How Cannabinoid Receptors Unlock Pain Relief

There are over 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis of which Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabinol (CBN) being the most productive ones. CBD is the second most beneficial compound after THC. Some of the benefits of CBD include the ability to reduce pain and stress. Since it’s not psychoactive, chances of experiencing the feeling of being high just by consuming CBD products is nil.   

Along with CBD, CBN too is used for treating pain relief though it is comparatively lesser known cannabinoid compound compared to CBD. It is more likely to be useful for all those suffering from sleep disturbance.

Lastly, THC is the compound that causes the feeling of being high as this cannabinoid has the intoxicating effect when consumed at random. It can result in causing hallucinations, inactiveness in the body and dry mouth.

What are receptors?

Cannabinoid receptors are the landing locations on our cells with which the cannabinoid engage. These receptors are the ones that make our endocannabinoid system which keeps our bodily mechanism in check. There are involved in managing wide range of processes and functions including cognition, memory and glucose metabolism along with controlling our vomit reflex, nausea and appetite control. There are various CBD oil benefits that include reducing the pain generated from these receptors causing discomfort for the patient.

How researchers discovered cannabinoids?

After studying CBD, THC and CBN in detail, they started searching compounds that produced similar effects but naturally occured in the body. Later on, they found and isolated the neurotransmitter called anandamide, a pain reliever often termed as ‘Bliss Molecule’.

After discovering this, they thought that there must be a corresponding receptor that responds to anandamide. Before all this, they had already discovered cannabinoid receptors.

CB1 vs. CB2 cannabinoid receptors

There are basically two types of cannabinoid receptors - CB1 and CB2. CB1 is predominantly found in nerve cell, brain and spinal cord. CB1 present in hypothalamus affects the appetite and CB1 in hippocampus influence memory processing in the brain.

Whereas, CB2 is located in the peripheral nervous system. One of the main function of this receptor is to keep the body’s immune system healthy and well functioning by regulating the release of cell signaling molecules, these boost cell to cell communication and accelerate the movement of cells towards the area of inflammation.  

Why cannabinoid receptors are important?

If our receptors don’t function properly, it disturbs the processes and functions of the endocannabinoid system. Since receptors are responsible for impacting pain, CBD balms for pain relief are used as a quick remedy. Not just pain, but these receptors are responsible for impacting your appetite and food consumption.

Benefits of cannabinoids

By stimulating cannabinoid receptors many cannabinoids are capable of reducing pain and inflammation apart from just stimulating appetite, boosting rest and promoting sleep.

CBD has proved to be beneficial in terms of protecting the vascular damage caused by high glucose environments. Whereas, CBN is helpful in promoting sleep. According to the studies, CBN is a good pharmaceutical sedative without any potential side effects.  

Lastly, researchers say that cannabis is one of the oldest domestic plants which is used by the human race for at least 10,000 years. Since our bodies have receptors, cannabis experts say consuming cannabis is a natural way of life.