Over the years there has been many misconceptions and misunderstandings when it came to cannabis. For many it’s a gateway drug, but for others it’s a therapeutic substance that can treat a variety of medical ailments. Cannabis sativa, the mother plant of hemp and Marijuana, has loads of beneficial compounds within its leaves.
Farmers and researchers have discovered ways in which these compounds can be extracted and used within the body. It is important to note that Marijuana and hemp, although from the same family, don’t have the same functions or effects. The difference between hemp and Marijuana is something that must be understood in order for us to fully understand it.
Simply put, Marijuana has psychoactive effects (the ‘high’ feeling) while hemp hasn’t. Within both these plants there are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids (CBD) are natural compounds that can even be found in our bodies as well as in our pet’s bodies. More specifically, within the endocannabinoid system.
This is where the difference comes in; Marijuana has very low levels of CBD while hemp has high levels of CBD. This is why many people are purchasing and using hemp CBD oil infused products for themselves and their pets.
Why Cannabinoids?
A few years ago, while researching the effects of hemp and Marijuana in the body, a researcher accidentally came across the endocannabinoid system. This system can be found within the human body. It was later discovered that we share this same system with other mammals like cats and dogs.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), releases natural cannabinoids within the body. These cannabinoids attach themselves to receptors, known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Within this system there are enzymes as well. It’s the enzymes responsibility to break down and process cannabinoids. Once this is done the cannabinoids have different therapeutic effects.
When our bodies are out of balance or are suffering from a medical ailment, the ECS doesn’t produce a high quantity of cannabinoids. Even though it does produce its regular amount, this is not enough to regulate certain processes to maintain a balance in homeostasis.
This is where hemp CBD oil products come in. When you digest any of the cannabinoid products, you inject more cannabinoids into your system which attach to the receptors. Because there are more cannabinoids in your system, more of its therapeutic compounds are injected into the body. Resulting in a positive outcome.
Without using any man-made chemicals and medications, a healthier and natural alternative is available. You can check out the post right here for more information on different CBD infused oils and products for pets.
Receptors
The receptors that form a part of the endocannabinoid system acts like a kind of lock. Once it connects with a key, cannabinoids, it unlocks magical functions.
In both pets and humans, receptors are classified into two groups; CB1 and CB2. Both groups are responsible for different types of functions.
CB1 Receptors: When cannabinoids connect with CB1 receptors it has an effect on the brain and a few other body functions. It helps to register an increase of appetite in pets who have lost appetite. It also regulates moods by improving anxiousness and depression.
CB2 Receptors: CB2 receptors have an influence on certain parts of the brain to increase calmness. Primarily, combined with cannabinoids, CB2 receptors help to improve the immune system. As a result, there will be an increase in energy and a decrease in inflammation.
There are still many studies to be done to prove the connection between the receptors and cannabinoids. As time goes on, more and more information is surfacing. Learn more about past, present, and future studies here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-019-0210-3.
Human and pet bodies are complex entities with a variety of different systems. Even though the endocannabinoid system is one of the most recently discovered systems, it has already created a giant stir in the world.
It can not quite be explained how our bodies connect to receptors within Cannabis sativa plants and for it to have such a positive result. Not only on our moods, but also on our immune system and overall bodily health.
One thing is for sure, just like the Cannabis sativa family, we and our pets have cannabinoids inside us.