If we want to know how CBD works, we first need to know about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). To start the word “Endo” means inside and a "cannabinoid" is a particular type of chemical compound found in cannabis (as well as some other plants). Therefore when a cannabinoid is produced inside our body it is an “endo” cannabinoid. This is different from a cannabinoid which is produced by a plant, which is called a phytocannabinoid, "Phyto" being Latin for a plant. Fancy, long words aside, chemically speaking cannabinoids are basically the same no matter where they are produced and your body deals with both types of cannabinoids in very similar ways.
The ECS is a network of cell receptors which have an effect on several important body functions. The four main functions of the ECS are: immune balance, neuroprotection, homeostatic regulation and stress recovery. However, it affects several other functions such as appetite; bone development; immune function; memory; mood; motor control; pain perception; reproduction; and sleep. So when we take the “phyto” version of CBD our body already knows what to do with it, why? Because of the “endo” version of CBD produced naturally by our endocannabinoid system.
