
This is what cannabis oil does to your body
Cannabis oil products raise many questions. What do you use them for? What exactly do they do? What is the ideal dosage? It’s hard to give a single, clear answer to these questions. Every body responds differently to the active compounds—cannabinoids. These substances can bring about a lot, as they influence all of our bodily functions. To explain the precise action, let’s first look at the body’s physiology.
All body systems are interconnected
Our body is a cybernetic system—that is, a system of systems. It consists of subsystems that are highly interdependent. Most of the main systems in our body are well known, such as the nervous system, the lymphatic system, and our digestive system. These bodily processes are standard fare at school and have been extensively studied by physicians over the centuries.
It’s actually impossible to view these systems in isolation, because everything is connected. A good example of this interrelation is a heart attack. This problem originates in our organ system but also manifests in the musculoskeletal system through arm pain and shortness of breath. Or consider menstruation: symptoms such as back pain and weak legs are an example of our hormonal system acting on the musculoskeletal system.
Cybernetics examines the interrelations
Cybernetics is the field that studies communication and control processes in living organisms and machines. It analyzes the ability of humans and animals to respond to changes and inputs from the environment. You could describe this as feedback mechanisms. Like a thermostat that adjusts temperature based on the surroundings, the human body can convert complex feedback into “simple” actions such as walking or picking up a glass of water.
The endocannabinoid system is the conductor of our body
You may have heard of the endocannabinoid system. This system is interwoven throughout our entire body and plays a role in mood, the nervous system, and sleep, among other things. Receptors for cannabinoids are found everywhere—from the brain to adipose tissue. The system is so closely tied to our functioning that it is essentially involved in all physiological processes in our body. All the major “head systems” are linked to the endocannabinoid system. You can see this system as a conductor orchestrating our body.
Optimize body and mind by activating your endocannabinoid system
There are two groups of active compounds that influence our endocannabinoid system. The first are the endocannabinoids produced by the body itself—for example, when you exercise. The second are the exo-cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and sold, for instance, as cannabis oil. The effects of cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can be traced to their ability to bind to so-called CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in various organs and tissues throughout the body. One of the cannabinoids in your body is called anandamide, derived from “ananda,” the Sanskrit word for “bliss.” There is still a great deal to research and discover regarding the endocannabinoid system, but it is clear that this system has an enormous impact on our health and well-being.
Cannabis oil: which dosage is right for you?
When dosing cannabinoids, it’s important to listen closely to your body. The most suitable dose for you depends entirely on your personal circumstances. You can start with one to two drops, up to three times a day. Test this amount for about a week. Notice no difference? Then increase the dose stepwise over three to four days until you do feel an effect. Use this effective amount for two to three weeks. After that, see whether you can reduce the dosage again. No contraindications are known, and cannabis oil is very safe. You can use it for longer periods in succession, even at higher dosages.
The benefits of cannabis oil
- Cannabis oil is good for heart and blood vessels*
- Cannabis oil supports a normal blood cholesterol level*
- Cannabis oil helps maintain a normal blood sugar level*
- Cannabis oil supports the immune system*
- Cannabis oil contributes to healthy muscles and joints*
- Cannabis oil protects against harmful external influences*
* = Health claim pending approval by the European Commission.
What to look for when buying cannabis oil
We understand it can be confusing when you’re searching for a good cannabis oil. Hash oil, CBD oil, cannabis oil… all sorts of different names for one and the same product. Cannabis oil, like hemp oil, is free of THC and therefore has no mind-altering effect. When buying cannabis oil, make sure you choose a naturally produced, organic variant. It’s also important that the product is free from artificial fertilizers and pesticides and has been independently tested in an accredited laboratory.
The benefits of MCT oil in combination with cannabis
In making cannabis oil, MCT oil—i.e., coconut oil—is often used. The two are a match made in heaven because they bring out the best in each other. MCT oil is packed with essential fatty acids, has anti-inflammatory effects, and can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The cannabinoids in cannabis bind perfectly to the fat in coconut oil, allowing all active compounds to come into their own. The body readily absorbs the beneficial substances in this way while also reaping the health benefits of MCT oil.