We’re checking in with you to share some updates and see how you are.

We know that almost all of you are under “shelter-in-place” orders at this point. We hope you’re continuing to stay healthy—though you may be getting cabin fever!

This week we wanted to share some new tips on keeping your endocannabinoid system (ECS) healthy. The ECS is a biochemical communication system in the human body that plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience. Endocannabinoids are cannabinoid-type compounds that your body makes naturally. The good news is that many of the things that appear to stimulate your ECS, tend to be enjoyable!

• Take a run: Some researchers have suggested that the euphoric feeling described after running is, at least in part, due to increased circulating endocannabinoids.
• Sing & dance: A group of researchers at the University of Nottingham suggest that some of the mental health benefits of singing may be due to the rise in levels of the endocannabinoid, anandamide (a word that means “bliss” “molecule” in Sanskrit).
• Binge on fatty foods: Ok, before you get too excited, we don’t mean junk food! We mean healthy fats like avocados, fatty fish, cheeses, nuts and olive oil. All of these contain omega 3s, which are used to build the transport molecules that are an essential part of a healthy endocannabinoid system.

As we noted last week, we know that many of you rely on cannabis and CBD to help manage occasional stress, relieve discomfort, and support restful sleep. Thankfully, policymakers in California understand that. In many jurisdictions, cannabis businesses have been deemed “essential” and are open for business. If you’re out of stock, find your nearest dispensary here and see if they are doing deliveries and/or curbside check out.

To support our retail partners in maintaining the safety of their staff and cleanliness of their facilities, Care By Design manufactured a big batch of hand sanitizer. We’re shipping thousands of bottles out to retailers immediately, at no charge.

We’ll continue to check in with you in the weeks ahead. Meanwhile, please join us on social media and let us know what you’re doing to support a healthy endocannabinoid system. Share your favorite recipes or your favorite quaran-tune or anything else you're doing to stay connected.

Warmly,
The Care By Design Family