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What is the Endocannabinoid System? A Simple Guide

Posted on by
06
Aug

If you’ve heard about CBD oil, chances are you’ve heard about the fancy system that makes it work: the Endocannabinoid System (ES).

This is a complex biological system that runs throughout your entire body.

The ES was discovered in the late 1980s, and scientists are still learning about its role in the body. So far, research suggests it plays a role in a wide range of processes, including:

  • sleep
  • mood
  • appetite
  • pain sensation
  • memory
  • reproduction and fertility

So, how does it do that?

How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?

The Endocannabinoid System works by helping maintain homeostasis, or balance, within the body. When systems are out of balance, normal biological processes may not function as efficiently. Conditions need to be just right for cells to maintain optimal performance.

The ES plays a role in supporting that balance.

Yes, ok, but how? Well, it’s a process.

The ES is made up of 3 distinct parts:

  • Endocannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoid Receptors
  • Enzymes

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are small molecules your body produces that interact with endocannabinoid receptors. They’re similar to cannabinoids found in plants, like CBD, but are made naturally by the body. That’s where the name comes from — “endo” means “within.”

So far, experts have identified two key endocannabinoids:

  • Anandamide (AEA) — sometimes referred to as the “bliss” molecule. Anandamide is a fatty acid neurotransmitter that has been studied for its involvement in memory and early-stage embryo development.
  • 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) — present at relatively high levels in the central nervous system.

Both of these endocannabinoids are made from fat-like molecules within cell membranes. They’re synthesized on demand, meaning they’re made and used as needed rather than stored for later.

When the body detects an imbalance, endocannabinoids interact with receptors as part of this regulatory process.

Endocannabinoid Receptors

Endocannabinoid receptors are located on the surface of cells. They transmit information about changing conditions to the inside of the cell, prompting a cellular response. Much of that information comes from endocannabinoids, which bind to receptors to signal activity within the ES.

There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:

  • CB1 receptors — found primarily in the central nervous system and brain
  • CB2 receptors — found primarily in the peripheral nervous system and throughout the body

Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor, and the response depends on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid is involved.

This is where much of the system’s activity takes place — receptors receive signals from endocannabinoids and initiate cellular responses.

Enzymes

Enzymes are the follow-up players in the process. They break down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their role and are no longer needed.

There are two main enzymes responsible for this:

  • Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down AEA
  • Monoacylglycerol lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG

RELATED: There are plenty of ways people choose to support their endocannabinoid system. Check this out!

The Role of CBD in the ES

So, if your body naturally produces endocannabinoids, what role does CBD play?

Even though the Endocannabinoid System and CBD have been studied for decades, scientists are still working to understand exactly how they interact. Some research suggests CBD may influence how long endocannabinoids remain active in the body.

For example, CBD has been shown to interact with the FAAH enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down anandamide. By interacting with this enzyme, CBD may allow anandamide to remain available for a longer period of time.

Other researchers believe CBD may interact with receptors or pathways that have yet to be fully identified.

What we do know is that endocannabinoids play an important role in maintaining balance within the body, and CBD continues to be an area of active scientific interest in relation to this system.