How Does The Endocannabinoid System Work?

How Does The Endocannabinoid System Work? Most people have no idea what the Endocannabinoid System is! Let alone, know anything about how it works.

The Endocannabinoid System is a system of the Human body that controls many basic functions. It’s also responsible for the effects Cannabis has on the Human body. The Endocannabinoid System is made up of natural molecules known as Endogenous Cannabinoids and the pathways that they interact with. This combination of the two parts work together to regulate a number of things in the body that affect mood, memory, sleep, appetite and pain. Cannabis is believed to treat various disorders by utilizing the Endocannabinoid System. Genetic scientific research shows that cannabinoid receptors evolved in primitive animals, such as sea squirts, tiny nematodes, and all vertebrate species over 600 million years ago. Meaning the Endocannabinoid System has been shared as essential part of life adaptation and to evolutionary change. There are thousands of articles written about this very subject and they are just scratching the surface of the matter. I am sure there is much more to be discovered. In fact most researchers believe there is a third cannabinoid receptor yet to be discovered. The two cannabinoid receptors are called CB1 and CB2. They can be found throughout the body. Most commonly in the brain and immune system. When cannabinoids activate CB1 or CB2 receptors it changes the way the body functions. CB1 receptors are responsible for the psychoactive effects of Cannabis. The reason is because CB1 is present in many areas of the brain that play a role in memory, mood, sleep, appetite and pain sensation. CB2 receptors are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of Cannabis. CB2 works within the immune cells to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is an immune response, that is believed to be a factor in many diseases and health conditions. The Endocannabinoid System also affects a number of physiological processes including circulation, energy metabolism and organ function. Studies have shown the Endocannabinoid Systems acts in response to illness and also shows that there is a high level of Edocannabinoids in patients with disorders such as arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. I know what you're thinking, the answer is No, you don’t have to consume Cannabis for any of these effects to occur. Those are all natural occurrences that happen within the body. There are two commonly known Endocannabinoids or natural Cannabinoids that the body produces are called Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol(2-AG). Although the Endocannabinoid System affects a wide variety of biological processes like appetite and sleep, most experts believe that its overall function is to regulate homeostasis. Which brings us to our next question “How can Cannabis be so safe while offering such powerful effects?”