Cannabinoid Connection
“In 1902 Thomas Edison said, ’There were never so many able, active minds at work on the problems of disease as now, and all their discoveries are tending toward the simple truth that you can’t improve on nature.’ Cannabinoid research has proven this statement is still valid (Sulak, https://shorturl.at/hqyP9).” There’s no doubting the healing powers of nature, so let us continue on our path of exploration to see what actually happens in our bodies when we enjoy the wellness perks of CBD.
CBD is a cannabinoid, which is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Humans, animals, and all vertebrate species have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The Endocannabinoid System is a physiologic system that works between body and mind to achieve internal balance and overall health. It produces molecules called Endocannabinoids as needed to maintain internal stability. When cannabinoids enter the body, they bind in their own unique way to the receptors in the ECS. There are two main receptors in the Endocannabinoid System: CB1 and CB2 receptors. Take a look below at some of the things that each controls.
CB2 receptors have an impact on most of the body while CB1 receptors stay more targeted and are more responsible for any psychoactive feelings.
Delta-8 binds to CB1 receptors but not as strongly as THC does, which is why it doesn’t create as intense of a “high”. This is why many people prefer D-8 over THC when using it for wellness purposes. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors while CBD interacts differently and uniquely to both receptors creating its wide range of wellness benefits. CBD can also reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, giving it another notch up on the wellness scale.
Having knowledge about the ECS’s receptors and how each of the different cannabinoids work once they enter may help guide you to the perfect cannabis product for your specific preferences and needs.