This graphic is so important to our Y. It is the extension of the introduction to the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
In our FAQ there is an overview of the Endocannabinoid System. I have been in healthcare for 40 years and never have I ever heard of the endocannabinoid system. It was not until I became a medical cannabis patient and re-acquainted with cannabis. Not to feel left out, it was only discovered in the 1990’s. All references describe two receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 is predominantly present in the nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs; and CB2, predominantly found in the immune system and its associated structures. Many tissues contain both CB1 and CB2 receptors, each linked to a different action.
The largest organ in the body is the skin and it offers an exiting opportunity to introduce cannabinoids to assist in local, regional effect and overall body effects. The graphic above is a representation of the cross section of skin that is magnified. You can identify the layers of the skin and the different cells that have cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The thinnest epidermis layer is on the eyelids at 0.05mm thick, and the thickest on the soles of your feet at 1.5mm. The thickest dermis layer is your back with 3.0mm thickness.
Reaching the different cells within the different layers with CB1 and CB2 receptors, provides different opportunities to modulate pain, inflammation, itching, oiliness, dark spots, cell turnover, etc that can be linked to various health conditions.
In addressing pain and topicals, the goal is to deliver cannabinoids to the receptors in nerve cells and immune cells. Creams, gels, serums, oils, lotions must penetrate the stratum corneum to reach receptors. The stratum corneum is our outer protective layer of skin that maintains very tight spaces between cells to separate our skin for our environment.
Delivering cannabinoids through the skin in their natural state as a lipid (fat based molecule) will not enable them to enter the blood vessels. THC cannabinoids known for eliciting “euphoric” sensations must interact with the nerve cells in the brain via your blood vessels. To have the cannabinoids enter blood vessels, they must be chemically altered or within a special solution. Our topicals for use on the skin will not enter the blood stream and make you “high”. They will penetrate the skin and provide relief.
Next time, the key components in a topical.
