The Endocannabinoid System and CB1 Receptors
Before we dive into the CB1 receptors themselves, we first need to explore the ECS. Discovered in the 1990s by scientists who were studying the effects that cannabis has on the body, and having its name derived from the cannabis plant, the endocannabinoid system is a type of communication system that is found in both the body and brain.
Consisting of a collection of specialized lipids, along with their cannabinoids and the enzymes that help to respond to illness and maintain basic actions, the ECS has an effect on various functions, including energy, organ function, metabolism, and circulation. Through various interactions, the ECS is believed to affect and play a vital role in a multitude of physiological symptoms including memory, mood, inflammation, sleep, anxiety, stress levels, appetite, digestion and more.
Although only recently discovered, cannabinoid receptors are believed to play a very important role in the human body. When the receptors are activated by cannabinoids (like THC or CBD), they are thought to alter how the body regulates itself. Up until today, only two cannabinoid receptors have been discovered: the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and both have very different responsibilities within the human body.
Molecules such as terpenes and cannabinoids fit into specific receptors within the ECS.
Researchers would say that molecules such as THC activate certain cannabinoid receptors, i.e., the CB1 receptors. These receptors, and the CB2 receptors for that matter, work like a lock and key when they are flooded with cannabinoids. For instance; when a patient vapes, smokes or ingests cannabis flowers, edibles, or a concentrate.
The ECS also produces its own cannabinoids, and this is actually the reason that it exists. When a person consumes cannabinoids, terpenes, or any other chemicals that happen to bind with receptors found in the ECS, technically speaking, this system of naturally produced cannabinoids
In 1992, a research study reported that the ECS produces an endocannabinoid in the brain that is known as anandamide. Discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, anandamide reportedly binds to CB1 receptors that are found in the brain and nervous system.
The CB1 receptor was discovered in 1990, while the CB2 receptors were discovered shortly after, in 1992. It is believed that these two receptors initiate significantly different signaling mechanisms. They are expressed in very different ways, including how they appear in different parts of the body.
The cannabinoid known as THC has been found to have a very high binding affinity to CB1 receptors that are found in the brain, connective tissues, central nervous system, glands, and related organs. This is one of the reasons that consuming cannabis strains that are high in THC level often have a very potent effect - providing patients with relief from pain, depression, and nausea while delivering an often strong psychoactive high.
Of course, the medicinal elements of THC can work to encourage certain processes within the body to increase productivity. For example, THC is used by many to help improve sleep regulation (particularly among those with insomnia. It is also commonly used to help increase appetite in terminally ill patients and lower the sensation of nausea. For these reasons, high-THC cannabis products have proven beneficial for many individuals that suffer from things like anorexia and eating disorders. And of course, THC is also often commonly used to help manage
pain (even at a chronic or more serious level).
All in all, there's no denying that THC has the potential to help improve a variety of medical conditions and ailments, as well as general day-to-day discomforts.
So What Exactly are CB1 Receptors?
CB1 receptors are typically found on nerve cells on the spinal cord and brain, which is how cannabinoids are able to create effects that deal with pain and memory. But, they have also been found in organs and tissues like the endocrine glands, white blood cells, spleen, and parts of the reproductive, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. In addition to their memory and pain effects, CB1 receptors are also believed to affect appetite and sleep. Since the CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain, they are also responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.