Understanding the Endocannabinoid System & Hemp

Healthful relationships play a large role in the quality of our everyday existence. From our family bonds, the environments in which we live, the food we eat, how we physically feel, to how we see ourselves. Certain connections are critical for balance to make it all work together. This is particularly true for our body, which has a life-essential regulatory system based on biochemical relationships that helps us maintain equilibrium, despite life’s up and downs. These connections comprise the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Hemp has a unique and interactive lock and key relationship with ECS. 

Cannabinoid graphic
The ECS “Power Couple”

What exactly is ECS? Discovered in the 1990s, ECS is thought to be one of the most vital yet vast receptor systems for sustaining good health. ECS affects many biological processes in humans, in fact, it affects all vertebrate animals, as well as some invertebrates.

ECS contains cannabinoid receptors or “locks,” while the group of chemical compounds called cannabinoids, should be viewed like “keys.” The body produces various endogenous cannabinoids, most notably anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and are found in the immune system, the central nervous system, brain, various organs, connective tissue, and glands.

Since hemp contains elevated levels of Cannabidiol (CBD), active phytocannabinoids work in concert with other secondary phytocannabinoids and compounds (i.e. terpenes and flavonoids), and works well with the ECS in order to unlock the receptor locks. Think of hemp as the ‘key’ to the receptors.

The major function of the ECS is to maintain system homeostasis by providing a state of internal stability necessary for survival, despite fluctuations in the external environment. The ECS is also involved in many physiological processes like appetite, sleep, digestion, mood, memory, metabolism, neuro-protection, hormones, and heart function.

The ECS has a series of receptors in cells throughout the body that binds the cannabinoids found in hemp extract oil. Two main kinds of receptors are cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid 2 (CB2) and they receive three types of cannabinoids:

Endocannabinoids – Cannabinoids made in our body
Phytocannabinoids – Derived from natural plant cannabinoids
Synthetic Cannabinoids – Synthetically created

CB1 is mostly found in the brain, as well as in the lungs, kidney, liver, bones, heart, male and female reproductive organs. This receptor is more keyed into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main cannabinoid in marijuana. CB2 however lives in the immune system, with a significant presence in the spleen as well as the lungs, liver, bone and muscle. Metabolic enzymes, FAAH and MAGL, are used by the ECS to accelerate chemical reactions and efficiently break down cannabinoids once they’ve served their purpose.

Understanding the relationship with the Endocannabinoid System and homeostasis is key. It’s essential as to how we thrive, heal and function for body and mind wellness. Through science additional answers will continue to reveal why our body is responsive to hemp and whole-plant cannabinoids as much still appears to be unknown.

Hope this introduction provides you with a better understanding how CBD works in the body. We offer only locally sourced, Certified Natural Grow CBD products from our supplier in 300 mg, 600 mg potency and are pleased to now offer a 1200 mg strength for those who need a stronger dosage. While the labels have changed, it’s still the same quality product and formulations we’ve carried since the shop went live. Check the K-9 store for product details and prices. Products are always shipped free when you place your order and are sent out ASAP (same day as ordered presuming the post office is open). Feel free to contact us with any specific questions.

Live, love, bark! 🐾

33 thoughts on “Understanding the Endocannabinoid System & Hemp

  1. What great information! One thing I’ve been seeing lately is that there can be a difference between hemp oil and CBD oil. They seem to use the names interchangeably, but sometimes hemp oil is just hemp oil and doesn’t contain CBD? I think I understand it all, but maybe you could tackle that subject sometime too? Thanks!

  2. Maybe I should buy some CBD oil gel caps for myself. Ever since my Mom’s last dog started having seizures in her later years (after she had become my dog), I’ve been a really light sleeper. To the point where some nights I can’t get much more than an hour or two, even when I’m yawning my fool head off.

  3. thank you for words. I’m taking it day by day. i need to remember that its only been about four months since Lily passed after 14 years with us and to remember to be kind and understanding with myself. i will keep your words about Angel in my daily thoughts.
    and there have been times when she has come up onto our bed to lay up against me..her front paws on my chest and her head sharing my pillow. she will even fall asleep like that.
    we enjoy our daily walks together. i know she feels more confident each passing day. her tail speaks for her loudly about how she is feeling.
    as do her beautiful golden colored eyes. giving her and myself time I’m sure we will become good friends.

    1. May past and tender memories of your Lily provide you with thoughts of loving comfort now. ❤️

  4. off topic. lily passed away in mid November. i stopped reading this blog and others because its just to painful.
    two weeks ago we adopted Angel a two year old lab mix. she is so sweet and has clearly bonded with my husband.
    i take her for walks during the day and fluff on her but she is clearly a daddys girl. I’m so glad she came into his life.. she has already brought him so much comfort and joy. as for me i thought i was doing fine. i had my moments but most days were ok.
    we are keeping Angel. for my husband it was perfect timing. what i have not told him is that i realize it was too soon for me.
    everyone we know is so happy for us. so i keep my feelings of too soon hidden deep but its wearing me down and wearing me out.
    so hopefully you don’t mind that i shared it here. i feel so ashamed of my feelings and that telling loved ones would be selfish of me an woud be stealing thier joy.
    i enjoy having Angel here and show her many times aday. thanks for listening

    1. So sorry to hear about Lily. May you have experience many years of love with sweet Angel.

    2. Hello Alexia. It’s not been easy for you but I really do hope that Angel will bring you both years of joy and comfort. And you will be surprised at what Angel will do. Benji is MY dog, but he will, quite often go and sit with Annabell, my wife. Wont do anything just sit beside her. Angel may surprise you.

  5. Nothing starts off my day better than a cup of good coffee and an in-depth discussion of the Endocannabinoid System. Tomorrow: The Tesseract, a Four-dimensional Analogue of the Cube!

    In the immortal words of Forrest Gump, “I am not a smart man.” 🙂

  6. It’s a life saver for many. Had a friend that used it when he was on chemo and he didn’t lose his appetite. I’ve seen many that just won’t eat.

    Have a fabulous day. ♥

  7. Is this available in Australia? The answer is yes, but it is a very complicated prescription system.. Perhaps, in the not too distant future it might be a lot easier but for the moment, use and availability is strictly controlled – such is MY understanding.

    1. Hopefully the authorities will come to understand the benefits. CBD does not contain the properties that makes people high.

  8. Funny how you should write about this today when on Saturday I am going to an info session on various products containing CBC and/or THC – I am not a fan of smoking the stuff but I do have sleep issues that I want to solve more naturally.

    1. Thanks. It’s really fascinating how the CBD ‘keys’ bind to our body’s receptors.

    1. It’s getting better I think. S-l-o-w-l-y. From what I’m told, it’s available in the UK.

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