In the 1990’s, scientists discovered endocannabinoids, the natural cannabis-like molecules produced by the human body. Scientists began to realize cannabis exerted its effects, in part, by mimicking our endocannabinoids. It appears the main function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain bodily homeostasis—biological harmony in response to changes in the environment. Taxonomic investigation revealed that the endocannabinoid system is incredibly old, having evolved over 500 million years ago. Moreover, it is present in all vertebrates—mammals, bird, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc, all produce endocannabinoids.
Research initially suggested endocannabinoid receptors were only present in the brain and nerves, but scientists later found that the receptors are present throughout the body, including our skin, immune cells, bone, fat tissue, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, blood vessels, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. We now know the endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide variety of processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function. Endocannabinoids are arguably the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules known to man.
How Does the ECS Work?
The ECS is comprised of three key components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are molecules, similar to cannabinoids, and they are produced by the human body. So far, experts have identified two endogenous cannabinoids:
- anandamide (AEA)
- 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2AG)
The body produced cannabinoids as needed, and for this reason, it has been hard to track existing levels in the human body.
Receptors
Receptors act as links throughout the body with which Endocannabinoids bind in order to signal the system. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1, found mainly within the central nervous system
- CB2, found within the peripheral nervous system, immune cells.
Endocannabinoids can bind to either type of receptor, and so for this reason, the effect produces varies based on location of the receptor and the type of endocannabinoid to which it binds.
So, endocannabinoids that target spinal nerves, binding to CB1 receptors, may aid in pain relief. In the meantime, endocannabinoids that bind to CB2 receptors in immune cells can trigger responses to auto-immune deficiencies.
Enzymes
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function. According to this article, the various enzymes involved in endocannabinoid metabolism offer intriguing opportunities for targeted drug development
There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
- fatty acid amide hydrolase, (which breaks down AEA)
- monoacylglycerol acid lipase, (which typically breaks down 2-AG)