CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids 

• When needed, the body produces its own cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. 

• Plants like cannabis produce 144 Phytocannabinoid s, which includes THC and CBD. 

Lock and Key Analogy 

• Imagine that CB1 and CB2 receptors are like locks on the surface of cells. 

• Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoid s are like keys that can fit into these locks. 

Binding Process 

• When an endocannabinoid or Phytocannabinoid  encounters a receptor that it fits into, it binds to that receptor. 

• This binding is a bit like a key turning in a lock. 
• When the receptor is activated by the binding, it sends a signal or message inside the cell. 

Signaling Cascade 

• Once the receptor is activated, it initiates a series of chemical reactions inside the cell. 
• These reactions can have various effects depending on the type of receptor and where it is located. 
• For example, if it is a CB1 receptor in the brain and THC binds to it, it might lead to changes in perception or mood. 

Effects on the Body 

The effects of this binding depend on which receptors are involved and which cannabinoids are binding. 

• CB1 receptors are often associated with psychoactive effects because of their location in the brain, especially when THC binds to them.  
• CBD does not cause psychoactive effects and does not bind to the receptors like THC. 
• CBD and THC together can cause a euphoric effect.   

• CB2 receptors are associated with immune system regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors is like using a key to activate distinct functions in your body. Depending on which keys (cannabinoids) fit which locks (receptors), it can lead to a variety of effects, ranging from changes in mood and regulation of your body’s immune responses and inflammation. 

There are a range of factors that have Influence on endocannabinoid production that can affect the creation of endocannabinoids, which are natural cannabinoids produced by the human body.  

Physiological Needs: Your body produces endocannabinoids needed to help maintain balance and respond to changes or challenges. When something in your body is not right, like if you are in pain or stressed, your body may produce more endocannabinoids to address the issue. 

Enzymes: Enzymes in your body are responsible for creating endocannabinoids when they are needed. These enzymes act like little mixologists that follow instructions to make endocannabinoids from other substances in your body. 

Receptors: The presence of the CB1 and CB2 receptors can influence endocannabinoid production. When these receptors detect a problem or imbalance, they can signal your body to make more endocannabinoids to help solve the issue. 

Feedback Mechanisms: Your body is intelligent enough to know when it is time to stop making endocannabinoids. Once the problem is fixed, other enzymes come in to clean up and get rid of the endocannabinoids, so they do not stick around longer than needed. 

External Influences: External factors, like exercise, can also influence endocannabinoid production. For example, when you exercise, your body might produce more endocannabinoids to help you manage pain or stress. 

It is simple, your body makes endocannabinoids as a natural response to keep you feeling good and balanced. When something is not right, it creates these special messengers to help fix the problem. Once the job is done, your body knows when to stop making them, so everything goes back to normal. It is like having an internal tiny handyperson that receives your personal diagnostics so the handyperson can be sure everything runs smoothly.