The Endocannabinoid Systems

The full extent of how the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) works in our bodies is still not fully understood; however, it is widely recognized for being important in modulating the brain, the immune system and the endocrine system and this holds true for our pets as well.

Cannabinoids “relay” instructions from the brain to all the major organs and the immune system at a cellular level. If the brain detects some kind of imbalance, it produces particular cannabinoid molecules to relay particular behavioral instructions to individual cells and organs. For example, when the brain detects danger, it produces signaling molecules that get us or our pets amped up and prepared to fight or flee.  Heart rate and breathing increases, senses and emotions are heightened, and so on. When the danger passes the brain produces another set of signaling molecules that tells bodily systems to calm back down. If this system is out of balance, it can, in theory, cause anxiety issues and over time can become chronic. The same goes with sleep patterns, digestive activity, inflammatory response, immune response, and on and on.

For dogs, the ECS influences activity in the GI tract and affects the areas of the central nervous system that are responsible for appetite. The ECS similarly appears to play an important role in regulating hormones related to not only the reproductive system, but also the body’s response to stress.

Research also shows that the ECS regulates inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to damaged tissue or infection but when this response is not controlled properly it can lead to chronic inflammation. This inflammation is believed to be responsible for many chronic diseases, in our pets as well as us.

Scientists speculate that primary function of the ECS is to control a vital function of the body we call “homeostasis”, which refers to the maintenance and stability of internal conditions. If this is true then the ECS plays a significant role in regulating many bodily functions.

The Effects of CBD & The Endocannabinoid System

The ECS’s job is to respond to stimulation by the body’s own endocannabinoids, but the receptors can also be stimulated by cannabinoids from external sources, including cannabidiol (CBD).

Research has shown that the non-psychoactive CBD stimulates activity in both CB1 and CB2 receptors by triggering the release of the body’s natural endocannabinoids. This increases the effect throughout the entire body. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that CBD can slow the natural breakdown of endocannabinoids which acts to prolong the therapeutic effect. 

While research into the effects of CBD continues, the list of uses and benefits is also ongoing. Some scientists are even predicting that the use of CBD to simulate the ECS in pets and in humans could revolutionize modern practices.