Many of us who take cannabidiol (CBD) on a regular basis know that it offers unique properties to the body. Although these properties are overall desirable, a lot of enthusiasts aren’t quite sure how this compound works. Not only that, but what makes it different from others found in nature.
Interestingly, cannabidiol belongs to a class of compounds known as cannabinoids, which are unique to cannabis. Like other cannabinoids, CBD works with cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. This is to trigger specific effects that affect us both mentally and physically.
By taking a closer look at these cannabinoid receptors, which fall into two separate categories: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors, you’ll be able to better understand the nature of these receptors, and their relationship to cannabinoids like CBD. From there, you will see how CBD promotes specific effects, and how to better fine tune hemp routines to get the best response possible.
CBD AND THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
CB1 and CB2 receptors belong to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a complex system of the body that was only discovered in the 1990s, when a group of researchers decided to take a closer look at the manner in which cannabis affects us through its properties. The endocannabinoid system has since been found to exist in all mammals, which is why our pets can utilize cannabidiol just like humans.
The endocannabinoid system has one primary role: maintaining homeostasis throughout the body; a state of equilibrium, in which all systems and functions of the body are operating at their highest level for maximum overall functionality and wellbeing.
This system consists of a network of cannabinoid receptors which are found in every region of the body, with each receptor corresponding with a specific bodily process, whether it be inflammation, pain sensitivity, mood, cognitive function, etc.
When we consume cannabinoids like CBD, the ECS gets to work quickly, sending these compounds to receptors throughout the body as needed.
Cannabinoids bind to these receptors, which causes a chemical reaction in which cannabinoid receptors can effectively regulate their adjacent bodily processes. In other words, the endocannabinoid system cannot properly do its job if it does not have cannabinoids to utilize.
What many people are not aware of is that the body produces cannabinoids that behave identically to phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids derived from plants).
So, these compounds are not strangers to the human system. Cannabinoids produced within our bodies serve the same purpose- provide the endocannabinoid system with support to keep the body in a state of homeostasis.
WHAT ARE CB1 & CB2 RECEPTORS?
Cannabinoid receptors throughout the body are broken down into two primary categories, like we said earlier, which are CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors.
The distinction between the two is where they are located in the body, which therefore determines which functions of the body they are tasked with maintaining through regulatory actions.
As you probably know, cannabidiol is just one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the hemp plant. It’s also the most dominant cannabinoid, meaning that the hemp plant naturally maintains a higher level of CBD than any other compounds within the plant’s chemical composition.
Each cannabinoid in hemp binds to specific receptors. And, some cannabinoids bind almost exclusively to one of these two categories of receptors. Something which also makes CBD extra unique is that it seems to balance itself between CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 RECEPTORS
CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and are associated with processes of the nervous system:
- Mood
- Sleep
- Pain sensitivity and tolerance
- Cognitive function
- Neurological balance and neurogenesis (the regeneration of neurons)
- Energy levels
- Nerve function
- Body temperature regulation
- Endocrine balance
- Metabolism
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugar
Now, you can get a better understanding of the mechanisms at work when we take CBD for common issues like sleep, mood, and concentration. Cannabidiol binds directly to the receptors that are in charge of balancing these functions so that they operate more efficiently.
CB2 RECEPTORS
These receptors are primarily located in the digestive system and immune system. There are CB2 receptors in the brain, but only a small amount. CB2 receptors deal with tasks that pertain to the systems that they exist within. Hence, cannabidiol binds to these receptors just like it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain.
Tasked with regulating the following:.
- Appetite
- Inflammation throughout the body
- Digestive function
- Immune function
- Pain
- Cell migration
Cannabidiol is often cited for its anti-inflammatory properties, which now you know come from its relationship to CB2 receptors in the immune system, which are responsible for regulating the immune system’s inflammatory response. And, now you can have a clearer understanding of why CBD may have an impact on overall digestive function.
GETTING AS MUCH OUT OF CBD AS POSSIBLE FOR MAXIMUM CANNABINOID RECEPTOR SUPPORT
CBD is a highly unique cannabinoid. How? Well, it seems to have the largest impact on both CB1 and CB2 receptors simultaneously. Still, to fully engage both receptors to elevate your experience with the hemp plant’s cannabinoids, incorporating a variety of cannabinoids into your daily routine is a great way to go.
Also, other compounds in hemp, such as terpenes and flavonoids, have a synergistic relationship with cannabinoids. These seemingly have an impact on how effectively cannabinoids absorb into the body in order to bind to these receptors to offer the full extent of their capabilities.
If you want to support the ECS as effectively as possible, consider a broad spectrum hemp product because they:
- Contains every naturally occurring compound in the hemp plant except for THC.
- Supports the absorption of these cannabinoids for maximum effectiveness through synergy.
- Provides you with a large and varied profile of cannabinoids, each having a distinctive relationship to individual cannabinoid receptors.
- Can yield more widespread and potent effects.
Summary: HalalCBD uses broad spectrum hemp extract which naturally contains high levels of cannabidiol. Our products also boast numerous cannabinoids and other hemp compounds. Each work together to supply the entire ECS with the support it needs.