Frequently Asked Questions About the Endocannabinoid System

Did you know our bodies have a built-in system designed to maintain balance and regulate vital functions? It’s called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and it plays a key role in everything from pain perception to stress response. Discovered while studying how cannabis affects the body, the ECS is a fascinating network that connects our brain, immune system, and more. Whether you’re curious about how this system works or how plant-based compounds like CBD and THC interact with it, this article will attempt to unravel the mysteries of the ECS and its profound impact on our health.

We often receive questions from our readers and customers about the science of hemp and CBD. We hope this FAQ article will be useful to all!

Q. Why is it called the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

A. Good question! The ECS was discovered during research investigating cannabis’ effects on the body. Researchers discovered two main receptors, CB1 and CB2. In the mid-90s, as more papers about cannabis’ function in the human body were published, the terms “cannabinoid” and “endocannabinoid” crystallized and became the norm. Specifically, endo means “within,” and cannabinoid refers to cannabis compounds.

Q. What is the role of the ECS?

A. Found in all vertebrates, the endocannabinoid system is a neurotransmitter system that binds to receptors and receptor proteins called “cannabinoid receptors.” These are expressed in the central nervous system (some organs, the spine, and the brain) and the peripheral nervous system (some organs, skin, muscles, etc.) The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate cognitive processes, memory, appetite, inflammation, stress response, the immune system, fertility, pain perception, and more. This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, which means the balance of all main functions.

Q. What are the endocannabinoids naturally occurring in our bodies?

A. Endocannabinoids are substances produced inside our bodies that activate cannabinoid receptors. The first compound discovered by researchers to bind to cannabinoid receptors was anandamide. Anandamide binds primarily to the CB1 receptor, and its pharmacology is similar to THC’s. The second most prominent endocannabinoid is 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG.) It binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors with similar affinity. It is also present in higher concentration in the brain than anandamide.

Q. Does the endocannabinoid system overlap with other systems?

A. It does! Research has found that the localization of CB1 receptors in the ECS has a large degree of overlap with the orexinergic projection system (related to the hypothalamus) that mediates similar physical and cognitive functions. In the lateral hypothalamus, CB1 shares the same space as orexin projection neurons, joining to form the CB1-OX1 receptor.

Q. What are phytocannabinoids?

A. Phytocannabinoids are compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that are naturally occurring in plants such as cannabis. When these plant-based compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system, they bind or influence the body’s cannabinoid receptors, acting as neuromodulators.

Q. Besides cannabis, are there other plants whose compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system?

A. Yes! While cannabis has been studied the most, phytocannabinoids have also been found in other plants, such as various types of echinacea, whose compounds have shown an affinity with our body’s CB2 receptors. Furthermore, the compound yangonin found in the kava plant has been found to display a significant affinity with the CB1 receptor, and tea (camellia sinensis) catechins also interact to some degree with the endocannabinoid system’s receptors.

We hope you have found this article useful! The endocannabinoid system is a remarkable part of our biology, influencing countless processes that keep us functioning at our best. By learning more about it, we gain deeper insight into how our bodies work—and how we might support them naturally. This knowledge empowers us to approach health with a new perspective.

Need some help visualizing this complex system of network receptors? Watch this short PBS video!

FDA Disclosure: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.