Scientists discovered endocannabinoids in the human body in the 1990’s. Endocannabinoids are natural cannabis-like molecules. The endocannabinoid system helps to maintain bodily homeostasis, regulating our processes like pain, anxiety, stress, mood, sleep, metabolism, and immune function.
And, endocannabinoids are found in all vertebrates…mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish.
So, of course, that means our pups have an endocannabinoid system, too!
Initially, it was thought that only the brain and nerves contained endocannabinoid receptors. However, additional research revealed that the receptors are present all throughout the body: our skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart and blood vessels, kidney and gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers have found that the effects of the plant mimicked our endocannabinoids. This includes the CBD (cannabidiol) which is extracted from hemp plants.
This is why CBD is so effective as a pain and anxiety reliever for our pups.