When our body is in balance, or as it is referred to in the medical field, homeostasis, we tend to feel good, physically and emotionally. There are many variables which can cause our body to be out of balance, such as stress, insomnia or exposure to environmental toxins.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps the body maintain homeostasis through its three main components: “messenger” molecules called cannabinoids (e.g CBD), the receptors in the body that these molecules bind to, and the enzymes that break them down for the body to synthesize.

The ECS modulates the function of the brain and the central nervous, endocrine and immune systems, among others, and it is responsible for regulating virtually every physiological process in the body including immune response, mood, or communication between cells.

Cannabinoids, such as CBD, act as agonists that bind to ECS receptors to instigate biological responses and modulate important bodily functions that determine how an individual moves, reacts, and feels. As a result, the ECS can alleviate an assortment of conditions, including pain, memory loss, migraines and seizures, among many others. Research has concluded an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency may be the root cause of conditions including chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The therapeutic applications of cannabinoids stem from their ability to positively interact with the body’s ECS, which has two primary receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, peripheral organs and tissues. These receptors are also located in the brain stem which is responsible for involuntary actions of the body (including breathing and circulating blood) and regulating activities of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems – something of utmost consequence with COVID-19. In addition, they impede infections that inhibit respiratory functioning by acting as a bronchodilator.

CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are located primarily in the immune system and are responsible for much of the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. Research shows modulating CB2 receptors may be the key in treating a plethora of illnesses that cause degradation in CB2 receptor expressions including gastrointestinal, liver, kidney, psychiatric, bone, skin, and lung disease, as well as various forms of cancer.

What does this all mean? Using CBD can help support the ECS by creating homeostasis so it can properly regulate your brain and body, along with your nervous and immune systems, to relieve stress, get a better night’s sleep, and enhance your cognitive facilities.

To your health,