Each person’s body contains an endocannabinoid system. It’s a complex system that is just beginning to be understood, having only been discovered a few short decades ago. In fact, it was first discovered in the 1980s, and only found in the human body during the 1990s.
While much work and research is still needed to fully comprehend the endocannabinoid system, there are several aspects that we currently understand. Read on to learn a little more about why these discoveries are so important.
The Edocannabinoid System Explained for Students in Cannabis Retail Training
For those interested in cannabis retail training, it’s important to know that the endocannabinoid system is a vital part of the human body. It helps the body maintain homeostasis, or a state of equilibrium and balance. It’s a system that helps the body react to changes in the environment and is known to affect the following:
- Circulation
- Digestion
- The immune system
- Muscles and bones
- The nervous system
The cells that make up the endocannabinoid system are widespread throughout the body, creating a large network that fosters equilibrium. The system can be divided into three parts:
- Cellular Cannabinoid Receptors
- Endocannabinoids
- Enzymes
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced by the body. They send signals to cannabinoid receptors, using an adaptive system to cause biological responses in cells. Creation and degradation of endocannabinoids comes from different enzymes in the body. In an ideal situation, these different parts are able to continuously respond to changes in the body to maintain cellular health in vital organs, connective tissues, glands, the central nervous system, and elsewhere.
The endocannabinoid system works to maintain homeostasis
The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabis
Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the body. However, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD also interact with the endocannabinoid system. In fact, it is this interaction that first helped illuminate the existence of the endocannabinoid system in the first place.
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system
THC interacts with the receptors of the cannabinoid system, which produces its characteristic psychoactive effects. If you plan to apply for a cannabis licence, you might already know that CBD, another popular cannabinoid found in cannabis, does not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC. This is because CBD reacts differently to the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
While researchers are still working to understand the effects and potential benefits of CBD, it has been posited that it may be helpful with improving function of the endocannabinoid system. Indeed, many now wonder if certain chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and migraines could be related to an imbalance or dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system. Many even posit that this could be why these conditions tend to respond well to CBD. As more and more research continues to uncover how this system works, the effects of CBD and other cannabiniods will be better understood.
Migraines may be affected by the endocannabinoid system
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