Cannabinoids and our Endocannabinoid System

Every one of us has this thing called an endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies and cannabinoids are found where again? Oh yes, in cannabis. It’s a fact fam. Our bodies are built to interact with this plant.

Let’s unpack it…

So, what exactly is the endocannabinoid system? (ECS)

It is possibly the largest and most complex neurotransmitter system in our bodies. Neurotransmitter systems are basically signalling systems that help the brain and body communicate with each other.

The ECS acts like a lock and key, where cannabinoid receptors act as the lock and endocannabinoids and cannabinoids act as the keys. They go hand in hand. Like white on rice.

The endocannabinoid system works to bring our body into balance or homeostasis. It also works to govern all the other systems in the body. Think of the ECS as the conductor in an orchestra and all the other bodily systems as the different sections in the ensemble (brass, percussion, string etc.) The ECS’s job is to bring all these sections into harmony or balance with each other. This is why when we work to support this system, we hear all kinds of remarkable healing stories. It’s all about bringing the dysregulated ECS back into perfect symphony.

The ECS, which is found in all mammals, is responsible for:

• Monitoring, regulating and controlling vital bodily functions.

• Regulating and controlling memory and learning.

• Emotional processing, anxiety and mood, sleep rhythms.

• Coordination, temperature control, appetite.

• Pain management (modulates pain perception).

• Inflammation, recovery and immune responses.

• Protects neural tissues and aids in brain plasticity.

What are cannabinoids and endocannabinoids?

Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids.  Endocannabinoids become active when they bind with a cannabinoid receptor (which are located throughout the body).

Phytocannabinoids, which we get from plants, are those that you can introduce into your body. They are exponentially more powerful than endocannabinoids.

Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors in our central and peripheral nervous system throughout the body (skin to bone).

When a system in the body is out of balance, the cannabinoids bind to the receptors to help correct the problem. There is a precision to the ECS. Once the ECS brings the body back into balance, our body has specific enzymes that break down the leftover cannabinoids to prevent overcorrecting the problem. 

The ECS is a system linked to all organs and when sufficient in cannabinoids will balance all other bodily systems, orchestrating harmony in our bodies.

The fascinating thing about the whole discovery of the ECS is how similar plant cannabinoids are to the cannabinoids we produce ourselves (like anandamide). It really does make you think about how connected to nature we are.

The endocannabinoid system is such an important system to understand and yet it’s so unexplored. Unbelievably, it was only discovered in 1990. It’s so shiny and new in fact, that spell checker still thinks it’s a mistake. Trust us, it's not.