WHAT STUDIES ARE SHOWING 

In recent studies scientists and doctors are understanding more and more that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids transmitters play an important role in daily human functions. Cannabinoids and endocannabinoids are chemicals which transmit signals through the brain by way of specialized, complementary receptors.

These signals are important for numerous functions in the human body including those involving pain, inflammation, and mood. Endocannabinoids may be endogenous or plant-based. This simply means that they may be naturally-occurring within the body or introduced from an outside (plant) source.

In other words, cannabinoids are a natural and normal part of the human body processes and systems.

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis.

Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS. But so far, we know it plays role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including:

• sleep
• mood
• appetite
• memory
• reproduction and fertility
• and more

The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.

The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules made by your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but they’re produced by your body.

Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far:

• anandamide (AEA)
• 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)

These help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces them as needed, making it difficult to know what typical levels are for each.

Endocannabinoid receptors

These receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action.

There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:

• CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system
• CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells

Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to.

For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain. Others might bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a common sign of autoimmune disorders.

Enzymes

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, which breaks down AEA
• monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG