Cannabis compounds have biphasic properties, which means that low and high doses can produce opposite effects. Small doses of cannabis tend to stimulate; large doses sedate. “Less is more” is often the case concerning cannabis.

“endo“ means “originating within the body”

The Endocannabinoid System is a self-regulating system of receptors that are located throughout the entire body. Cannabinoids like CBD deliver their effects by binding to receptors CB1 and CB2 in the brain and body. While they’re densest throughout the central nervous system, these receptors can be found in virtually every part of the body. This network of receptors is called your endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

Our ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis (balance) over all other endogenous systems (digestive, endocrine, neural, lymphatic, immune, etc.) and bringing  them back to a neutral state whether they were over-stimulated or under-stimulated. The Endocannabinoid System plays a crucial role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes that affect our everyday experience – our mood, memory, sleep, energy level, intestinal fortitude, immune activity, blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, how we experience pain, stress, hunger, and more. 

CB1 Receptors Target:
• Response to anxiety, stress, emotion, fear, and pain. 
• Motor activity and coordination
• Thinking
• Appetite
• Learning & memory system
• Decision making
• Emotional behavior
• Body temperature
• Neuroendocrine function
• Language
• Pain perception
• Immune cells
• Sleeping patterns 

CB2 Receptors Target:
• Bones & eyes
• Energy balance
• Metabolism
• Gut and digestion
• Inflammation
• Respiratory tract
• Skeletal muscle
• Kidneys, liver & pancreas
• Reproductive system
• Cardiovascular function
• Central nervous system
• Immune system responses
• Skin and nerve function
• Muscle formation
• Adipose tissue (fat)

An optimally functioning ECS creates endocannabinoids based on demand and needs of the body to ensure harmony and balance in cells, tissues, and organs – known as homeostasis. Disease are the consequences of a chronically deficient or overactive endocannabinoid system that doesn’t function properly.

The Endocannabinoid System is located on nearly every cell in the body – skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. 

The 3 parts of The Endocannabinoid System:

1. CB1 and CB2 Receptors
2. Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids
3. Metabolic Enzymes

The Endocannabinoid System is a self-regulating system that uses metabolic enzymes (amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL)) to destroy cannabinoids once they are used and are no longer useful to the body. Unlike the hormonal system, which keeps the chemicals (hormones) around longer than needed, the ECS ensures the interaction between the receptors and cannabinoids only happens when needed.

Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) – Due to lack of nutrition, stress, age, etc. the body produces less endocannabinoids resulting in low endocannabinoid levels or ECS dysfunction which can contribute to the development of certain conditions – migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and more. None of these conditions have a clear underlying cause. They’re also often resistant to treatment and sometimes occur alongside each other.

Cannabinoids binds to receptors called CB1 and CB2. THC binds to CB1 receptors whereas CBD is mainly affiliated with CB2 receptors but in high concentrations competes with THC at the CB1 receptor sites. This means that when THC and CBD are used together, in a ratio of more CBD to THC, this feature of CBD enables you to benefit from THC while reducing its psychotic effects. These two cannabinoids may be recognized as the most effective cannabinoids in stimulating our endocannabinoid system, but this is not the case. Not only do the other cannabinoids compete/synergise with THC and CBD, they also interact directly and/or indirectly with CB1 and/or CB2 receptors as well as many other metabolic processes.

CB-1 receptors – CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, digestive tract, and even the eyes, as well as in the central and peripheral nervous systems which is why THC stimulates appetite, overpowers nausea, interrupts the spread of pain signals and can be used to disturb the growth of cancer cells. The placement of CB1 receptors is also why overdoses on cannabis are impossible – because these receptors are not present in the basal regions of the brain that are responsible for vital functions, such as heart and respiratory function, overdoses due solely to cannabis use simply do not occur.

CB-2 receptors – CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system, in particular tissues associated with the immune system, including the tonsils, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow, which helps to moderate inflammation and our immune response to pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and worms), the brain and in the gastrointestinal system, thereby playing a huge role in immunity, cell growth, neuro-regeneration and general cell homeostasis.  CBD products are potentially beneficial for conditions due to overactive immune system (i.e. arthritis, asthma, allergies, autoimmune disorders or digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease) through binding to the CB2 receptors. Supplementing with CBD Oil does not only support the body where a deficiency causes an underactive immune system. It also helps the endocannabinoid system bring a balance from an overactive immune system. 

Overactive Immune System 

asthma, allergies, hives, dermatitis, eczema, autoimmune disorders – multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic vasculitis or digestive issues like inflammatory bowel disease.

Underactive Immune System

Makes people vulnerable to bacteria and infections.

Trichomes are the shiny, sticky, mushroom-shaped clear or white looking crystals that covers the leaves and buds that  synthesises (produces) Phytocannabinoids and Terpenes. 

Even though trichomes can be found in any male and female plant, its highest phytocannabinoid concentration can be found in the female plant. Most of the trichomes appears during the flowering period and forms the thickest cover in pistilated (female) flowers’ bracts and in the small leaves that go with flowers called the cola, which refers to the plant’s “bud site” where tight female flowers bloom. Colas form at all budding sites throughout the plant, but the larger, firmer colas tend to form toward the top of the plant with the main cola, sometimes called the apical bud, forming at the very top of the plant.

What are Terpenes
Terpenes/terpenoids otherwise referred to as essential oils, are powerful Phyto molecules produced by plants as components of odors, hormones, steroids, pigments, vitamins, and resins. Terpenes are responsible for creating the unique aroma of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Plants develop terpenes to ward off herbivores that might eat them and to attract helpful predators and pollinators.
Terpenes are highly pharmacological versatile molecules that can interact with cell membranes, neuronal/muscle ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors (such as cannabinoid receptors), G-protein coupled receptors and enzymes. Terpenes also provide therapeutic benefits like cannabinoids and can alter the state of their surroundings to modify how much of each cannabinoid is absorbed. Terpenes and Cannabinoids work together in harmony to result in an Entourage Effect which enhances their individual therapeutic properties.
Formed from the same shiny, resinous trichomes as cannabinoids, cannabis terpenes also bind to the same endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the brain and body. For example, depending upon which receptors they react with, different terpenes may help to induce sleep and relax muscles while others reduce stress and elevate mood, or reduce inflammation and increase energy.

What are Bioflavonoids? (“Vitamin P”.)
Bioflavonoids (also called flavonoids) are the natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables and flowers their color.

Terpenes = Smell
Bioflavonoids = Colour

Leaves from the plant are symmetrical and are generally made up of five or seven leaflets. The commonly recognizable fan leaves help to distinguish between Indica and Sativa marijuana plants. Darker, wide leaves for Indica and lighter green, lean slender fingers for Sativa is the norm. The various strains of cannabis possess particular properties resulting in different effects. The cannabis plant happens to be one of the most pharmacologically active plants on the planet, containing over 400 active chemicals. The unique, active components of cannabis are called cannabinoids, which are found alongside active chemicals called terpenoids, known for their aromatic qualities, and flavonoids which are antioxidants.