CBD and Your Endocannabinoid System, Explained

Cannabidiol (CBD) may be the second-most-prominent compound of the cannabis plant, but these days, it’s certainly the most talked about among the general population. Though slightly less dominant and historically less sought after than its high-inducing counterpart, THC, CBD has become a major trend not just in the cannabis industry, but also in health and wellness, food, and even cosmetic products. Budding mainstream interest in CBD, combined with mounting evidence detailing its therapeutic benefits, has made us all curious about this non-intoxicating cannabinoid and what it can do for us.  

Though we have a long way to go in mastering the science of CBD and unlocking its full medicinal potential, we do have a working understanding of how CBD molecules interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce a variety of therapeutic benefits. Here’s a quick primer on your body’s endocannabinoid system, how it interacts with CBD, and the potential benefits we can reap from this interaction.

Your Endocannabinoid System: A Primer

The first endocannabinoid was discovered by Raphael Mechoulam, along with National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) researchers William Devane and Dr. Lumir Hanus, in 1992, which makes it a relatively new scientific discovery. Though further research is still needed to fully understand the mechanics of the ECS, researchers have identified its presence throughout the entire body, maintaining an internal regulatory balance, or homeostasis, in several bodily functions. The ECS is present on immune cells in the bloodstream, on virtually every brain cell, across the spinal cord, throughout the cardiovascular system, and on our skin.

The ECS is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoids, or cannabinoids native to the body), receptors that endocannabinoids bind to, and enzymes that break them down to elicit a bodily response. The two most studied cannabinoid receptors within the body are called CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system where they regulate brain function. CB2 receptors are most prominent on immune cells throughout the bloodstream. Phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, can elicit therapeutic responses in the body by binding to these receptors.

How Does CBD Work with Your ECS?

The endocannabinoid system allows CBD to help treat a wide range of symptoms. CBD binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It also interacts with the body through several other biological pathways, and is thought to produce therapeutic effects by activating multiple pathways at once.

CBD also has a complicated relationship with THC, directly tied to the way they both interact with the ECS. At a molecular level, CBD does the opposite of what THC does. CBD is an inverse agonist to CB1 receptors, where THC is an agonist. When CBD and THC are taken together, CBD has the potential to curb negative side effects of THC by activating a reverse response from CB1 receptors.

CB1 cannabinoid receptors (magenta) in the hippocampus.

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Independent of its relationship to THC, CBD has shown overwhelming promise in treating a wide variety of symptoms and ailments.  

• Pain Relief and Inflammation: CBD has been shown to reduce pain responses by inhibiting the absorption of the endocannabinoid anandamide. It has also has a variety of anti-inflammatory properties, many of which are triggered by binding to CB2 receptors.
• Epilepsy and Seizures: Clinical trials have shown CBD to be a highly effective anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, though it’s exact mechanisms remain unclear.
• Addiction Treatment: Several studies have indicated that CBD may help relieve symptoms associated with opioid, cocaine, and tobacco addiction.
• Anxiety and Depression: Moderate to high doses of CBD have been found to alleviate social and situational anxiety, including anxiety related to public speaking.

Featured Image: Photo by Marco Verch via Flickr using Creative Commons 2.0.