The Endocannabinoids System

This is the part of your body they probably didn’t tell you about in anatomy class. The endocannabinoid system is a vast network of chemical compounds and receptors that exist naturally in the body and serve the purpose of maintaining homeostasis.

Though not discovered until the late 1980’s by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has always been a necessary part of maintaining optimal health. We now know that all mammals, including dogs and cats have an ECS.

CBD + ECS

Though it may sound unfamiliar, the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in supporting overall health and wellbeing. All vertebrates have an endocannabinoid system that serves the purpose of helping the body establish and maintain balance for optimal health and wellness. “Endo” means inside and “cannabinoids” are cannabis compounds. Simply, we have cannabinoids already inside of us that the body naturally produces.

CBD interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system by responding to cannabinoid receptors, and the primary cannabinoid receptors in the body are CB1 and CB2. They are found in virtually every organ in the body and throughout all bodily systems including the brain. Your body naturally produces its own endocannabinoids which work holistically to maintain homeostasis in the body. Some of the parts of the body that make use of the system include your brain, immune system, organs, connective tissues, and glands. It also helps regulate feelings of pain, mood, appetite, memory, digestion, respiration, and many, many more.*

A healthy endocannabinoid system can mean that you may sleep better, your moods are more regulated, your nervous system processes pain normally, your memory works more clearly, and your digestive system functions properly.*

CBD and other cannabinoids fit into the receptors of the ECS, helping the body complete its efforts to keep us in good health by supporting many of the body’s physical processes.