The Endocannabinoid System Explained

Before you understand how CBD works, you need to understand the system it interacts with. Your body has a built-in network called the endocannabinoid system -- and it has been running in the background your entire life.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered in the early 1990s by researchers studying how cannabinoids interact with the body. What they found was remarkable: a complex signaling system present in nearly every organ and tissue.

The ECS is made up of three components:

Endocannabinoids. These are molecules your body produces naturally. The two primary endocannabinoids identified so far are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Think of them as your body's own internal cannabinoids.

Receptors. These are proteins found on the surface of cells throughout your body. The two main types are CB1 receptors (concentrated in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (found primarily in the immune system and peripheral organs). When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they trigger a response.

Enzymes. After endocannabinoids have done their job, enzymes break them down. The two primary enzymes are FAAH (which breaks down anandamide) and MAGL (which breaks down 2-AG).

What Does the ECS Do?

The ECS plays a role in a wide range of bodily functions. Researchers have found that it is involved in:

• Mood
• Appetite
• Immune response
• Memory
• Temperature regulation

The primary job of the ECS is maintaining homeostasis -- keeping your body in balance.

You do not have to do anything to activate your ECS. It is always working. It runs whether you have ever heard of it or not.

How Does CBD Interact with the ECS?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid -- a cannabinoid that comes from a plant rather than your body. When you take CBD, it enters your bloodstream and interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

The relationship between CBD and the ECS is still being studied. What researchers have found so far is that CBD does not bind directly to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does. Instead, CBD appears to interact with the ECS in more indirect ways:

It may slow the breakdown of endocannabinoids. Some research suggests CBD inhibits the enzyme FAAH, which breaks down anandamide. If FAAH is slowed down, more anandamide stays in your system longer.

It may interact with non-ECS receptors. CBD has been shown to interact with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), vanilloid receptors (TRPV1), and other receptor systems.

It may modulate receptor activity. Rather than activating receptors directly, CBD may change how receptors respond to other molecules.

The research is ongoing. What is clear is that CBD interacts with a system your body already has and uses every day.

Why This Matters When Choosing CBD

Understanding the ECS helps explain a few things about CBD that confuse first-time buyers:

Why people describe CBD so differently. Your ECS is unique to you. Genetics, age, diet, and exercise all affect how your ECS functions, and people's experiences with CBD vary widely.

Why a simple log helps. Because every person is different, writing down what you took and when gives you real information to work with, instead of fuzzy memories.

Why to talk to your doctor. CBD can interact with certain medications. If you take prescriptions, check with your healthcare provider before you start.

The Bottom Line

Your body already has a signaling system designed to maintain balance. CBD is a plant-based compound that interacts with that system and others. Researchers are still working out the details.

If you are interested in lab-tested CBD that is Farm Bill compliant with less than 0.3% THC, browse our full product line at Cross Country Wellness.

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