CBD works by acting on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The
ECS naturally produces endocannabinoids (also known as endogenous cannabinoids), which help maintain homeostasis in the body (our natural balance). Those molecules then bind with receptors, which is how the ECS knows to take action and return balance to the body.
There are two main ECS receptors:
● CB1 receptors, found mostly in the body’s central nervous system (CNS)
● CB2 receptors, found mostly in the body’s peripheral nervous system (PNS) and
specifically in immune cells.
Endocannabinoids can bind to either CB1 or CB2. The effect on the body differs depending on which endocannabinoid is binding and where the receptor is in the body.
Initially, scientists believed that those receptors were only in the brain and nerves. However, it is now known that ECS receptors are all over the body - in the skin, skeletal muscle, immune cells, bone, liver, heart, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, fat tissue, and kidneys.
Once the endocannabinoids have carried out their job, they are broken down by two main enzymes.
● Fatty acid amide hydrolase, responsible for breaking down anandamide (AEA).
● Monoacylglycerol acid lipase, responsible for breaking down 2-
Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
However, scientists now believe that CBD works to stop this process, unlike how THC affects the body. This also means that CBD may work to counter the effects of THC in the body.
The ECS also helps with other processes in the body, including memory, appetite, stress, pain/inflammation, metabolism, sleep, immune function, reproductive function, and mood.