Research into the effects of cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC, has accelerated since the discovery of these compounds. The endocannabinoid network (ECS) was a vast network that contains cellular receptors.
Let’s start with the most important components of the ECS.
The Endocannabinoid System’s Components
The three main elements of the endocannabinoid systems are endocannabinoids and receptors.
Endocannabinoids
These compounds are produced naturally by the ECS and then synthesized in your body to activate the ECS’s receptors. Endo, which comes from Greek, means “within” and cannabinoids are the molecules that activate these receptors. Anandamide and 2-AG are the two main endocannabinoids found in the body.
Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1 & CB2)
There are two types of receptors in the endocannabinoid systems: CB1 or CB2. These binding sites can be found in every organ system and in all cell types. Different cannabinoids have different effects on the activity of cannabinoid receptors. This applies to both phytocannabinoids (those derived from plants) and synthetic cannabinoids created in a laboratory.
Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that break down chemicals in the body to enable chemical reactions. Enzymes that build and metabolize cannabinoids are part of the endocannabinoid systems. Anandamide is broken down by fatty acid amidohydrolase, which is one of the major enzymes in ECS.
What Are Cannabinoid Receptors?
The endocannabinoid system is a vital part of cannabinoid receptors. They receive messages from neurotransmitters and transfer them between cells.
Where Are CB1 Receptors Located?
Although CB1 receptors are most commonly found in the brain and nervous system, they can also be found elsewhere. Researchers have found CB1 receptors in these areas of the body:
Brain
Fat cells
Gastrointestinal tract
Liver
Pancreas
Reproductive organs
Skeletal muscles
Spinal cord
Where Are CB2 Receptors Located?
CB2 receptors are less well-studied than CB1 ones, but they appear in a smaller number of places in the body. They are found primarily in the immune system, but they can also be found in the skin. CB2 receptors have been identified by researchers in:
Bone
Fat cells
Gastrointestinal tract
Immune system
Liver
Reproductive organs
Why Do People Have Cannabinoid Receptors?
The membranes of various cell types in the body contain cannabinoid receptors. It has two spaces: extracellular (outside the cell) and intracellular. The signal that a cannabinoid sends to the cell’s inside changes its function when it binds to a receptor for the cannabinoid.
What Role Does The Endocannabinoid System Play?
The endocannabinoid system has been described by cannabis researchers as a homeostatic regulator. The ECS is responsible for ensuring that all other processes run smoothly.
Endocannabinoids regulate the state of all our physiological systems to ensure that they function in balance. The modulatory effects of the endocannabinoid systems are demonstrated by the:
Peripheral and central nervous systems
Endocrine system
Immune system
Metabolism
How Does CBD Interact With The Endocannabinoid System
Different mechanisms are used to interact with the endocannabinoid systems by phytocannabinoids found in CBD oil. CBD oil has a low binding affinity to both CB1 as well as CB2 receptors. CBD can inhibit the CB1 receptors if given in combination with low levels of THC.
CBD also binds to the TRPV1 receptor. This receptor is partially involved in signaling the endocannabinoid systems. The trigger can activate this receptor to affect different physiological processes.
How Does THC Interact With The Endocannabinoid System
Breeders had been focusing on producing THC-rich strains until recently due to its signature high. It also causes a rise in dopamine levels, an increased appetite, and deep relaxation.