CBD, like other hemp cannabinoids, acts on the human body through the endocannabinoid system - activating it and through it regulating processes in other body systems. Receptors of the endocannabinoid system are scattered throughout the body, and its purpose is to maintain balance (homeostasis) in the body.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a group of organic chemical compounds with special properties that allow them to regulate the function of cannabinoid receptors found in the body of humans and other mammals. Cannabinoid receptors are part of a network called the endocannabinoid system (ESC, Endocannabinoid system). 

Cannabinoids are divided into 3 groups based on their origin:

1. endocannabinoids: Cannabinoids, which are produced in the human body,
2. phyto-cannabinoids: Plant cannabinoids, such as hemp cannabinoids,
3. synthetic cannabinoids: chemical compounds similar in structure and action to endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids, are synthesized by humans.

How do cannabinoids work on the human body?

The endocannabinoid system, although its role in the body is extremely important, was only recently discovered. It wasn't until 1988 that Israeli scientist Professor Raphael Mechoulam, while studying cannabis phytocannabinoids, noticed that there was a network of receptors in mammalian bodies to which they connect.  

Professor Mechoulam has dedicated his scientific career to exploring the mysteries that cannabis still holds for science. He was the first, back in the 1960s, to isolate the THC and CBD and carried out their mapping. Raphael Mechoulam died in March 2023 at the age of 92.

The role of the endocannabinoid system in the body

An Israeli scientist's research team has discovered that the ECS system plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. Among other things, it regulates the immune, secretory or nervous systems. If the endocannabinoid system is working properly, it is able to influence many other processes in the body. For example, regulate the strength and influence the adequacy of the immune system's response and, depending on the situation, increase resistance to pathogens or alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Thus, affecting the ECS system by taking the CBD or other hemp cannabinoids, we are able to influence other processes, such as inhibiting the development of diseases. 

Structure of the endocannabinoid system:

• Cannabinoid receptors: 

CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors have been the best studied and described. The former are most densely found in the brain, while the latter are found in the immune and nervous systems.

• Endocannabinoids: 

Cannabinoids produced by the human body, are responsible for activating or inhibiting CB1 and CB2 receptors. The most important endocannabinoids are AEA and 2AG.

• Enzymes:

Metabolic enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis and degradation of cannabinoids.

Hemp fito cannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids, or plant cannabinoids, are fat-soluble chemical compounds that are produced by plants, especially those of the genus Cannabis. In cannabis, most cannabinoids are found in the female flowers, in the characteristic hairs that secrete resin.

Currently, researchers have recognized about 100 hemp phytocannabinoids. The best known are cannabinoids are:

• 9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),
• cannabidiol (CBD),
• cannabigerol (CBG), 
• cannabichromene (CBC),
• cannabinol (CBN),
• cannabidiolic acid (CBDA),
• tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV),
• tertahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).

In which diseases can CBD and other hemp cannabinoids be used?

Above, we discussed how CBD acts on the body via the endocannabinoid system. Understanding that cannabinoids regulate the ECS, which in turn regulates other processes in the body, it is easy to surmise that cannabis can provide valuable support for the treatment of many different diseases. 

Currently, cannabinoid-based cannabis medicines are an approved form of therapy in various parts of the world for the following diseases:

• Severe childhood and adult epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome),
• other forms of epilepsy,
• side effects Chemotherapy (including nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, cachexia, weight loss),
• Eating disorders, anorexia,
• neuropathic pain,
• other types of pain,
• spasticity,
• inflammatory bowel diseases,
• mood disorders,
• memory disorders,
• arthritis,
• PTSD.

All the while, scientific research on mechanism of action Hemp cannabinoids in various processes in the body, e.g.: inflammation, immune decline and in various diseases, e.g.: endometriosis, Alzheimer's disease, depression, alcohol addiction skin diseases or autoimmune diseases. Year after year, knowledge about cannabinoids of hemp is increasing, and research is increasingly entering the clinical phase, allowing observation of the the effects of hemp-based medicines on patients and patients, and determining the most effective dosage of cannabinoids and how to administer them.