Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 compounds found in cannabis plants.
CBD is a phytocannabinoid. Phyto- is Greek for “plant”.
In simple terms, CBD is a phytocannabinoid that is found in both the hemp plant and the marijuana plant.
CBD and all other cannabinoids attach to certain receptors that are prevalent in the endocannabinoid system throughout our bodies.
WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
Discovered by medical researchers during the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological network of neurotransmitter receptors found in both humans and animals.
The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to promote homeostasis within our bodies.
It is believed by scientists to influence and regulate other biological systems, such as our immune system, and other physiological processes.
The endocannabinoid system interacts with chemical compounds known as cannabinoids to trigger many other physiological functions such as:
- appetite
- pain sensation
- mood
- memory
- neuroprotection
- sensory perception
- metabolism
- neutralizing harmful free radicals
WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
To date, scientists have identified two types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are produced naturally within the human body.
Phytocannabinoids are secreted by cannabis plants.
THC and CBD are the most well known and researched phytocannabinoids. In fact, there are over 100 phytocannabinoids secreted by the cannabis plant.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most legendary phytocannabinoid known to mankind because of its psychoactive properties. It will get you high or “stoned”.
CBD and other recently discovered phytocannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBL) are non-psychoactive and have been clinically proven to provide medicinal benefits without the high effect.
CLINICAL ENDOCANNABINOID DEFICIENCY (CES)
As mentioned, the main function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is to maintain homeostasis, a constant state of internal temperature, in our bodies.
When endocannabinoids – the cannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce – interact with the CB receptors, the ECS becomes a molecular signaling system that regulates a broad range of physiological actions to maintain homeostasis.
When a deficiency occurs in the endocannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce, a condition occurs that has been labeled by medical researchers as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED).
Scientists have found four reasons why a deficiency in endocannabinoids in our bodies can occur:
- Our bodies do not produce enough cannabinoid receptors
- Our bodies do not synthesize enough endocannabinoids
- Endocannabinoids are broken down by an abundance of enzymes in our bodies
- Ingesting foods and medications that interfere and slow down the ECS signaling system
CBD has been scientifically observed to stimulate and support the endocannabinoid system thus providing therapeutic relief from a multitude of physical and mental ailments and health conditions.