April 2, 2024 We do indeed create our own cannabinoids or endocannabinoids that similar affects as commonly known phytocannabinoids from hemp and cannabis. These common hemp and cannabis based phytocannabinoids are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Our endocannabinoid system has two specific cell receptors that create the changes in our bodies and mind. The CB1 receptor is present primarily in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Whereas, the CB2 receptor is present throughout the immune system, our internal organs, and muscles.
THC, like our endocannabinoid Anandamide (ANA) creates its affects in the brain and peripheral nerves by binding to the CB1 receptor and is therefore psychoactive. CBD is an anti-inflammatory oil found in hemp and cannabis plants that mimics an endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and similarly binds to our CB-2 cell receptor.
Through this interaction the phytocannabinoid, CBD, works like our endocannabinoid, 2-AG, creating many changes in our bodies such as inflammation, metabolism, and hormonal changes. CBD actually works as an antidote to someone who may have consumed too much THC. CBD has very few reported side effects in most people, most common being drowsiness.
The ‘A’ acronyms are the natural acid forms found in hemp and cannabis. Since hemp and cannabis are part of the hop family, and as the oils are extracted they become stronger in their actions on the body and mind. CBD works on many different systems of our bodies affecting inflammation, metabolism, and hormonal activities.
All actions are created on a given cell through above mentioned cell receptors, CB1 and CB2. Think of the phytocannabinoids as the keys to the receptors that serve as locks. When the lock is
opened, the cell receptors than will communicate with the brain of each cell, the nucleus, through peroxisome proliferation activated receptors (PPARs). These interactions create changes on many important systems by turning them off or on.
That is how oils from hemp and cannabis have profound affects within the body.
