The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is designed to create homeostasis, or stability in the body. This system was discovered and named due to the research of the cannabis plant and its phytocannabinoids: endo meaning internal, endocannabinoid refers to cannabinoids within or native to the body.  The ECS is made up of two major components - the g-protein - coupled endocannabinoid receptors (ECRs), and the endocannabinoids (eCBs). Enzymes which make and break down the eCBs are another component of the system. Very simply put, when the body senses it’s out of balance, it triggers enzymes to produce eCBs. The eCBs go out to their corresponding ECRs, bind to them, and send their chemical messages through them. Other enzymes then metabolize (break down) the eCBs.

Because they deliver chemical messages endocannabinoids (eCBs) are neurotransmitters. There are two eCBs that are well documented. The first one, Anandamide, was discovered in 1990. Interestingly enough, it’s name’s origin is SanSkrit and means ‘bliss’. These ‘bliss molecules’ mainly bind to CB1 receptors found throughout the central nervous system (CNS) - comprised of the brain and spinal cord, as well as in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and peripheral organs. It’s associated with but not limited to functions such as memory, cognitive function, appetite stimulation, pain control, and reproduction. 
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The second eCBs is called 2-ArachidonoylGlycerol (2-AG). It is the most prevalent in the immune system, but is also found throughout the body including in the CNS. These eCBs help with things such as inflammation, pain relief, mood regulation, and cardiovascular health - to name a few.
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The eCBs are created by enzymes from fats, and are therefore lipids. After they are made, they use their own protein based transport system to travel around the body’s watery insides. They will travel to their respective ECRs, bind, and deliver their chemical messages. There are two main g-protein-coupled ECRs, and they are called CB1, and CB2. There is another cannabinoid receptor, the GPR55, and possibly others. The truth is, this system hasn’t been studied for very long and there is still much to learn about it. The CB1 receptors are found primarily in the CNS - the brain and spinal cord. The CB2 receptors are primarily in the immune system, and the gastrointestinal system. They receive the eCBs and their chemical messages for the body.
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After the eCBs are no longer needed, the body will use enzymes to break them down. Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) breaks down anandamide eCBs, and Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MGAL) breaks down 2-AG eCBs. This is the most simple explanation as to what our ECS is, and how it works. Take control of your own health by continuing to learn about your ECS with the cited articles below. 

Copyright (c) 2020 Felista Sutherland All Rights Reserved
Published January 2021
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Articles Citation Sources:
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Yeung, A.W.K., Tzvetkov, N.T., Arkells, N. et al. Molecular neuroscience at its “high”: bibliometric analysis of the most cited papers on endocannabinoid system, cannabis and cannabinoids. J Cannabis Res 1, 4 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-019-0004-y

Meyer, H., Lee, F. & Gee, D. The Role of the Endocannabinoid System and Genetic Variation in Adolescent Brain Development. Neuropsychopharmacol. 43, 21–33 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.143

Balenga, N., Schröder, R., Kargl, J. et al. GPR55: signaling pathways and functions. BMC Pharmacol 9, A3 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2210-9-S2-A3

Pertwee, R. The pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors and their ligands: an overview. Int J Obes 30, S13–S18 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803272

A. C. Howlett, F. Barth, T. I. Bonner, G. Cabral, P. Casellas, W. A. Devane, C. C. Felder, M. Herkenham, K. Mackie, B. R. Martin, R. Mechoulam and R. G. PertweePharmacological Reviews June 2002, 54 (2) 161-202; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.54.2.161