Cannabinoids are found in hemp, more specifically in the cannabis sativa variety. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are already present in the body of mammals, including humans. In our body are cannabinoid receptors, on which cannabinoids can dock, these receptors influence the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.

There are two known cannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2, which are located in different parts of the nervous system where they perform different functions, affecting different aspects of our body. Certain cannabinoids are of course very well known to the general public; anyone who listens to cannabis usually thinks of THC first.

The THC is the best-known cannabinoid and probably the most popular as it is widely known for its psychoactive properties. Probably the second most well-known cannabinoid, which above all has good medicinal properties, is the CBD. There are over 100 other cannabinoids, but none of them have been researched so far that they would be given special individual properties.

The cannabinoids produced by the human body are called endocannabinoids. This so-called endocannabinoid system, is indispensable for the functioning of the human body, if there is a lack of endocannabinoids, the consequence is that diseases can break out or physical complaints occur. For example, cystic fibrosis is a disease that can arise when a non-functioning endocannabinoid system is present.

What do cannabinoids do?

Cannabinoids dock directly to the CB1 receptors, the most important function of these receptors is the regulation of the signal transmission of the nerves among themselves, the so-called neurotransmitters. Due to the activity of these CB1 receptors, an overactivity or underactivity of the messenger substances, especially in the brain, is regulated and brought into harmony.

These messengers such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine and many more are important building blocks in our body, but if over-or under-function can cause disease. Our endocannabinoid system compensates for these excesses or undersupply in the nervous system.

Because cannabinoids have a function that regulates in both directions, they are so extremely important to our body. At the same time, it also explains why the cannabinoids we deliver from the outside have such an extremely broad spectrum of action.

A small example of its effect, you have an extremely strong headache, in this moment you can assume that the CB1 receptor is responsible for the pain fighting, does not get enough messengers. Now cannabinoids are supplied from the outside and the neurotransmitters are better supplied, within a short time their body will react and reduce the sensation of pain.

Symptoms such as epileptic seizures, anxiety disorders, nausea or hyperactivity are regulated by the endocannabinoid system and raised to a normal level, or at least mitigated.

The CB2 receptor is the receptor that is responsible for the immune system, any pathogen that enters our body, so viruses, bacteria or any other harmful influence is registered by the CB2 receptors. After registering, the CB2 receptors try to avert harm by completely preventing or mitigating it. Likewise, the CB2 receptors are also capable of regenerating our bodies, which means that attacked cells can be repaired by the action of CB2 receptors.