The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) occurs naturally in the body and promotes a state of balance and well-being. When a function in the body gets out of tune, our ECS activates and helps correct the problem.

It comprises receptors located all over the body that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids bond to, endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that break down cannabinoids and endocannabinoids.

Because these receptors are located all over the body, they have so many effects on it. Some conditions thought to be affected by cannabinoids are sleep, mood, pain, and appetite.

Cannabinoids such as CBD bind to the receptors in the ECS, giving them direction. Your body can also produce cannabinoids, which are called endocannabinoids. Endo means naturally occurring in our bodies.

It is thought that when the body suffers stress or injury, it may not produce enough of its own endocannabinoids to maintain the ECS. That’s when supplementing the body with a cannabinoid such as CBD can help.

A good example of this is when we don’t get enough nutrients from our diet, and we supplement with vitamins.

Some enzymes break down cannabinoids. One enzyme in particular is called Cytochrome P450, and the reason is that this enzyme also metabolizes many other things in the body, including some prescription drugs.

This can cause competition between the cannabinoids and the other drugs. If there is insufficient enzyme to metabolize both substances, both levels will rise, which could cause unwanted side effects.

One good rule of thumb would be not to mix CBD with any prescription drug that your Doctor or Pharmacist tells you not to mix with grapefruits.

Generally, any drug that your doctor or pharmacist tells you not to take with grapefruits, you should not take with CBD.

Two examples would be the blood thinner Coumadin (Warfarin) and Statin drugs used for cholesterol, such as Lipitor (Atorvastatin).

Note- Please consult your physician before beginning or discontinuing any medication. CBD should not be used with any medication containing a “grapefruit warning.” 

CBD compounds may, by law, contain no more than 0.3 % of THC. While this is not enough THC to create a psychoactive effect, it may still be detectable in some tests. If you are prohibited from using any product containing THC, CBD treatments may not be an option.