Universal Cannabis 101 Endocannabinoid System by Jasmine Harvey
Have you ever wondered how cannabis works synergistically with your body? That is all thanks to your Endocannabinoid System or ECS for short. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is what helps keep the Human body in Homeostasis as the Master Regulatory System. The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids. The ECS is what drives the endogenous cannabinoids (the bodies naturally occurring cannabinoids), 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonoyl ethanolamide (anandamide) and the Exogenous cannabinoids (cannabinoids found outside of the body), such as THC, CBD, CBG, from the Cannabis Sativa plant into all the areas where we are not in homeostasis. For this to occur, the cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids have to pass through the Cannabinoid Receptors in our cell membrane. The CB1 and CB2 receptors synthesize the Exogenous cannabinoids and the Endogenous cannabinoids to help create a balanced environment. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system. The CB2 receptors may also be found in the brain, however they are not as pronounced quite like the CB1 receptors. The ECS is not just home to Humans it may be found in all animals, which includes all vertebrates as well as some invertebrates. Let’s dive deeper into the vast universe of Cannabis with the continuation of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), next!
27
