ECS, THC & CBD — 3 Acronyms You Need to Know.

Posted by C.Owens Kanavia on Oct 28, 2019

Green plants trapped inside sealed glass beakers

As you start researching CBD, you will come across acronyms like CBD, THC, and ECS. But what are CBD and THC? And what does “ECS” stand for? In this article, you will learn what these terms mean, how the endocannabinoid system interacts with CBD and the relevance of the ECS to an estimated 2 billion-dollar CBD industry.try.

First Thing’s First: What Does ECS Stand For?

In the human body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) exists to regulate our "just right" state. It helps maintain homeostasis, and it plays a vital role in keeping our cells and bodily systems in alignment.

The ECS system operates across many of our body's other systems, such as our nervous and immune systems. The ECS is a complex signaling system that influences multiple system functions, including:

Energy Intake
Metabolism & Storage
Nutrient Transport
Sleep
Metabolism
Motor Control
Mood
Stress
Appetite
Memory
Skin & Nerve Functions
Reproduction & Fertility

Like how a cell phone tower, satellite dish, or antenna works, information pings on and off our endocannabinoid receptors sending signals that connect us with the other systems of our bodies.

When our ECS system is in alignment with our other bodily systems, we feel at our best. When we are injured or sick, however, our ECS kicks into overdrive to bring our body back to a steady, operating state.

Two people extend their hands as examples of how the ECS system works

Our Endocannabinoid System and CBD

Now that we know what “ECS” stands for, let’s talk about what the ECS does. The ECS is a human system that exists regardless of whether or not we ingest or apply cannabis. Our ECS naturally produces cannabis-like molecules in our body that CBD, in turn, can help control and maintain.

The Cannabis Plant: THC and CBD

The cannabis plant has more than 100 compounds that belong to a group of molecules known as cannabinoids. CBD and THC are both a part of this significant class of molecules.

The “CBD” acronym stands for Cannabidiol.
The “THC” acronym stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol.

Historically, people have associated all of the cannabinoids within the marijuana plant as causing the stereotypical “high” effect. What studies have discovered, however, is that it's the THC, specifically, that causes this psychoactive effect. THC triggers the body’s CB1 receptors -- most of which are concentrated in the brain-- therefore causing the high effect we associate with the plant.

On the other hand, CBD plant extract does not cause a "high" because it has no affinity with our brain's CB1 receptors. CBD’s purpose is to bond with our ECS’ natural cannabinoid receptors — hence why CBD and the endocannabinoid system (what ECS stands for) work so well together! CBD stimulates the ECS system and promotes homeostasis, helping to keep our body's systems supported and in balance.

A bottle of Kanavia Organics’ CBD capsules to support the ECS system

More About CBD and Endocannabinoid System Support

So what does it mean to “balance” our bodily systems using CBD? According to the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, studies have found that CBD possesses many anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-depressant, and antipsychotic properties, including the promotion of:

Key Takeaways

In this article, we’ve covered the answer to “what does ECS stand for?” as well as explaining the acronyms “CBD” and “THC.” Our endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is like our body's operating system; it regulates our wellbeing and harmonious state with natural cannabis-like molecules.

The potency and bioavailability of CBD on our endocannabinoid systems, however, can vary depending on the quality of hemp and harvesting practices used. The CBD oil extraction process is critical to the overall quality and benefits of broad-spectrum CBD, and the effectiveness of the CBD product you choose will be dependent upon the quality of the CBD oil and your unique endocannabinoid system.

If you’re looking for a high-quality CBD online that can help you achieve a more harmonious state, Kanavia Organics can help. Our experienced team of healthcare professionals works tirelessly to create all-natural CBD oils, soft gels, CBD skincare products, and more to help people holistically support their endocannabinoid systems. If you have any questions about our products, what ECS stands for, or acronyms like CBD and THC, please contact us and our team of experts will be happy to help.