Have you ever wondered why industrial hemp and its fellow cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, are truly all the rage these days? While all hemp products on the market are not created equally and because of that unfortunately some think they are just amongst the ‘snake oils’ of the world out there, the reality is – we humans make cannabinoids.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are natural chemical compounds produced by the human/mammalian body and found in the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoids found in the human body are called:

Endocannabinoids are an essential component of our body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining internal balance. The two most commonly known endocannabinoids are Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are called:

Phytocannabinoids mimic the functions of our endocannabinoids. Some common phytocannabinoids are compounds you may have heard of, Cannabidiol (CBD), Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC), Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC).
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made up of a communication network within the body that transmits information about imbalances to adjust as needed. As our external and internal environment changes, the ECS keeps the body’s processes stable and regulates functions like sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, energy, reward perception, cardiovascular function, memory mood, reproduction, and more.
Even if you are not an industrial hemp user, your body is making endocannabinoids, as needed, to help facilitate these processes, and we can’t get enough of the fascination! How cool is it to know this exists?!
The ECS Contains Three Main Components
The ECS is an interconnected web of receptors found throughout your organs, tissues, brain, glands, and immune system. It connects body and mind, so you don’t have to.
- Receptors: There are currently two known cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. Endocannabinoids bind to receptors and react, which initiates neural activity.
- Endocannabinoids are responsible for carrying signals between nerve cells (neurotransmitters). As humans, we naturally produce internal cannabinoids that help regulate our ECS. The two main identified endocannabinoids are Anandamide (AEA) and 2 -Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
- Endocannabinoid Recycling Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function. There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) breaks down Anandamide (AEA) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) which breaks down 2-AG.

HOW THE ECS WORKS
As threats arise to your biological balance, endocannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors triggering signals that help to maintain homeostasis.
Once our endocannabinoids bind to the receptors, they are then broken down by enzymes leading to inactivation.
Cannabinoids work with receptors like a lock and key. To experience the effects of the cannabinoids, they must “fit into” either the CB1 or CB2 receptor. Once cannabinoid receptors are engaged, they set off a process of nerve signaling. Like a dimming light switch or thermostat on an air conditioning unit.

WHERE DO PHYTOCANNABINOIDS COME IN?
When our endocannabinoid system fits hemp-derived (phyto)cannabinoids in its cell receptors perfectly, like beautiful puzzle pieces designed for one another. Our cell receptors are able to connect with molecules that we put into our bodies that well, our bodies look at the connection as if we personally made the molecules ourselves and therefore our bodies are able to act in the proper manners to carry out the functions it needs and want to balance itself out.
As the ECS regulates vital functions within our bodies 24/7, naturally produced endocannabinoids, anandamide, and 2-AG are broken down by the endocannabinoid recycling enzymes like FAAH and MAGL.

Many factors can contribute to endocannabinoid dysfunction. Some factors are genetic others can be related to poor diet, lack of exercise, lousy sleep, drug abuse, poverty, stress, and external toxins that may be completely out of our control.


THE ECS IS A BIG DEAL!
Ok, we understand – the word balance can be a four-letter word for some of us out there. We can want it and think it’s a cute idea, but do we really take the time to understand just how important it is for our bodies to achieve? Here are a couple of examples of what homeostasis looks like in the body:
Blood Sugar: If your blood sugar spikes, your pancreas releases insulin to balance out the sugar levels so your body can process it. If your pancreas cannot produce insulin or enough of it, you would go to the doctor to be prescribed insulin to ensure your body can still carry out this process. On the other end, if your blood sugar crashes, your pancreas releases a hormone called glucagon that tells your liver to break down its stored version of sugar into a form your body can use to bring your blood sugar back up. If your pancreas is unable to release this hormone or if you do not have a proper storage of backup sugar for your liver to break down, you would have to consume food that contains sugar immediately to help your body get back into homeostasis.
Body Temperature: If you go for a run, or your body becomes hotter than it would like to be, you will sweat. The sweating happens as your body’s way of cooling itself down because it wants to bring your body temperature back into balance. Similarly, if you are too cold, your muscles will start contracting and you will begin to shiver as your body’s way of heating itself back up. If you are unable to effectively do this yourself on a physiological level, you’d need to help your body fix the problem by entering into a colder or warmer environment and/or layer on or taking off clothing to suit the internal need for this balance.
These examples are only a couple of ways our bodies fight for us in making sure we stay and feel stable. As you can see, if our bodies are unable to complete the task of balancing itself, we have to take measures to help the process complete from outside of us or we may find ourselves in big trouble.
So it makes sense that if our internal endocannabinoid system is unable to meet the demand in using its own endogenous cannabinoids to balance itself out, we may benefit from adding hemp-derived cannabinoids into our bodies to help this system complete the processes it already was trying to on its own. The ECS is actually a major and important system inside of us. Look at all it plays a role in!
Generational Health
Illuminent not only is an innovative top-shelf hemp company, but we are a company of heart. Our mission is to help the health of generations. Every time we share a product with you, we are sharing that you, your children, and their children can experience balance in the body that comes from nature. So many are relying on pharmaceuticals that yes, have a time and place, but that can have major side effects and lead to even more medications. We want to work with you and alongside your professional medical team, as a support system.
Our top favorite industrial hemp-derived cannabinoids that we use every day to support homeostasis in the bodies of ourselves, family, and friends that contribute to the incredible product lines we offer to date:
Non-Psychoactive:
- CBD: balances and uplifts mood, and has antioxidant benefits
- CBDv: promotes a gentle focus and energy regulation
- CBG: mother cannabinoid, supports digestion & energy boost
- CBT: helps enhance the benefits of the other cannabinoids
- CBN: supports sleep, creates a grounded ‘chill’ feeling
Psychoactive:
- HHC: calms nervousness, has antioxidant properties, mild
- Delta 8 THC: similar to delta 9 THC, euphoric, supports body aches & sleep
- THCv: like CBDv but with more bite. Supports mental clarity, focus, and creativity, mild
- THC-O: enhances and sustains other cannabinoid experiences, uplifts mood
To think of industrial hemp as a taboo subject of human consumption is a thing of the past. It has to be, with knowing that we are designed to use the plant so intricately. The key is, using the right products to help your body achieve such goals as homeostasis.
Visit our website to learn more about our product lines, the cannabinoids in them, and how our products can support your body’s endocannabinoid system in achieving the balance its craving!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment. Illuminent assumes no responsibility for the improper use of these products. We recommend consulting with a qualified medical doctor or physician when preparing a treatment plan for any and all diseases or ailments. Illuminent does not make any health claims about our products and recommends consulting with a qualified medical doctor or physician prior to consuming our products or preparing a treatment plan. It is especially important for those who are pregnant, nursing, chronically ill, elderly, or under the age of 18 to discuss the use of these products with a physician prior to consuming them.
Illuminent products are a naturally-occurring constituent of the industrial hemp plant.