which outnumber many of the other receptors in the brain, function as regulatory agents, modulating the levels and functions of most of the other neurotransmitters. They regulate through an immediate feedback system that turns up or down the activity of whatever system needs to be adjusted in the body, whether that is pain, temperature, or focus. This receptor function of regulation is why you hear many people talk about how CBD helps promote homeostasis, or balance, within the body. More on that later…
Shortly after the discovery of CB1, a second type of cannabinoid receptor, the CB2 receptor, was discovered in peripheral tissues and the immune system. Some scientists hypothesize CB2 is critical to helping our immune system function efficiently and cite a study published in 2009 which determined that CB2 may help provide reduction of inflammation in gastrointestinal disorders.
Endocannabinoids
To stimulate these receptors our bodies produce lipid-based neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, (or endogenous cannabinoids) meaning produced naturally by the body. The two most studied endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). Anadamide was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered and was named anandamide (AEA) after the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning bliss, and has been termed “the bliss molecule” due to its mood-enhancing properties. Anandamide binds to cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This endocannabinoid plays an important role in regulating many physiological functions including, but not limited to: pain, appetite, mood, and the immune system. Interesting to note, it is also associated with what we colloquially term the “runner’s high”, a euphoric state of well-being and reduced anxiety that some people experience after engaging in intense, prolonged aerobic exercise, like running. Initially the “runner’s high” was thought to be associated with a release of endorphins, but more recent research indicates that it is the endocannbinoid system, specifically anandamide, which play a pivotal role. Scientists learned that the body produces and releases anandamide during exercise, which then binds to cannabinoid receptors, specifically CB1, found in the brain. This binding is now believed to contribute to that feeling of euphoria and reduced stress that is characteristic of the “runner’s high.”
The second cannabinoid discovered is termed 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) and is thought to play an important role in the regulation of many physiological functions, similar to anadamide. It is the most predominant cannabinoid found in the human body, acting as an agonist (activator) at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is notably abundant in the central nervous system, where it plays a crucial role in regulating neurons in the brain and nervous system. It also has a high affinity for CB2 receptors, which are predominately found on immune cells, and it is thought that when it binds to these receptors it can regulate immune cell activity and function, including suppressing inflammatory responses. Due to its rapid metabolism in the body the full function of 2-AG is yet to be established but studies have shown that it may also plays a vital role in the regulation of the circulatory system, by either directly or indirectly affecting the blood vessels of the heart.
It is exciting to think that modern science has only started discovering endocannabinoids and investigating their intricate processes and functions in the body recently, so there is even speculation that there are more endocannabinoids yet to be discovered!
Enzymes
Once these endocannabinoids have carried out their function in the body, enzymes are then responsible for breaking them down. The two main enzymes responsible for this are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down AEA, and monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG.
CBD and ECS
So, now that we have a pretty good idea how the endocannbinoid system works, how does using CBD interact with it and produce its well-known benefits? Well, similar to the endocannibinoid system itself, it is complex and multifaceted relationship that scientists are learning more about every day. CBD is considered a phyto-cannabinoid, meaning cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Phytocannabionoids are distinct from endocannabinoids as endocannabinoids are produced naturally in the body, whereas phytocannabinoids refer only to cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. Two of the most popular and well-known phytocannabinoids are THC and CBD, but there are more than 100 in existence, maybe more. Scientists once thought that these phytocannabinoids were responsible for their therapeutic effect by directly binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but recent research indicates that they may also inhibit the enzymes that are responsible for breaking down the endocannabinoids, illustrating the complex and dynamic pathways of the still mysterious ECS.
Moreover, CBD can modulate other receptors, such as serotonin and vanilloid receptors, contributing to its diverse therapeutic effects. As we discover more diverse ways that CBD interacts in our body we can be more confident and precise in its application for various ailments but right now scientists have determined that CBD helps promote homeostasis, balance in the body, through its modulation of receptors. So if you are looking natural solutions to balance your sleep cycles, improve your mood, reduce pain, heal skin conditions and more, CBD is a great place to get started.
In fact, a dysfunctional ECS is hypothesized to be at the root of many common and complex diseases with Ethan Russo, a neurologist and medical researcher who is considered a preeminent global medical cannabis expert, calling it “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency” and suggests that a deregulated ECS is one of the main contributors to common disorders, as in your body is “out of balance” in some way.
Good Lifestyle Habits for your ECS
In addition to regular use of CBD, there are many other ways to care for yourself and your endocannabinoid system so you can live in balance and good health. You can start with eating whole foods, which provide the body healthy cells that build endocannabinoids, and you can increase the use of adaptogenic herbs and spices while cooking as they can soothe and tone the endocannabinoid system. Detoxing is another great way to avoid endocannabinoid dysfunction as it cleanses the body of toxins and reduces inflammation. Lastly, simple lifestyle practices like exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and getting enough sleep has been shown to soothe and tone the endocannabinoid system and being in loving relationships, finding reasons to smile and hug often, trigger the release of the endocannabinoid anandamide, the bliss molecule.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the endocannabinoid system is a fascinating and intricate regulatory network that influences a wide array of our body’s physiological processes. Lifestyle habits, such as exercise, sleep, and a balanced diet, support the optimal functioning of the ECS. In addition, CBD, by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for various conditions, including pain, mood disorders, immune-related disorders, and metabolic disorders. Ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential, providing exciting avenues for future medical interventions.
