The Endocannabinoid System: The Beginner’s Guide

If you’re unaware of what your endocannabinoid system is, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The endocannabinoid system is a fairly new discovery, and it’s something that most people are still learning about. 

This article will discuss the basics of the endocannabinoid system in detail, what it is, what it does, and how it affects your body. So if you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating topic, keep reading!

In this guide:

• What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
• Discovery of the ECS
• How does the ECS work?
• Endocannabinoid deficiency
• How ECS maintains balance in the body
• Benefits of a healthy ECS
• How to keep your ECS healthy
• Edibles and the ECS

What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of cannabinoid receptors and chemicals found throughout the brain, organs, connective tissues, and immune cells. Enzymes are also a part of the ECS and regulate the levels of endocannabinoids in the body. 

The endocannabinoid system is named after cannabis, which is where cannabinoids were first discovered. Cannabinoids are a class of chemicals from cannabis that bind to your cannabinoid receptors. 

The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis within the body by regulating various processes such as pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, and memory. 

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors are situated throughout the human body and activated by chemicals called cannabinoids. There are two main types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids (which are produced naturally by the human and other animal bodies) and phytocannabinoids (found in plants). 

When cannabinoid receptors are activated, they trigger a variety of different responses within the body. Furthermore, different types of cannabinoid receptors can be found in different parts of the body, and they each have different functions. 

For example, CB₁ receptors are primarily found in the brain and are responsible for regulating mood, memory, and pain. On the other hand, CB₂ receptors are mostly found in the immune system and are involved in inflammation and pain. 

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced by our bodies naturally. The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG 

Anandamide, also known by researchers as the “bliss molecule,” helps regulate mood, appetite, and motivation. When anandamide is released, it binds to cannabinoid receptors and activates them. 

2-AG also helps to regulate appetite, as well as different immune system and pain management functions in the body.

Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids found in plants. The most well-known phytocannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. 

CBD is another well-known phytocannabinoid and is a potential therapeutic compound in cannabis. Recently, CBD has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, such as its ability to reduce anxiety and pain. 

Other popular phytocannabinoids include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).

Discovery of the ECS

The ECS was found in the early 1990s when researchers studying the effects of cannabis on the brain accidentally discovered it.

They found that THC binds to a specific type of receptor in the brain, which led to the discovery of cannabinoid receptors. Scientists then began to realize that cannabinoids can have other effects on the body beyond just the brain. 

Since then, scientists have started conducting more research on the ECS and its role in maintaining our bodily functions.

How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?

Now that you know what the ECS is and what it does, you’re probably wondering how it works.

Basically, the endocannabinoid system is constantly working to maintain balance within the body by regulating various processes, such as pain, inflammation, appetite, mood, and memory. 

When the ECS is functioning correctly, it helps to keep the body in a state of homeostasis. However, when something goes wrong with the ECS, it can lead to a variety of different health problems. 

For example, if the ECS is not functioning properly, it can lead to conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, and even addiction. 

Our endocannabinoid system also allows communication between different cells and systems within the body. This interaction is important because it helps to ensure that the various systems in the body are working together well. 

The ECS is a complex system, and there is still a lot we don’t know about it. However, recent research has uncovered some of its secrets, and we are slowly beginning to understand how it works. 

As more states legalize marijuana and more research is conducted, we will likely learn even more about the endocannabinoid system and its importance for our health. But, for now, we know that the ECS is a vital part of our bodies, and it plays a central role in maintaining balance and homeostasis.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency

One of the most common problems with the endocannabinoid system is endocannabinoid deficiency. 

Endocannabinoid deficiency happens when we don’t produce enough endocannabinoids or when they cannot properly bind to cannabinoid receptors. When this issue arises, it can potentially lead to many health problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation, migraines, and fibromyalgia. 

Although more research is necessary, endocannabinoid deficiency may be treatable with cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. When CBD and THC bind to cannabinoid receptors, they may help restore balance within the body and mitigate issues like those stated above.

How the ECS Maintains Balance in the Body

Maintaining homeostasis within the body is a complex process, and the endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in this process. The ECS is so important because it is constantly working to ensure that all of the various systems within the body are functioning correctly. 

On a daily basis, our bodies are constantly bombarded with external stimuli, such as stressors, that can throw off our internal balance. The endocannabinoid system helps to counteract these stressors and maintain homeostasis within the body. 

What Are Some of the Benefits of Having a Healthy ECS?

There are several different benefits of having a healthy endocannabinoid system. 

Some benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved mood

• Appetite Regulation

• Improved memory

• Improved fertility

• Better motor control

Let’s discuss each of these benefits in further detail.

Reduced Inflammation

One of the most critical functions of the endocannabinoid system is reducing inflammation. 

Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or disease. However, chronic inflammation may lead to many different health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer. 

The endocannabinoid system helps reduce inflammation by regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines. 

Improved Mood

Another benefit of having a healthy endocannabinoid system is improved mood. This is because the endocannabinoid system helps regulate our mood by controlling the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. 

If the endocannabinoid system is not operating correctly, it may lead to conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

Appetite Regulation

A healthy endocannabinoid system also helps increase appetite. This is advantageous for those with eating disorders or patients suffering from a lack of appetite due to cancer treatment or illness.

The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate our appetite by controlling the release of hunger-stimulating hormones, such as ghrelin. 

Improved Memory

The endocannabinoid system also plays a key role in memory. If you’ve ever forgotten where you put your keys, it’s likely because the endocannabinoid system wasn’t working properly and didn’t send the correct signal to your brain. 

The endocannabinoid system helps improve memory by controlling the release of neurotransmitters responsible for forming new memories. 

Improved Fertility

Finally, a healthy endocannabinoid system also helps to improve fertility. The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate hormone production and egg development. 

If you’re struggling to get pregnant, it may be because of a faulty ECS. 

Better Motor Control

The ECS also plays a role in motor control. So if you’ve ever struggled with coordination or balance, it may be because the endocannabinoid system wasn’t working well. 

The endocannabinoid system helps to improve motor control by regulating your motor system for activity. 

How Can You Keep Your Endocannabinoid System Healthy?

There are a few different ways to keep your endocannabinoid system healthy. 

Some things that you can do to support your ECS include:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Exercising regularly

• Getting enough sleep

• Reducing stress

When you take care of your ECS, you’re not only supporting your overall health, but you’re also supporting your body’s natural ability to maintain balance. 

A healthy endocannabinoid system is essential for optimal health, and it’s something that we all should be working on. 

Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System

When we consume cannabis, the cannabinoids in the plant interact with our endocannabinoid system. 

THC binds to both your CB₁ and CB₂ receptors to help regulate ECS function. CBD also inhibits enzymes that break down anandamide, one of your body’s natural cannabinoids. However, scientists still aren’t entirely sure exactly how CBD interacts with our ECS. More research is needed to understand the full extent of CBD’s effects on the endocannabinoid system. 

The communication between cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system helps produce a wide range of therapeutic effects, such as pain and inflammation relief, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep. 

Edibles and the Endocannabinoid System

When we consume cannabis edibles, the cannabinoids in the plant interact with our endocannabinoid system in a different way. 

Edibles are metabolized by the liver, which converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. This is a more potent form of THC that leads to stronger psychoactive effects. 

It’s important to note that edibles impact everyone differently and can take up to four hours to take effect. This is because they need to be metabolized by the liver before working effectively. 

Final Thoughts on the ECS

In conclusion, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system that plays a vital role in our overall health. A healthy ECS is essential for maintaining balance within the body. 

There are a few different ways you can support your endocannabinoid system, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. 

If you’re searching for a way to support your ECS using cannabis, consuming edibles or smoking are both effective methods. At Pantry Food Co., we make our edibles with high-quality ingredients offering healthy support for your endocannabinoid system. 

Do you have any questions about the endocannabinoid system? Let us know in the comments below!