Cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors)

Cannabinoid receptors sit on cell surfaces waiting for specific neurotransmitters to pass by to bind to them. Depending on the type of cell the CB receptor is planted on, the effect, once bound, will promptly influence immunity, sensation, mood and consciousness. To date, only two types of cannabinoid receptors have been identified, CB1 and CB2. Although some cannabinoids can interact with both, CB1 and CB2 receptors only share 48% amino acid sequence identity. They are distributed in different tissues, have different signaling mechanisms and differ in their sensitivity to agonists (initiating a physiological response) and antagonists (interfere with or inhibit physiological response).

CB1- The CB1 receptor is expressed in both the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system (highest density). They are found on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, in some peripheral organs and tissues such as the spleen, white blood cells, endocrine gland and parts of the reproductive, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts and play a role in pregnancy, hormone production, cardiovascular health and digestion. As sited in the Science Direct, Journals and Books, "Their distribution corresponds to the behavioral effects of Cannabis—pleasure, anxiety, fear, panic, learning and memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, increased appetite, and sensory and time perception." Found in significant numbers in the cerebellum, basal ganglia, hippocampus and dorsal primary afferent spinal cord regions of the brain, cannabinoids regulate behavior within the body such as memory processing, motor control, and pain regulation, while a relatively low number of cannabinoids are found in the brain stem, suggesting why cannabis use is not associated with sudden death due to depressed respiration.

CB2- The CB2 receptor are most abundant and most often found on the cells of our immune system. They assist in the moderation of inflammation and our immune response to pathogens. Found predominately on white blood cells, tonsils and the spleen, CB2 receptors play an important role in the regulation of cytokine release. Cytokines, also molecular messengers, are proteins produced by cells that regulate various inflammation responses in regards to arthritis. They interact with cells of the immune system in order to balance the body's response to disease and infection while regulating normal cellular processes in the body.

Although most cannabinoids (endocannabinoids, anandamide, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and phytocannabinoids like THC) are able to bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, phytocannabinoid CBD, plant derived, doesn't directly activate the receptors but, instead modifies their ability to bind to the cannabinoids.

Restoring and Supporting a Healthy ECS

Unfortunately, even the influential and all-powerful endocannabinoid system can be very easily thrown out of sync. Three major factors contributing to the overall "balance" or "imbalance" of the ECS are stress, diet and exercise. Increasing your dietary intake of the omega-3s, found in hemp oil, may also help boost your body's natural production of eCBs.

Is something off or out of sync with your endocannabinoid system? Wanting to rebalance with a more holistic approach?
Let realign introduce you to a way to restore and support this intricate system the way Mother Nature intended.

Realign…Back to Basics, Back to Nature.