Endocannabinoid System
Have you ever wondered how cannabis works synergistically with your body? That is all thanks to your Endocannabinoid System or ECS for short.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is what helps keep the Human body in Homeostasis as the Master Regulatory System. The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids.
The ECS is what drives the endogenous cannabinoids (the bodies naturally occurring cannabinoids), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and the Exogenous cannabinoids (cannabinoids found outside of the body), such as THC, CBD, CBG, from the Cannabis Sativa plant into all the areas where we are not in homeostasis.
For this to occur, the cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids have to pass through the Cannabinoid Receptors in our cell membrane. The CB1 and CB2 receptors synthesize the Exogenous cannabinoids and the Endogenous cannabinoids to help create a balanced environment. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system. The CB2 receptors may also be found in the brain, however they are not as pronounced quite like the CB1 receptors.
The ECS is not just home to Humans it may be found in all animals, which includes all vertebrates as well as some invertebrates.
The Endocannabinoid System or ECS for short, to your immune system, nervous system and organs. It is the backbone of keeping you regulated within yourself. Due to the legalities of cannabis we are just discovering the many ways our endocannabinoid system works. It is forever evolving.
We have found that the naturally occurring endocannabinoids produced by our bodies and also the brain signalers are essential to our physiological functions such as bone growth, appetite, blood pressure, immunity, pain, and so much more. Our ECS is found throughout our body and not a central location.
Two key cannabinoids that are naturally produced by mammals bodies are Annamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol.
Annamide is a fat messenger (neurotransmitting lipid) which could be described as the body's natural own THC. For example if you ate a chocolate bar it would stimulate the production of anamide which heightens the sensation of joy.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol is responsible for playing an important role in regulating our immune system and appetite. With more widened reschear it is also believed that it aids in killing unhealthy cells such as cancer.
These two beautiful endocannabinoids aid in so much and regulate even more. How these two cannabinoids pass through the body is through our Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. We will dive deeper into our CB1 and CB2 receptors coming next!
The vast universe of Cannabis awaits!
-Universe With Jaz