Say endocannabinoid system 3 times fast--what a tongue twister! You may have been hearing about cannabinoids in the press lately and find yourself pondering the endocannabinoid system and its role in your body! If so, bear with us as we try to explain it to you.
What is the Endocannabinoid System and What Does it Do?
When it comes to human health, the ECS is considered to be one of the most important physiological systems.
This complex cell-signaling system was found by researchers in the 1990s who were exploring THC (a well-known cannabinoid) and how they worked in and with the body. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis). <--More on those shortly.
The ECS is still being researched but so far we know it plays a role in a range of functions, including:
- Memory
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Mood
- And more
But don’t worry, this system is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. In order to better understand the endocannabinoid system, we need to touch on the key biological concept of homeostasis.
What’s Homeostasis? (Helping You Stay Balanced)
Homeostasis is defined as the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Now, in plain English, homeostasis refers to internal stability.
Experts believe that maintaining homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS. For example, if you have some aches that throw your body’s homeostasis off, your ECS’ job is to get your body back to its ideal equilibrium.
Homeostasis is incredibly important to overall health and wellness and its role with the ECS can be summarized perfectly by the quote below.
“Relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect.” -Vincenzo Di Marzo (considered one of the foremost authorities in cannabinoid research)
The Main Factors of the Endocannabinoid System
A few phrases you might hear in regards to the ECS are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and phytocannabinoids (naturally occurring in plants). CBD and THC are two natural compounds that are found in Cannabis plants and most likely what you will find in many products.
Here’s how they relate to your ECS:
- Cannabinoid receptors are found on the surface of some cells and are what CBD, CBN, and THC interact with. There are two major receptors, CB1 (primarily found in the brain and central nervous system and in some other tissues) and CB2 (mostly found in the peripheral organs--especially those associated with the immune system).
- Endo (means within, as in within the body) cannabinoids are small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors.
- Metabolic enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they are used.
Circling Back Around To Cannabis
Cannabis (sativa, indica, and ruderalis) is becoming legal in more and more areas and is commonly used for its relaxing and calming effects. In some states, it’s even prescribed to help with a range of medical conditions.
Our product, Comfort Patch, includes Cannabis sativa which is known to soothe aches and aids in discomfort.
But we still get lots of questions about it. Here are a few:
- Will I pass a drug test//How much THC/How much CBD?
Our Comfort Patch contains less than the legal limit of 0.3% THC (full-spectrum) and 2mg of CBD, so yes you will pass the test! If you have any concerns, please talk to your employer or tester ahead of time to be safe.
When it comes to THC, this is commonly known as the compound that gets you “high”. BUT plenty of products use government-set thresholds (0.3% THC) that are tested to ensure no psychoactive effects.
2. How long does the Comfort Patch last?
The patch lasts at least 24 hours (even through the shower!).
3. Will I have a feeling of being “high”?
No, you won’t get or feel high. The ingredients used in our products are in compliance with government-set thresholds and are at levels that are for topical therapeutic uses.
Why We Created the Comfort Patch
We created the Comfort Patch to help with overall well-being and support. Our Comfort Patch contains a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid that supports the endocannabinoid system.
With that bringing lots of benefits:
- Soothing everyday aches
- Encouraging calm and collected feelings
- Combining botanical blends with CBD for key health benefits
- Aiding in cognitive function
And it’s a 24-hour dual release, so it’s steady and sustained!
“Endocannabinoids are literally a bridge between body and mind. By understanding this system, we begin to see a mechanism that could connect brain activity and states of physical health…” -Bradley Alger states in his study of the Endocannabinoid System.
We are just touching the surface of how amazing the endocannabinoid system is to establishing and maintaining human health.
But what we do know is that we could all use more balance in our lives and the ECS can do just that!
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