The Endocannabinoid System, named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.

In order to create homeostasis, our body leverages nutrients and compounds from everything we ingest.

A special set of nutrients called Cannabinoids promote homeostasis starting at the sub-cellular level and CBD works as a switch that activates our Endocannabinoid system.

In fact, the human body produces its own cannabinoids similar to CBD and THC. These endogenous cannabinoids are a part of a system that acts as the “master control” of the body. That same system is receptive to CBD!

Endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are found at the intersection of the body’s various systems, allowing communication and coordination between different cell types. At the site of an injury, for example, cannabinoids can be found decreasing the release of activators and sensitisers from the injured tissue, stabilising the nerve cell to prevent excessive firing, and calming nearby immune cells to prevent release of pro-inflammatory substances. Three different mechanisms of action on three different cell types for a single purpose: minimise the pain and damage caused by the injury.

The endocannabinoid system, with its complex actions in our immune system, nervous system, and all of the body’s organs, is literally a bridge between body and mind. By understanding this system we begin to see a mechanism that explains how states of consciousness can promote health or disease.