The Endocannabinoid System

Those new to cannabis may find it hard to believe that one simple plant could provide so many
potential benefits. Furthermore, the potential benefits come with minimal side effects, especially
when compared to traditional pharmaceutical options which often carry diverse risks.

So how can one plant have such a wide-ranging impact on the body? How can cannabis so
effective, while also being safe to use?

Questions like these have spurred an explosive amount of research on the subject of cannabis.
This research on cannabis's effects has led to the discovery of an extremely important system of
physiology. Named after the plant that spurred its discovery, this system is known as
the endocannabinoid system or ECS. The ECS, which is found in humans and animals, works
to constantly maintain balance at a cellular level from before birth to death.

In this article, we take a deeper look at the system, its discovery, and how cannabis
consumption influences it. By the end, you'll understand how and why balancing the
endocannabinoid system helps promote overall health throughout the entire body.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system contains a set of endocannabinoids that are produced from within
the body. These compounds activate a network of cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.
Two primary receptors have been identified, CB1 and CB2. This system is involved in regulating
a wide variety of physiological and cognitive processes. The ECS plays a role in appetite, pain
sensation, mood, memory, metabolism, immune function, sleep and more.

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the brain, immune cells, organs,
connective tissues, and glands. The system performs a unique role in each location that it
resides, yet the overall goal is the same. The endocannabinoid system works to achieve
balance through homeostasis. In practical terms, the ECS works to create an inner balance
despite external influences and environmental disturbances.
The identification of receptors and the endogenous cannabinoid compounds produced in the
body has resulted in a scientifically advanced human understanding of biology, health, and
disease.

What Are Cannabinoid Receptors?

The cannabinoid receptors that make up the ECS are embedded in cell membranes throughout
the body. Researchers have identified two main types of receptors: CB1 and CB2, both being G
protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). When stimulated by cannabinoids, a range of physiologic
processes occur.

• CB1, first identified in 1990, is predominantly present in the brain, the nervous system,
connective tissues, glands, and organs.

• CB2, first identified in 1993, is predominantly present in the immune system.

Research has pointed to a receptor called GPR55 being third cannabinoid receptor with distinct
signaling that differs from CB1 and CB2. Though sometimes referred to as the CB3 receptor,
this receptor is still not widely accepted and cited.

Types of Cannabinoids that Interact with the ECS
There are three types of cannabinoids which are known to interact with this system. These
compounds are named for their source or origin.

Endocannabinoids

Endo, short for endogenous, means having an internal origin. Endocannabinoids are
substances which our body naturally produces. These compounds interact with the
endocannabinoid system, stimulating the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The two most well-known
molecules areand 2-arachidonoylglycerol.

Anandamide was first discovered in 1992 by legendary cannabis researcher Raphael
Mechoulam. This endocannabinoid influences the central or peripheral nervous system and is
mainly involved in immune system function. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol or 2-AG, also discovered
by Raphael Mechoulam, is a full agonist of the CB1 receptor.
Phytocannabinoids

Phyto, short for phytochemical, are chemical compounds produced by plants.
Phytocannabinoids, often referred to simply as cannabinoids are a wide range of compounds
found in varying quantities within the cannabis plant. There are over 110 known
phytocannabinoids that have been isolated from cannabis. These compound have unique
interactions with the endocannabinoid system when introduced into the bloodstream.

The most two well-known phytocannabinoids are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is
known for its psychoactivity and cannabidiol (CBD) known for its wide range of therapeutic uses.
Other cannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA),
and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) are being researched for their unique interactions with
the body.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

The last type of cannabinoid is lab-created by pharmaceutical researchers. Synthetic
cannabinoids such as synthetic THC have been created as medicines. Drugs Marinol and
Cesamet are THC analogs, approved by the FDA for treatment of severe nausea and wasting
syndrome.

Maintain Balance with the Endocannabinoid System

Your body is producing endocannabinoids all the time in an effort to maintain balance and
harmony within the system. Outside influences impact the performance of this system.
Sometimes your body needs a little help, which is why taking cannabis-based medicines can
help support the system. The goal is to supplement your system with the proper dose of
cannabis to achieve a state of strength, balance, and overall resilience.
Researchers continue to investigate how ingesting cannabinoids can provide therapeutic
benefits to the user. The ongoing investigation of cannabinoid potency, contents, and dose,
when applied to a wide range of health-related topics, will continue to expand our knowledge of
this complex system.