The Endocannabinoid System

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural substance which is derived from Hemp by extraction. Once it enters your system, it travels through the bloodstream to your Endocannabinoid System.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Referring to a chemical compound that is found within the Cannabis family of plants, cannabinoids are extracted from Hemp or Marijuana. There are two categories of cannabinoids which are classed as Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are created and demanded inside the body naturally. They tend to produce, in humans and animals, when the body becomes unbalanced in homeostasis.

Phytocannabinoids naturally occur within the Cannabis plant.

Understanding Homeostasis

One fundamental concept in biology is homeostasis, and it is valuable to understand it to the understand the Endocannabinoid System.

Put simply, homeostasis is the process in which our bodies remain balanced. Conditions must be just right for our cells to have maximum performance and homeostasis will govern things like temperature, blood sugar levels and more.

The Endocannabinoid System is related to homeostasis as it is a system built to maintain balance.

The Endocannabinoid System

Often abbreviated to ECS, the Endocannabinoid System is split into three sections: cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids and metabolic enzymes.

Cannabinoid receptors sit on the surface of cells to manage conditions outside of them. The main two known receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 is found in the brain and nervous system, lungs, liver and kidneys whereas, CB2 is found in the immune system.

Two major endocannabinoids are Anandamide and 2-AG. These are naturally produced on demand and made from fat-like molecules within cell membranes.

Metabolic enzymes are there to quickly destroy endocannabinoids once they have been used. FAAH is used to break down Anandamide and MAGI is the enzyme used to break down 2-AG. They ensure that the endocannabinoids get used when they are needed and not for longer than necessary.

Try out our range of Oils, Vape Liquids, Isolates & Terpenes, Balms and Edibles to aid your Endocannabinoid System.

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