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‘How does CBD work?’, is one question we often get asked. To understand how CBD works, we first have to understand the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis.
When studying these phytocannabinoids the endocannabinoid system was discovered. This system is a network of receptors, enzymes, and biochemical pathways involved in manufacturing and using the body’s own form of cannabinoids.
Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS but it is known to play a role in regulating a range of functions and processes. These include; sleep, mood, appetite, memory, hormones, reproduction and fertility.
The ECS involves three main components:
1, Endocannabinoids (ECBs)
2, Cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors)
3, Enzymes that synthesize and break down ECBs
Endocannabinoids are molecules produced by your body.
Two key endocannabinoids have been identified:
Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
These ECS keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces these molecules as and when they are required and is individual to every person. This is why it is difficult to know what a typical dosage of CBD is for each person.
Anandamide was discovered in the 1990s, this molecule operates throughout the endocannabinoid system. It regulates appetite, optimizes memory, and balances hormones, to name a few of its functions. It’s even been identified as the source of the “runners high”.
2-ArachidonoylGlycerol (2-AG) has been linked to our emotional states, protection from seizures, and maintaining cardiovascular health.
Cannabinoids such as CBD have a lipid-based structure and this is why CBD is delivered in an oil base like hemp or coconut to ensure the highest bioavailability.
These receptors are found throughout your body.
Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system.
They are essential for a healthy functioning brain and are one of the most common receptors in the entire nervous system. Depending on what region of the brain they are located in, they are the moderators of your memory, mood, motor function, or your perception of pain.
Although CB1 receptors are most common in the central nervous system, we find them throughout the human body. In other parts of the body, CB1 receptors also have roles in, hormone production, cardiovascular health, and digestion.
CB2 receptors are most often found on the cells of our immune system. They help moderate inflammation and our immune response to pathogens.
Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor.
If endocannabinoids are the keys, then cannabinoid receptors are the locks.
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids (Keys) once they’ve carried out their function.
There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
*Fatty acid amide hydrolase, FAAH which breaks down AEA.
*Monoacylglycerol acid lipase, MAGL which breaks down 2-AG.
Your body controls when & where ECBs are produced, and how quickly they are removed or broken down.
Endocannabinoids are lipid-based neurotransmitters which means they are synthesized from fats. Your body has a number of different enzymes that work together to transform fatty substances into anandamide and 2-AG. Increasing your dietary intake of omega-3s and other essential fatty acids may help your body boost its production of ECBs.
Once anandamide and 2-AG have delivered their messages, the body needs a way to prevent them from continuing to stimulate the ECS indefinitely. ECBs are moved by proteins to storage sites or delivered to enzymes that remove the ECB’s from the body.
1, CBD (Cannabidiol)plays a large role in the endocannabinoid system by influencing and enhancing your natural levels of endocannabinoids.
2, CBD does not directly trigger your CB1 and CB2 receptors, instead, it modifies the receptors’ ability to bind to cannabinoids.
3, CBD also works to inhibit Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH). This inhibition creates higher levels of endocannabinoids like anandamide. CBD helps your ECS system work correctly and can have a positive influence on it.
The ECS is involved with so many aspects of health, research on the endocannabinoid system has increased since its discovery 30 years ago.
The Endocannabinoid system is very easy to throw out of balance. Stress levels, diet, and exercise all influence your body’s ECS, and our modern lifestyles may be taking a toll on our systems.
Some experts believe in a theory known as clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD). This theory suggests that low endocannabinoid levels in your body can manifest in illness. Experts believe that maintaining homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS.
Taking CBD as part of a healthy lifestyle will help promote Homeostasis.
For more information on How to naturally improve your endocannabinoid system
There are a few different ways to take CBD, each method has its own unique absorption profile. Options include ingestion, topical application, and sublingual administration.
Sublingual: CBD is absorbed through tissue under the tongue and enters the bloodstream in around 15 minutes. This is one of the best ways to maximize absorption.
Dosage frequency & amounts are at the user’s discretion, with a maximum daily dose of 70mg. New users are recommended to start on a low dose and build up gradually to a standard daily dose of 20 – 25 mg.
| Mg of CBD Per 10ml bottle | Drops Per 10ml | Mg of CBD Per Drop | Recommended dose | Number of servings |
| 500mg | 200 | 2.5mg | 10 drops | 20 servings |
| 1000mg | 200 | 5mg | 5 drops | 40 servings |
| 2000mg | 200 | 10mg | 2-3 drops | 80 servings |
For a more comprehensive dosage chart follow the link CBD dosage
Based in Stockport, Leaf Organics is dedicated to offering the best CBD products available in the UK. We have extensively researched and sourced the best products (see our Lab Reports) and created an extensive FAQ page to answer some of your questions. Should you need further information, please contact our friendly team today.