What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System (eCB) is a neuromodulatory system that plays an important role to restore homeostasis in the human body following stress. The eCB is comprised of three elements: cannabinoid receptors (CB1-R and CB2-R) embedded in cell membranes, endogenous cannabinoids (Endocannabinoids: AEA and  2-AG) which bind to the receptors, and the enzymes required for the synthesis and metabolism of the endocannabinoids.  The endocannabinoid system performs different tasks depending on the organ or tissue involved, but the end result is the same: Homeostasis, to maintain a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.

• CB1-R are the most abundant cannabinoid receptors in the human body and are primarily located in the Central Nervous System (Brain and Spinal Cord). 
• CB2-R are located throughout the Immune System, Peripheral Nervous System, and Digestive System. Activating these receptors allows the body to regulate many important functions, such as appetite, inflammation, mood, sleep and more.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are endogenous molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1-R and CB2-R). The two most common endocannabinoids are N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Use of cannabis introduces Phytocannabinoids, or exogenous cannabinoids, into our system which mimic naturally-occurring endocannabinoids to help preserve homeostasis and maintain a stable internal environment

References: 

1.  Review of the Endocannabinoid System

2.  The endocannabinoid system and the brain

3.  Endocannabinoid System Components: Overview and Tissue Distribution

4.  History of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system

5.  Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System