Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary active competent of the cannabis plant. They are called cannabinoids, and thus far over 120 have been identified. They naturally interact with a system inside our bodies called, an Endocannabinoid System. 

This system can be found in all Vertebrate species with three main components: 

• Cannabinoid receptors - found on the surface of cells 
• Endocannabinoids- small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors
• Metabolic enzymes - break down endocannabinoids after they are used

Cannabinoid (CB) receptors sit on the surface of the cell and “listen” to conditions outside of the cell. There are two major CB receptors: “CB1” and “CB2”. These aren’t the only two but they were the first discovered and are still being studied today.

 CB1 receptors are one of the most abundant receptor types in the brain. These are the receptors that interact with THC to get people high.

 CB2 receptors are more abundant outside of the nervous system, in places like the immune system. However, both receptors can be found throughout the body.

Endocannabinoids are molecules naturally produced by our own body so compounds like THC can bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors previously mentioned.

There are two major Endocannabinoids:

Anandamide and 2-Arachindonyl Glycerol (2-AG). These Endocannabinoids are made from fat-like molecules within cell membranes and are synthesized on-demand...This means that they get made and used exactly when they are needed, rather than packaged and stored for later use like many other biological molecules.

Metabolic enzymes quickly destroy endocannabinoids once they are used. The two big enzymes are Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down Anandamide, and Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL), which breaks down 2-AG.

Anandamide is degraded primarily by the FAAH enzyme. So, inhibitors of FAAH lead to elevated Anandamide levels in the body and are being pursued for therapeutic use. CBD Isolate has been found to inhibit FAAH, leaving more Anandamide available.

In simple terms, CBD blocks FAAH which allows the body more Anandamide. Anandamide plays a role in many bodily activities, including appetite, memory, pain, depression, and fertility.

The most notable difference between these two cannabinoids is that THC gets you “high” (AKA—is impairing or intoxicating), and CBD does not. That’s because they each work on different pathways within the human body. Even in extremely high doses, there is no way that CBD can get one “high” as with its cousin THC, but such large doses may result in drowsiness.

Yes, all mammals have an endocannabinoid system, so CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory properties might just apply to our animals, too.