What are the Major Parts of Our Endocannabinoid System and How Do Cannabinoids Work with Them?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the reason why hemp derivatives such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC can provide us with therapeutic value. Yet, it’s a system of the body that’s enigmatic to many of us. And, while the ECS is a relatively new discovery – more on that shortly, it’s just as important as other systems in the body.

You see, cannabinoids and their receptors are located all over the body. Not only that, but have a vital part in distinctive functions including:

Basic homeostatic functions:

• Metabolism
• Sleep

More complex functions:

• Embryonic development
• Immunity
• Pain
• Emotional memory

3 Areas of the Endocannabinoid System That Matter the Most

It wasn’t until 1992 that the endocannabinoid system was discovered, displaying exactly why cannabinoids affect us in the manner that they do. Now, the ECS ultimately consists of a few main components, all of which, once again, impact not only in our relationship with cannabis, but also our overall health in general.

Part #1: Cannabinoid Receptors

The endocannabinoid system consists of a network of cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2 receptors – to which cannabinoids bind, and this enables regulation of individual processes of the body, including:

• Inflammation
• Circadian rhythm
• Pain tolerance
• Mood

It's because of this system that cannabinoids like CBN, CBD, delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, many more are able to offer valuable potential benefits to us. But, phytocannabinoids aren’t the only cannabinoids that we’re benefiting from. Endocannabinoids have an all-important responsibility in our homeostasis. How? By constantly regulating processes in the body behind the scenes, as they too interact with these receptors.

• CB1 Receptors: Found in the brain, central nervous system, and spinal cord.
• CB2 Receptors: Exist throughout our organs and tissue. They’re closely linked to the function of the immune system.

Phytocannabinoids attach to these receptors at different rates, hence their unique effects. Endocannabinoids are also produced within the body to attach to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, improving the efficiency of bodily processes related to these respective areas of the body.

Part #2: Endocannabinoids

When we talk about cannabinoids, we’re almost always referring specifically about phytocannabinoids – aka cannabinoids derived from plants. The cannabis plant yields over 100 phytocannabinoids, including CBD, THC, and CBN, all of which operate with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate processes and create responses such as, in many cases, psychoactive effects.

The ECS produces two very important endocannabinoids that’re each tasked with keeping a number of essential processes in check.

2-Arachidonylglycerol

2-arachidonylglycerol, abbreviated to “2-AG”, is an endocannabinoid that binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, meaning that it plays a role in the function of the nervous system as well as the immune system, organs and tissues throughout the body. Keeping in mind that endocannabinoid system research is still quite new, we know so far that 2-AG appears to regulate processes including appetite, blood pressure, neurological function, pain and more.

Interestingly, 2-AG is found in human breastmilk. Hence, its appetite-stimulating properties may therefore serve a critical duty in biology by promoting the hunger of a newborn so that they consume enough milk in order to survive.

At the same time, 2-AG shows a lot of promise in the future of neurological therapeutics, specifically in the case of Alzheimer’s. Because 2-AG has neuroprotectant qualities, it may play a key role in preserving neurological function.

Anandamide

Anandamide is the other endocannabinoid that has been researched extensively over the years. This fatty acid is abundant throughout the central nervous system, and like 2-AG, it works with both CB1 an CB2 receptors. Interestingly, high doses of anandamide may suppress the psychoactive effects of THC cannabinoids.

Anandamide doesn’t only attach to CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate associated physiological processes, but it binds to TRPV1 and TRPV2 receptors, which are channels of the body that are tasked with regulating heat and cold sensitivity, respiratory sensitivity, pain sensitivity, sensitivity to irritants and more.

It is believed that the body slows down its production of endocannabinoids as we age, and scientists are starting to suggest that this could play a large role in cognitive decline which affects much of the elderly. The belief is that with age, cannabinoid receptors aren’t as stimulated as they once were, which signals a gradual decrease of their release into the body.

Simultaneously, researchers are finding that phytocannabinoids, including CBD and THC, can bring about a vital role in the production of 2-AG and anandamide by stimulating the very cannabinoid receptors that are responsible for signaling their production. This is one of the reasons why CBD and THC are being studied so intensively for their potential effects on cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s, more specifically.

Part #3: Metabolic Enzymes

The area that’s the least understood is the role of metabolic enzymes in the endocannabinoid system. The best-known metabolic enzyme belonging to the endocannabinoid system is the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which metabolizes anandamide to help it break down in the body. It’s believed that these metabolic enzymes are tasked with keeping our endocannabinoid levels in check, to prevent an excessive production of them which could lead to, for instance, obesity, as an overproduction of anandamide, an appetite stimulator, could cause an insatiable appetite for consuming calories.

The Endocannabinoid System: Complex and Vital, Yet Often Overlooked

Overall, the endocannabinoid system is more diverse than most of us realize, and its ability to produce its own cannabinoids impacts our physiological function. What this also means is that taking phytocannabinoids brings us a lot more than recreational value. These plant-based compounds may have a meaningful impact on our long-term health, by supporting the function of the ECS in order to maintain homeostasis as we continue to age.