The Endocannabinoid System
Many people integrate hemp oil into their health routine to support their cellular and molecular health. Hemp CBD (cannabidiol) is just one of over 80+ cannabinoids that can be extracted from hemp. Scientists found that these plant compounds have a better effect on the body when they work together, rather than alone. This is called the Entourage Effect. This means that CBD and all those other great compounds can support the body more fully than just CBD. Among the many benefits that our users experience are the following:
- a sense of calm for focus
- relief from everyday stresses
- help in recovery from exercise-induced inflammation
- support for healthy sleep cycles
The human body has a large network of receptors, called the Endocannabinoid System. This system’s purpose is to help our body stay balanced and in good overall health, even when external factors and certain lifestyle choices negatively affect overall well-being. CBD and other cannabinoids fit into the receptors of the Endocannabinoid System, helping the body keep us in good health by supporting many of the body’s physical processes.
High Tide Herbal offers full-spectrum and broad spectrum cannabinoid extract with CBD and other cannabinoids and beneficial plant compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Research has shown that using the whole plant (full spectrum) maximizes benefits delivered throughout the body and supplies additional wellness components.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Healthy relationships play an influential role in the quality of life. This can see seen from our human relationships, living environments, diet, physically well-being, and self-image. Certain connections are critical for balance.
That's also true for our body. Our body has an essential regulatory system based on biochemical relationships that help us to maintain equilibrium. This is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
The ECS was discovered in the 1990s. The ECS is thought to be one of the most vital receptor systems for sustaining good health. It affects many of our biological processes. This can see said for humans and other vertebrate animals.
The system contains cannabinoid receptors which act as locks. A group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids act as keys. The body produces its endogenous cannabinoids, most notably anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Endocannabinoids are found in the immune system, the central nervous system, the brain, organs, connective tissue, and glands.
There’s a reason why hemp works so well with the ECS. Hemp has a unique and powerful lock and key relationship with the ECS. It has a set of keys to the kingdom. Hemp contains elevated levels of Cannabidiol (CBD), an active phytocannabinoid that works synergistically with other secondary phytocannabinoids and compounds like terpenes and flavonoids.
Primary objective of the Endocannabinoid system
The primary objective of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis. The word homeostasis comes from the Greek words for the "steady." For our purposes, it means providing a state of internal stability necessary for survival, despite fluctuations in our external environment. The ECS is also involved in many physiological processes like appetite, sleep, digestion, mood, memory, metabolism, neuro-protection, hormones, and heart function.
The ECS itself is made up of three parts:
- Endocannabinoids
- Receptors in the nervous system and around your body that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids bond with
- Enzymes that help break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids
The ECS is a crucial part of our bodies. You may have heard a lot of claims about the medicinal properties of marijuana in general or of the cannabinoids THC and CBD. With so many seemingly unrelated effects, you might wonder whether it's just a lot of hype from people who want the drug legalized. However, medical science backs up many of these claims. The effects have to do with the size and scope of the endocannabinoid system itself.
The ECS has a series of receptors on cells throughout the body designed to accept cannabinoids. There are two main types of receptors, cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) that receive three types of cannabinoids:
- Endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids our body makes
- Phytocannabinoids are natural plant cannabinoids
- Synthetic Cannabinoids are synthetically created in a lab
CB1 is mostly found in the brain, and also the lungs, kidney, liver, bones, heart, male and female reproductive organs. This receptor is more keyed into tetrahydrocannabinol, the main cannabinoid found in marijuana.
CB2 lives in the immune system, with a significant presence in the spleen as well as the lungs, liver, bone and muscle.
Metabolic enzymes, FAAH and MAGL, are used by the ECS to accelerate chemical reactions and efficiently break down cannabinoids once they've served their purpose
What it feels like when taking CBD products
Each person’s body is different. Everybody’s responses to CBD can me slightly different for that factor. Since hemp extract with cannabinoids works with the body’s internal Endocannabinoid system to maintain good health, the effect is personalized based on what you have going on internally. The best way to find out how CBD will work for you is to try it.
Are there side effects from taking CBD products?
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe. As with any other supplement, there is a chance that it could cause adverse reactions for some people, and/ or could interact with certain medications. As with any dietary supplement, consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have or suspect a medical condition or are taking any medications.
Who can take CBD products?
Studies show that hemp extract with CBD can be well-tolerated by many. Since the most common results of taking it are calm and focus; relief from exercise-induced inflammation; support for healthy sleep cycles; and relief from everyday stresses, anyone looking for balance in these areas might benefit from a cannabinoid extract with CBD and additional plant compounds.
As always with any supplement, it is recommended to consult with your physician just to be sure it is right for you.
CBD products best for you
Your body and lifestyle are unique to you. You may have a preference of oils, topicals, or gummies. Choose whichever product works for best you. We provide a variety of products with serving details on our product package and in the product details on our website. For any dietary supplement to work properly it should be taken regularly. Missing days or servings can affect ability for the product to be effective.
In Conclusion
Understanding your relationship with the Endocannabinoid System and homeostasis is essential for life. It’s hard to deny it holds keys to how we can attain wellness, wholesomeness, and vitality. Science continues to reveal many answers as to why our body is so responsive to hemp and whole-plant cannabinoids.