What Is Your Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system -ECS, is a system discovered in the late 1980's. Much remains unknown about the system. The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that help regulate a variety of functions in humans. Sleep, mood, memory, appetite, reproduction, pain sensations are all controlled by the ECS. There are lots of questions about the endocannabinoid system and how it functions.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system, it helps to know about the most fundamental concepts in biology- Homeostasis.
Homeostasis is balance within our systems, to maintain conditions within range. Conditions need to be right for our cells to maintain balance. The endocannabinoid system is a vital system for helping maintain homeostasis. Because of the role of homeostasis, the ECS is found throughout the animal kingdom.

The  components of the endocannabinoid system are:

Cannabinoid receptors.
Endocannabinoids.
Enzymes.

Why do we have cannabinoid receptors?

Cannabinoid receptors on the surface of cells check conditions outside the cell. They send information about conditions to the inside of the cell, starting cellular response. There are two cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. These aren't the only cannabinoid receptors. They were the first discovered and have been studied extensively.

CB1 receptors are the most abundant receptors in the brain.

CB2 receptors are abundant outside of the nervous system, in the immune system and both are found throughout the body.

What are endocannabinoids?

There are two important endocannabinoids, Anandamide and 2-AG. These are made from fat-like molecules within cell membranes and are created as needed.

Anandamide - sometimes called the bliss molecule. This neurotransmitter has been part of several scientific studies to determine its effects on humans. Identified in 1992 Anandamide is believed to have an impact on working memory and early-stage embryo development.

2-AG. 2-ArachidonoylGlycerol (2-AG) was first described in 1994-1995. While it was a known chemical compound, this is when scientists realised its affinity for cannabinoid receptors. High levels are found in the central nervous system.

Metabolic enzymes

Metabolic enzymes destroy endocannabinoids within the ECS once they get used. The enzymes are Fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down anandamide, and Monoacylglycerol lipase, which breaks down 2-AG. These enzymes ensure that endocannabinoids get used when they're needed. This distinguishes endocannabinoids from other molecular signals in the body, like hormones or neurotransmitters. 

There still remains a lot to discover about the endocannabinoid system and the various medical uses and treatment potential of cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids may assist with:

Acute and chronic kidney disease
Alzheimer's disease
Autoimmune diseases
Cardiovascular disease
Chronic pain conditions
Cancer
Autism
Epilepsy
With more research, this will expand significantly.