The Science Behind CBD

Photo by Pixabay Published January 10, 2019 Updated May 13, 2020

The human body has this signaling system that is hardwired like your computer or internet to engage with the CBD medicinal effects. Modern science calls this system the endocannabinoid system (ECS).  If you read "ECS" from here on out, it is referring to the endocannabinoid system. ECS coordinates communication between the central nervous system (complex nerve tissue that controls the activities of the body; invertebrates it works out the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral (lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils) and visceral organs (heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines).  The ECS plays a strong role in the functions of the immune system, the body's response to injury and infections. Within the ECS are cell receptors (cannabinoid receptors) which are found on the surface of the nerve cells, immune system, and organs. The ECS nerve receptors are activated by the chemical messengers (endocannabinoids) which function from within the cell membrane. Enzymes within the ECS acts as a catalyst (breaks down), the chemical messengers. 

When the endocannabinoids lock into the cannabinoid receptors a chemical reaction occurs that causes physiological changes within the cell itself. The cell responds differently, possibly causing change to the messages the cell sends to its cellular environment. These changes could include electrical current, inflammation responses and so much more. When these endocannabinoids are no longer necessary the enzymes have the capacity to break down the chemical messengers to stop the effects it is having on its environment.

ECS has been shown to have homeostasis (balance within the body) effects. Say you were to get off the couch and actually work out, the body will increase the level of endocannabinoids flowing throughout your body and will promote those euphoric feelings that cause you to have feelings of bliss, hunger, and pain relief. If the human body has inflammation caused by injury or disease, the immune cells will increase the number of cannabinoid receptors on the cells surface, therefore increasing the number of endocannabinoids for activation. In this particular situation, the inflammation is the cause of the increase in immune cells which try to create homeostasis by preparing themselves to accept the endocannabinoids. 

Based upon the available research regarding CBD and how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, CBD blocks the enzyme's function of breaking down the endocannabinoid molecules. When the enzymes are unable to break these molecules down, the more endocannabinoids are present for the body's benefit.  

With the research available to us presently it turns out that the endocannabinoid system plays a strong role in the following:

Growth in the form of

• Bones

• Fetal

Regulation with

• Body temperature

• Mood 

Improvements with

• Memory

• Metabolism

• Movement

• Pain perception

• Pleasure

• Reproduction

• Sleep

• Stress

• Thought processes

Research has been showing that the same receptors targeted by antidepressant drugs are also changed by CBD.  As well as reducing pain when engaged with capsaicin receptor that effects heat and pain receptors.