CBD modifies CB2 receptors’ ability to bind endocannabinoids. The brain has protein receptors throughout it that respond to endocannabinoids. The ECS, in turn, prevents the breakdown of certain endocannabinoids in the brain. How Does CBD Affect Your Brain? CB2 receptors are prevalent in the body and immune system, and primarily affect pain and inflammation. CBD acts on the CB2 receptors to decrease the level of oxidative damage. Alternatively, it may cause the body to produce more of the natural cannabinoids that attach to the CB2 receptors. The two primary cannabinoids in marijuana are THC and CBD. If you’re wondering why we keep talking about CBD, or if you’re wondering what the heck it even is, it’s essentially a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that comes from the marijuana plant. That is, a way to receive all the medical and therapeutic benefits of cannabis without having to get high. The cannabis plant contains over 110 cannabinoids that bind with ECS receptors.

When you consume cannabis, the plant’s cannabinoids bind to the receptors in a manner akin to a key fitting into a lock. Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of numerous endocannabinoids