The preliminary research into the effects of CBD shows it possesses several health and wellness benefits. But little is known about how CBD works in the body to produce these effects.
All we know is CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), where it tends to influence ECS receptors. Different cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and THC affect the ECS system. However, researchers need to figure out how various cannabinoid-infused products such as CBD oil, CBC oil work with the human body.
Before explaining what CBD oil does to the body, it is critical to understand the endocannabinoid system and its importance in the human body.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid system is a complex system of the human body that impacts several critical body processes such as appetite, sleep, mood, memory, and more. Medical researchers discovered ECS in the 1990s, but we do not know much about how it works and its interactions.
The ECS system consists of three components: receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids.
Receptors exist throughout the body, and endocannabinoids tend to bind with them. The main job of the enzymes is to break down the endocannabinoids. There are several types of enzymes, but only two of them can break down the endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids play a vital role in the normal functioning of the body by keeping internal processes running smoothly.
Endocannabinoid system and CBD
All the components of the ECS system work regardless of whether one takes CBD or not. Understanding how CBD works in the body requires examining the functioning of the ECS receptors.
ECS system contains two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2 that are also known as cannabinoid receptors. CB1 receptors are part of the central nervous system, and they are responsible for regulating coordination, movement, pain, appetite, memory, mood, and other conditions. While CB2 receptors are in the peripheral system, and they are instrumental in influencing pain and inflammation.
Researchers believe CB1 and CB2 receptors CBD interactions cause several health and wellness benefits associated with the compound.
CBD Mechanism of Action
After ECS enzymes break down the CBD, it tends to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Instead of directly attaching to the receptors, CBD activates them through an unknown mechanism. As a result, we experience several effects which are associated with the use of full spectrum CBD oil in the UK.
Instead of direct interaction, scientists believe CBD delays the breaking down of endocannabinoids that already exist within our bodies. It allows the body to use endocannabinoids more readily and efficiently. This greater efficiency in our system leaves a positive impact on our immune and nervous systems.
CBD oil receptors
In addition to cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2, CBD influences non-cannabinoid receptors such as 5ht serotonin. The ability of CBD to interact with a range of receptors allows it to leave a broader impact on our bodies.
For example, CBD modulates the 5ht serotonin receptor, which helps in treating psychoactive disorders. CBD can also influence TRPV1 receptors, which help address pain and inflammation. The activation of TRPV1 helps to prevent pain signals from reaching out to other parts of the body.
CBD effects on the body
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that produces several beneficial effects on the body. Its ability to influence cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors responsible for governing several important body functions make it a popular wellness product.
Both research and anecdotal reports point to the potential of CBD to help the body improve several of its functions.
Final words
The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in keeping the normal functioning of our bodies. CBD influences multiple receptors inside the body and bolsters our body’s ability to function more smoothly. However, how these interactions between CBD and the body’s receptors take place is not clearly known.
