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Whether people use cannabis recreationally or medicinally, it provides many benefits that people tend to enjoy. From symptom relief to the euphoric effects, it’s all due to the terpenes and cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. But have you ever wondered how your body processes these cannabis compounds?
‘Till this day, scientists are still doing studies and research on hemp, so it will still be quite some time before we know everything for sure. However, the effects and benefits that people experience from cannabis are actually thanks to our endocannabinoid system.
This system was first identified in the early 90s by researchers studying the effects of THC. Everyone has their own unique system regardless of marijuana use and it does more than just process cannabis. Let’s find out more about what it can do and how it processes these compounds.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Let’s start off by understanding what cannabinoids are. They are a group of natural compounds derived from cannabis plants. A type of lipophilic molecule that binds itself with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
There are over 480 different compounds found in cannabis but only about 66 of these compounds are considered to be cannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoids are the Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is commonly referred to as THC, and Cannabidiol which is CBD. Other classes of cannabis compounds include:
- Cannabigerols (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
- Cannabielsoin (CBE)
- Cannabitriol (CBT)
These cannabinoids are responsible for some of the psychoactive and beneficial effects people experience while consuming cannabis. Now that we know what cannabinoids are, it’s time to move on to the endocannabinoid system.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signalling system found in the body. Regardless of whether or not you consume cannabis, everyone has an ECS. In fact, most animals with a vertebra have one. However, not every system is the same which means everyone processes cannabis somewhat differently. It plays a huge role in regulating many bodily functions that are essential to our health and survival. These functions include:
- Sleep
- Memory
- Appetite & Digestion
- Mood
- Fertility & Reproduction
- Cognitive Functions
- Immune System
- Metabolism
- Motor Control
- Muscle & Bone Formation
The ECS is comprised of three main components: cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes. Our body naturally produces endocannabinoids which are similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis. They are molecules that activate the cannabinoid receptors. There are two main endocannabinoids that are produced in the body: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
After these endocannabinoids are produced they then bind to your cannabinoid receptors. Our endocannabinoid system consists of two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are usually found in the central nervous system. Your CB2 receptors are commonly found in your peripheral nervous system and immune cells.
The endocannabinoids can interact with each other to produce different results depending on where the receptors are in your body and which type it binds to. Once that has happened, your metabolic enzymes break them down and the process repeats itself. The ECS is responsible for keeping the body in homeostasis — in other words, its normal state or how stable your internal body is.
For example, if your body experiences pain or inflammation, your ECS will kick in and create endocannabinoids that will bind to your CB2 receptor. As of now, experts believe your ECS is solely responsible for maintaining homeostasis within your body. Now that you understand what your ECS does and how it functions, let’s see how the main cannabinoids interact with your ECS.
How Does THC Affect Your ECS?
As I’m sure you’re well aware, Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the main cannabinoid that makes people experience euphoric effects aka the “high”. This particular compound is quite powerful because it can bind with both CB1 and Cb2 receptors.
This produces a wide range of effects for your body and mind; however, some effects can be more desirable than others. THC might stimulate your appetite, or make you feel happy and giddy but, it can also make you paranoid and anxious depending on your ECS and the amount of THC you consumed.
With that being said, if you are new to cannabis consumption it’s always recommended to start off with a low dose and see how your body reacts from there.
How Does CBD Affect Your ECS?
As for the second most common cannabinoid; Cannabidiol (CBD), researchers aren’t completely sure as to how it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It doesn’t produce any psychoactive effects like THC but there also doesn’t seem to be any negative effects associated with CBD either. What experts do know is that CBD doesn’t bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way as THC.
There are a few speculations out there as to how CBD interacts with the ECS. Some people believe it works by preventing the enzymes from breaking down endocannabinoids. This allows the effects to be more potent and long-lasting.
Others have also speculated that CBD may be binding itself with an unknown receptor that hasn’t been discovered yet. Regardless, CBD has been known for its relaxing and pain-relieving effects. So since there are no negative consequences, you can be more easygoing when it comes to dosage.
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A lot of research still needs to be done before we can fully understand everything we need to know about cannabis. New studies are always being done and scientists are discovering more and more every day. As of now, cannabis tends to be more beneficial when it comes to health benefits and the desired psychoactive effects. Since we all have a better understanding of the endocannabinoid system, it’s time to shop for cannabis products!
Budmail is one of the top Canadian online cannabis dispensaries. They’ve been around since 2004 and offer amazing quality products for a great value price. Find a wide selection of the best flowers in the market, delicious edibles, premium extracts and more. Take advantage of their new weekly deals and budget buds to save even more on affordable products.
Once you’re all done have it either shipped or same-day delivered straight to your doors. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding our products and services, call our phone line or speak with a live agent. They’ll be happy to help. Visit Budmail today for an amazing cannabis experience you won’t want to forget.
