The Endocannabinoid System: How it Works and Why it’s Important
Chances are even if you weren't a science wiz in school that you remember a few things. While the central nervous system might sound familiar, the lesser-known endocannabinoid system (ECS) probably doesn't. Science in the classroom has some catching up to do - but for now, we will break it down for you.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is, simply put, a system of receptors that both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids - like THC and CBD - bind to. Identified by researchers in the 90s, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for many day-to-day functions.
Without the ECS we wouldn’t be able to regulate:
Sleep
Mood
Appetite
Memory
Reproduction/Fertility
Even if you've never used cannabis, your body produces endocannabinoids naturally to help regulate these functions and more. Though more research is needed, it is believed that many conditions mental and physical are related to an endocannabinoid deficiency.
How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?
The ECS is made up of two sets of receptors. CB1 receptors are found within the central nervous system. CB2 receptors on the other hand are found in your peripheral nervous system, particularly in immune cells. Both types of receptors are found throughout the body.
For example, CB1 receptors are more likely to find endocannabinoids or cannabinoids binding to them to provide pain relief. Meanwhile, when CB2 receptors are bonded to in the same situation it is likely to control inflammation, one of the body's natural immune responses.
So far, there have been two endocannabinoids identified. Anandamide or AEA, and 2-arachidonoylglyerol or 2-AG, are molecules your body naturally produces for the ECS to function properly.
Both can bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors and work the same as other cannabinoids. The results of each endocannabinoid will depend on where in the body and which receptor it binds to.
Why is the Endocannabinoid System Important?
The ECS is responsible for homeostasis or maintaining the best conditions for our bodies to operate. Everything from sweating to keep cool, to your stomach grumbling to signal your need for food, is the ECS responding to your needs. When something seems off, this is the system that sets out to correct it.
Researchers believe the ECS may contribute to regulating:
Appetite and digestion
Sleep
Pain sensation
Inflammation
Mood stability
Metabolism
Learning and memory
Reproductive system function
If the ECS is so important, why aren't students learning about it in science class? Being discovered less than 30 years ago, researchers are still trying to understand the ECS themselves. There is a lot that still needs to be learned to better understand how these receptors manage everything from appetite to mood.
The ECS and Cannabis
The endocannabinoid system and CBD, THC and other cannabinoids appear to be made for each other. The discovery of the ECS has helped researchers understand why cannabis is such a benefit to so many medical ailments. This gives hope to millions who suffer from chronic health conditions, even if more research is still needed.
Earlier we mentioned that researchers believe some conditions are a result of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD). A few of those conditions include:
Fibromyalgia
Migraines
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency isn't considered a disease itself. Rather, it's a term to describe conditions like those above, which appear to be caused by a deficiency.
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