What is the
Cannabinoid system?
What Is The Cannabinoid System?
The cannabinoid system, often referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid compound found in marijuana. The ECS is crucial for maintaining homeostasis within the body, meaning it helps keep the body's internal environment stable and functioning optimally despite changes in the external environment.
The endocannabinoid system includes three core components:
Endocannabinoids: These are molecules made by your body. They're similar to cannabinoids, but are produced by your body naturally. The two major endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).
Cannabinoid receptors: These receptors are found on the surface of cells throughout your body. The two main receptors are CB1, mostly found in the central nervous system, and CB2, mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.
Enzymes: These are responsible for creating and breaking down endocannabinoids. The two main enzymes are fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA, and monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG.
The ECS is involved in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and fertility. The system operates independently of the substances found in cannabis, but cannabinoids from external sources (like THC or CBD) can interact with and affect the ECS by binding to its receptors, which is why cannabis products can exert various physiological effects.