The Endocannabinoid System

Human beings have been using cannabis for thousands of years, but it is only within the last 30 years that we have discovered the anatomical system that cannabinoids mimic to interact with the human body. Discovered in 1992, the endogenous cannabinoid system, or endocannabinoid system, exists throughout the human body to maintain homeostasis – the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. In essence, the endocannabinoid system works to regulate bodily functions by both stimulating and repressing biological functions to stay within an ideal range for optimal performance.

The endocannabinoid system is comprised of endocannabinoids, receptors and enzymes that work to break down the molecules when they are not in use. While there is still much to be discovered, studied and learned about our endocannabinoid systems and their functions, below you will find information to start you on your journey exploring the systems in our bodies that cannabis affects.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Receptors are chemical structures in our bodies that receive and respond to stimulus in order to regulate biological function. Our endocannabinoid system consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors, although it is believed that additional endocannabinoid receptors are yet to be discovered. These receptors are always listening & responding by signaling responses at the cellular level to maintain a balanced environment.

CB1 Receptors – Found in high levels on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, although they also exist in some peripheral organs and tissues such as the spleen, white blood cells, endocrine gland and parts of the reproductive, gastrointestinal and urinary tract.

CB2 Receptors – Found primarily in the peripheral nervous system (outside of the brain & spinal cord), especially in immune cells and gastrointestinal system, although they also exist throughout the body. 

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are the molecules that your body produces that bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. These are the molecules that cannabinoids, such as THC, in marijuana mimic.

Anandamide – also known as the “Bliss molecule,” anandamide chemical structure closely resembles that of THC, the main psychoactive constituent in cannabis. Known for having an affinity for CB1 receptors and as a mood enhancer, anandamide is synthesized in parts of the brain that are involved in managing memory, motivation, higher thought processes, and movement control, although It also interacts with receptors in the peripheral nervous system, or parts of the nervous system that exist outside the brain and spinal cord.

2-ArachidonoylGlycerol (2-AG) – 2-AG has an affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors, especially in the peripheral nervous system and acts as an anti-inflammatory through immune suppression, although it also acts as a psychoactive endocannabinoid when interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain.

The endocannabinoid system regulates cell activity and bodily functions, effectively “listening” to the surrounding conditions then triggering and regulating responses in the cells throughout the human body. Cannabinoids found in medical marijuana mimic endogenous cannabinoids and bind with the endocannabinoid system in similar ways, assisting in the regulation of normal physiology through excitatory and inhibitory responses. While human beings have a long history with medical marijuana usage, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system has been responsible for renewed interest in cannabis-based therapies and research.