The Endocannabinoid System
and our Bodies
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System acts as your body’s own messaging system, overseeing important processes and keeping everything in balance. It got its name because researchers stumbled upon it while studying the effects of cannabis. This system helps make sure everything in your body is working smoothly and staying in harmony.
What are Endocannabinoids?
The primary endocannabinoids we know about are anandamine and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (referred to as 2-AG). These messenger molecules are produced on demand, acting as signals that bind to cannabinoids receptors in your body. Think of it as a sophisticated internal communication system facilitating dialogue among various parts of your body.
The Endocannabinoids and Cannabinoid Receptors
They are found on the surface of cells throughout the body and are divided into two main types: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, including the brain, while CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the peripheral tissues, especially in immune cells.
These receptors act like keyholes, waiting for the right keys (endocannabinoids or external cannabinoids) to come along and unlock certain responses in your body. It is quite as having specialized teams in different areas of your brain, each responding to specific signals to keep everything in order.
What are Cannabinoids?
They are plant derived compounds that interact with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system. Research suggests they can bring about both medical and recreational effects, like easing pain and stress or creating a sense of happiness.
The main ones are similar to THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid, and CBD the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, known for its various potential health benefits), and others like cannabichromene, cannabigerol, cannabinol, cannabicyclol, cannabielsoin, and cannabitriol. Each of these has its own unique characteristics and potential effects.
