The endocannabinoid system is a branch of the central nervous system (CNS), which
includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This system functions to send, receive
and decipher messages throughout the body. Sensory signals are received via sensory neurons
and are sent to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Once the
information received enters the brain, the brain will integrate it and process it for a potential
response. For example, if someone taps you on the shoulder as you are turned away, the
pressure sensors on your skin transmit the signal through your sensory neurons to your brain,
which processes that signal, then sends a response signal back to the muscles, via motor
neurons, in your neck which causes you to turn around. This process happens quickly and I
have oversimplified the mechanics of such, as it is not necessary for our purposes here.
The endocannabinoid system, which again, is part of the CNS, is specifically defined as a
cell-signaling system that is ubiquitous throughout the body and one that is essential, in terms
of, bioregulation within the body. We are just now beginning to dissect its biochemical pathways
and its potential as a therapeutic agent for a vast number of symptoms. This naturally occurring
system produces and releases endocannabinoids, which function by activating specific
receptors. The chemical structure of this system is largely lipid based, meaning that it is mainly
composed of fatty acids and, thus, does not easily incorporate itself systemically, as it is insoluble
in water, due to this hydro-phobic characteristic; therefore, these endocannabinoids are more
precisely utilized by the body to communicate between cells or within the same cell, rather than
throughout the body. The respective receptors associated with this system include CB1-R and
CB2-R.
As described above, the endocannabinoid system responds to endogenous cannabinoids
and, we have learned through much research, also responds to externally sourced
cannabinoids, such as CBD oil. This is of interest to us because its use can potentially present a
valuable form of therapy for a vast number of symptoms, using the same mechanisms that the
body already utilizes, by introducing the CBD. It is worth noting that THC, which mostly binds to
CB1-R, mitigates the psychoactive response in the body, while CBD which acts on CB2-R, dose
not act similarly, having no such effects on the brain, but, rather actually countering the
respective THC induced effects by inhibiting the THC from binding to the CB1 receptors.
The mechanism of action of CBD on the endocannabinoid system is based on scientific
literature, and in addition to the above mentioned, the evidence states that CBD can also bind
to TRPV-1, a G-coupled protein. The effects of such in the body have been shown to induce
effects in terms of temperature regulation, pain perception, and immune response related to
inflammatory responses. It has also been demonstrated that cannabidiol inhibits the ID-1 gene,
which, otherwise, has been linked to tumor growth in a variety of areas of the body.
There is a growing number of studies that are being performed that support the idea
that CBD has the potential to and, in fact, has shown itself to act as a therapeutic agent for
many physiologic, as well as, psychological conditions/issues. It is likely, with the seemingly
exponential growth of the cannabis industry and its preceding legalization that the amount of
supporting evidence will continue to grow as more data is gathered. The fact that CBD works in