CBD and the Human Body

Nov 12, 2020

How Hemp CBD flower enhances the human endocannabinoid system and terpenes heal the body; the Entourage Effect.

Did you know that humans naturally create cannabinoids, like Cannabis?

The interaction of CBD and the human body is an exploration that details the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, naturally producing cannabis- like molecules/ cannabinoids. So, what exactly does the endocannabinoid system in the human body do?

  • It’s involved in a variety of things: pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function.
  • Human skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract are all connected to the endocannabinoid receptors.
  • The main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain body homeostasis.

The endocannabinoid system has endocannabinoid receptors that are receptors located in and around the human body. Endocannabinoids bind to the receptors and signal the endocannabinoid system to take action when needed.

There are two main endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, generally found in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, which are generally found in the peripheral nervous system; more specifically, immune cells.

Normal reports of research into CBD and the human body have shown that cannabinoids from cannabis and hemp (CBD) can signal the body to make more endocannabinoids and build more receptors. As it relates to the human body and CBD synergy, CBD stimulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors, causing a reaction without binding to them directly. This creates changes in cells that contain them. Additionally, CBD binds to a protein-receptor couple, TRPV-1 This is.responsible for regulating body temperature, pain, and inflammation. Healthline says that “endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to”.

 

CBD and the Impact of the Entourage Effect on The Human Body

The Entourage Effect is when cannabinoids like CBD are consumed with other compounds, causing them all to interact and provide more of a therapeutic effect, rather than taking a single cannabinoid. This also happens with human endocannabinoids and CBD. When the cannabinoids all meet inside the human body, there’s a boost in the health benefits and overall therapeutic effect. Not only do cannabinoids from the human body and CBD work well together, terpenes also contribute to synergy between CBD and the human body. Terpenes are a diverse class of organic compounds produced by many plants, and even some insects. They are responsible for the fragrance of plants, including Cannabis/ hemp CBD flower (more on terpenes below).
Together, they all boost each other and join forces to help heal the human body.

 

Terpenes and the Human Body

Terpenes do not cause a high, even terpenes associated with THC flower. Terpenes contribute to the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids from Cannabis/hemp, and the endocannabinoid system. There are at least 80 terpenes associated with Cannabis/hemp.
Did you know that the combination of terpenes, cannabinoids, and optimal dosage is responsible for the entire success of medical Cannabis? Some of the most popular terpenes found in hemp/Cannabis are:

  • Terpinolene: this terpene is also found in lilacs, and promotes upliftment.
  • Pinene: this terpene is also found in Rosemary, and promotes pain relief.
  • Myrcene: this terpene is also found in mangoes, and promotes calming.
  • Limonene: this terpene is also found in lemon rind, and promotes anxiety and stress relief.
  • Caryophyllene: this terpene is also found in black pepper, and promotes relief of inflammation.

Way of Leaf says that terpenes account for a portion of the total dry weight of the cannabis plant—up to 5%. This makes sense when considering the fact that terpenes in Cannabis/hemp flower live in the trichomes of the flower.

 

The Entourage Effect Explained

Tying this all together, the human body absorbs hundreds of plant compounds. Each compound has its own unique effects and benefits and can change its behavior in the presence of other compounds.
Leafly breaks it down like this: “It’s kind of like how your mood might change depending on your social environment. How do you behave when you’re alone, at a party with strangers, or hanging out with your best friend? Your mood and the personality you project shift depending on who’s in the room.”

 

In Closing

Cannabis/ hemp cannabinoids like CBD, the human endocannabinoid system, and terpenes all interact with each other, like synergy between artists and record companies. The synergy between CBD and the human body is one that leads to natural medicine, familiar to the synergy between CBD and the human body is one that leads to natural medicines familiar to the human body due to the fact that the human body also creates cannabinoids.