Cannabinoid receptors form part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), So “endocannabinoid” simply means cannabis-like substances that naturally occur inside us.
The ECS itself is made up of three parts:
Endocannabinoids
Receptors in the nervous system and around your body that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids bond with
Enzymes that help break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids
Not only is the ECS a natural part of our bodies, it’s a crucial one.
Just like the electronics in a car or plane, your body works continuously to monitor important levels and functions in your body. Is your temperature too high, too low, or just right? Are your hormone levels what they should be? Is your heart beating too fast?
When something is operating outside of the right range, your body activates the ECS to help correct it. So when you’re really hot and begin to sweat, thank your ECS for working to cool you down.
The ECS does this via cannabinoid receptors found in select tissues. Cannabinoid receptors are believed to be among the most plentiful in our central nervous system, and some researchers hypothesize that we could have a third, undiscovered one, as well.
Through those receptors, the ECS helps regulate a lot of important functions, such as:
Appetite
Digestion
Immune function
Inflammation, including neuroinflammation
Mood
Sleep
Temperature regulation
Memory
Pain
Then, once the endocannabinoids have done their job and brought things into balance, certain enzymes come along to break them down and prevent them from going too far and upsetting the balance in the opposite direction.
We’re already seeing a lot of research on cannabinoid-based treatments and we’re likely to see more as we gain a better understanding of the system and the substances.