The endocannabinoid system (ECS)
Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS. But so far we know it plays a role in regulating a range
of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. Scientists
are increasingly discovering that it is essential for homeostasis. That is the body’s ability to maintain a state of
internal balance.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of a network of two primary receptor types. These receptors are found
in almost every part of the body, including the brain.
CB1 receptors, mostly found in the central nervous system. CB1 receptors are mainly located in the brain, liver and lungs. They have a positive influence on the feeling of stress and anxiety, nausea, appetite and the immune system.
CB2 receptors, mostly found in peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. CB2 receptors are found throughout the body and are active in fighting tissue damage and inflammation.
The endocannabinoid system is activated when problems arise in the homeostasis of functions in the body,
i.e. the physiological balance is disturbed. The ECS then responds by synthesizing endocannabinoids, which
act as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, also called transfer agents, are substances that transfer nerve
impulses between nerve cells in the nervous system, from the motor nervous system to muscle cells, or from
nerve receptors to sensory nerve cells. Simply put, this means that the cannabinoids go to specific places
in the body, rebalancing the endocannabinoid system and restoring the physiological balance of our body.
Endocannabinoids can bind to both receptors. The resulting effects depend on where the receptor is located and
to which endocannabinoid it binds to.
Research has associated the ECS with the following processes:
- Appetite and digestion
- Metabolism
- Chronic pain
- Mood
- Learning and memory
- Motor control
- Sleep
- Function of the cardiovascular system
- Muscle building
- Bone building and bone growth
- Liver function
- Reproductive System Function
- Stress
- Skin and nerve function
- Inflammation and other immune system responses
These functions all contribute to homeostasis, which refers to the stability of your internal environment. For
example, if an outside force, such as pain from an injury or a fever, disrupts your body’s homeostasis, your ECS
steps in to help your body return to ideal functioning. Today, experts believe that the primary role of the ECS is
to maintain homeostasis.
Cannabinoids are divided into three groups:
- Phytocannabinoids - ‘Phyto’ means plant-based, produced by plants
- Endocannabinoids - Endo” means “inside“, cannabinoids produced by the human body
- Synthetic cannabinoids - These are artificially created cannabinoids, produced in a laboratory
