Endocannabinoids: The Natural System That Balances the Body
Endocannabinoids regulate sleep, appetite, pain, stress & mood.
The body produces its own cannabinoids. They are called endocannabinoids. They are part of an internal network that regulates key functions such as sleep, appetite, pain, stress, and mood.
This system was discovered while researching the effects of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.
What are endocannabinoids and why does the body need them?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) acts as a natural regulator that seeks to balance the body. Its CB1 receptors (in the brain) and CB2 receptors (in the immune system) respond to internal molecules such as anandamide, also known as the "happiness molecule." This system is activated, for example, when you experience pain or anxiety, and helps restore balance.
Why does cannabis have an effect?
The phytocannabinoids in cannabis, i.e., those found in its flowers, such as CBD and THC, mimic the endocannabinoids that can activate the ECS. This is why cannabis use has such varied effects: it helps you sleep, reduces pain, stimulates appetite, and improves mood. CBD-dominant strains can enhance the regulatory effect without generating psychoactivity.
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, regulating functions such as memory, appetite, and pleasure. CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues, participating in the modulation of inflammatory and defence processes.
Endocannabinoids are produced on demand and are not stored, allowing for rapid and localized responses to physiological imbalances. Furthermore, the ECS is influenced by phytocannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, such as THC and CBD, which interact with its receptors and can mimic or modulate their effects.
This system is involved in numerous key processes, making it a promising therapeutic target for the treatment ofconditions such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, inflammation, and more.
More From Soft Secrets:
Is cannabis effective for fibromyalgia?
Lab-Designed Cannabis Compound Relieves Pain Without Side-Effects
L
Liz Filmer
