Why do we have cannabinoid receptors?
The cannabis plant is rich in compounds called cannabinoids, which bind to cell receptors in the brain, immune system and elsewhere.
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not produce a euphoric high.
It is sold as an oil or powder that can be taken orally or applied topically; it is also used in vape pens and other types of devices.
CBD works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors located throughout the brain and nervous system that responds to substances called cannabinoids.
The main type of cannabinoid produced by our brain is called anandamide. This is the neurotransmitter that helps regulate pleasure and pain responses as well as other key functions like memory and appetite.
But why do we have cannabinoid receptors? What benefit do they provide and are cannabinoid receptors only for CBD interactions?
Why do we have cannabinoid receptors?
In short, humans have cannabinoid receptors not just for interacting with CBD, but they actually control several key physiological functions in the human body.
The discovery of cannabinoid receptors and the identification of their location and function in the human body is a relatively recent accomplishment. Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors.
The effects of cannabinoids can be varied, depending on which receptor they bind to. For example, CB1 receptors are highly concentrated in the brain and spine but CB2 receptors are found mainly in the immune system, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.
Cannabinoid-mediated signaling is responsible for several physiological functions: motor learning, short-term memory (both long-term and working), pain relief, anxiety relief (anxiolytic), reduced nausea (antiemetic), appetite stimulation (appetite inducer) and reduction of intraocular pressure.
What do Cannabinoid Receptors do?
Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body and brain. They can bind to the active ingredient of Cannabis, THC, to alter a person's mood, memory, concentration levels and other mental processes.
The two main cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. The first can be found mainly in the central nervous system and the second in the immune system. Cannabinoid receptors bind to cannabinoids such as THC or CBD found in marijuana to alter a person's mood, memory, concentration levels and other mental processes.
Do animals have cannabinoid receptors?
There is a lot of research on the human endocannabinoid system, which is composed of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous lipid ligands.
The existence of such receptors in animals has been difficult to prove because those compounds cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
However, according to a study published in the journal "Nature" in 2001, scientists have found cannabinoid receptors in animal brains.
CBD and Cannabinoid Receptors
CBD is one of the major cannabinoids that is found in the Cannabis plant. Recently, there has been a lot of research done on CBD and its effects. CBD is known to affect different cannabinoid receptors in different ways. There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, both of which can be affected by CBD.
Cannabis plants produce over 100 types of cannabinoids, but only THC and CBD are scientifically researched for medical purposes with most people claiming that THC has no medical benefits while CBD does.
It's important to know the difference between THC and CBD because they attach to two different receptors in our body - CB1 (found mostly in brain) and CB2 (found mostly in immune cells).
CBD1 and CBD2 Receptors Explained
CBD1 and CB2 receptors are a group of cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. As with most receptors, CBD1 and CB2 receptors are located on the surface of cells. They are activated when they come in contact with proteins called cannabinoids, which can be found in marijuana, hemp, and other plants.
The CB1 receptor is mainly found in the brain. When it is activated, it can cause euphoric effects like reduced pain perception and anxiety. The CB2 receptor is mostly expressed in the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with chronic pain or inflammation.
Do other plants contain cannabinoids?
There are two types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are found in cannabis plants, but other plants contain them as well.
Just like humans, plants produce endocannabinoids, which regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. Some plants also contain phytocannabinoids, which are a group of compounds that mimic the effects of the body’s own cannabinoids.
Different Types of CBD Supplements
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is found in the cannabis plant. It is thought to be non-psychoactive and therefore not intoxicating.
There are many different types of supplements that are created from CBD e-liquids, oils, capsules or topical creams. With so many different ways to take CBD it can be challenging to know which one is most appropriate for your needs.
This article will discuss the differences between all these different types of supplements so that you can make an informed decision about which supplement is right for you.
Why do we have cannabinoid receptors - Conclusion
Cannabinoid receptors are found in the brain and other parts of the body. They are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating homeostasis.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands (like anandamide), enzymes (like fatty acid amide hydrolase) and endocannabinoids. Cannabis plants produce chemicals that interact with these same chemical systems in our bodies. The cannabis plant produces substances that bind to cannabinoid receptors, mimicking natural cannabinoids like anandamide or 2-AG.
Scientists continue to study the effects of cannabis on neurotransmitters and its role in neurodegenerative disease states like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and more.