To fully appreciate how cannabis works requires an understanding of the endocannabinoid system. A relatively modern scientific discovery, the endocannabinoid or ECS system is a cell-signalling network found throughout the human body. It consists of receptors that send information to the brain and influence balance and homeostasis. There are two main receptors that let the ECS know when it needs to take action. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are concentrated in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. The ECS directly impacts pain, motor skills, metabolism, mood, liver function, immune function, memory, fertility, reproduction, appetite, sleep, pleasure and more. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant interact with these receptors to provide therapeutic benefits. The most prominent cannabinoid is Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The second most abundant cannabinoid is cannabidiol or CBD. While research is still needed to fully understand the relationship between CBD and CB1 and CB2 receptors, we know that it doesn’t bind to them. There is evidence that CBD might prevent endocannabinoids from breaking down. Some people believe that there is another CB receptor that we have yet to identify and that CBD binds to it. We know that there are benefits to both THC and CBD separately as well as when the compounds work together. Combining THC and CBD into what’s called the entourage effect allows for the targeting of specific effects and symptoms. Cannabis products with a high CBD and low THC ratio minimize psychoactive effects. Because of the popularity of CBD products, there are more and more available products, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, tinctures, edibles and topicals.