The Endocannabinoid System and Hemp Oil – What is it?

How does it work with cannabinoids & our body?

As you shop for hemp CBD oil, the main question that’ll probably come to your mind is, “How do hemp oil and cannabinoids work?” Is it like vitamins or fish oil, where it supplements our diet? Do we really need them? Is it natural? How will my body respond to it?

Researchers have found that cannabinoids, including Cannabidiol (also known as CBD), interact with our body through an internal system that we all have, called the Endocannabinoid System. To help you understand how this system works, we will take a look at the history behind its discovery and provide an overview on how it works. We also discuss how hemp oil and the endocannabinoid system work together to support your wellness.

A Brief History of the Endocannabinoid System

Throughout history, ancient civilizations used extracts from cannabis plants for various medicinal (and recreational) purposes. This all changed following the prohibition of the cannabis plant by the federal government in the early 1900s, due to growing concern surrounding the psychoactive properties of cannabis. This prohibition delayed the advancement of studies surrounding the cannabis plant for more than half a century.

In 1990, Miles Herkenham first discovered the cannabinoid receptor system in the brain. This led to scientists being able to understand the effects that occur when cannabinoids bind with receptors in the brain. Two years later, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and fellow scientists made a groundbreaking discovery by finding the first natural cannabinoid (endocannabinoids) inside our bodies. They gave it the name Anandamide, coming from the Sanskrit word ‘ananda,’ which translates to ‘eternal bliss.’

These discoveries ultimately clarified the big question of the role of cannabis compounds, showing that the body produces its own cannabinoids and that it is natural to the body. This was crucial to discrediting the stigma that was constructed in the previous decades.

A Quick Overview

The endocannabinoid system is comprised of several different parts and mechanisms:

• Enzymes that are specific to creating and destroying cannabinoids
• Receptors that bind to cannabinoids (both Endo and Phytocannabinoids)
• Cannabinoids binding these receptors results in neurons in the brain and spinal cord relaying information more efficiently

Studies have revealed that, through these mechanisms, cannabinoids can act as neuromodulators for various aspects of life and bodily functions. Broadly speaking, the endocannabinoid system has been found to help maintain homeostasis, or the body’s ability to maintain internal stability.

The Role That The Endocannabinoid System Has In Our Body

Research has shown that the endocannabinoid system can play a crucial role in making sure that the body’s immune and central nervous systems are working properly. Overall, all these early studies have a positive indication that a healthy endocannabinoid system can play a big part in our well-being.

Hemp Oil is Essentially an Ally to the Endocannabinoid System.

We at Populum offer a premium hemp oil tincture that contains a full spectrum of naturally occurring phytocannabinoids. Overall, there’s still a lot of research to be done around the Endocannabinoid System. It’s existence was only discovered in the early 1990s, so researchers agree that there’s still a lot to learn when it comes to the full extent of the system’s role.

Populum is excited to continue to be an ambassador of the hemp oil industry and to help raise awareness of this remarkable system in our body.