The Endocannabinoid System

Most cannabis users appreciate the fact that pot is a natural alternative to other medications, but did you know our bodies are equipped with a system specifically designed to bind with cannabinoids? The main secondary molecules found in cannabis are known as cannabinoids—such as THC and CBD—and they’re not only found in the cannabis plant, they’re also produced by your own body! This means your body is literally designed to receive and utilize the main group of secondary molecules found in cannabis!

The cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are known as phyto- or exogenous cannabinoids, while those produced by your body are know as endocannabinoids. Both affect brain areas that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, movement, coordination, and sensory and time perception. Your lymphatic (immune) system also has cannabinoid receptors which promote wellness and disease treatment and prevention. Your body has CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) and lymphatic system respectively.

Different cannabinoids have different medicinal benefits and are still being explored. At the head of this research is Dr. Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Mechoulam is credited with being the first scientist to isolate THC and CBD back in the 1960s. Since then Dr. Mechoulam has led the search for cannabinoid receptors and how different combinations of receptor/cannabinoid type provide various therapeutic effects. 

The research on this is still very new and constantly evolving—scientists believe they may have even found a third cannabinoid receptor, suggesting that the role cannabinoids play in the body’s homeostasis is even more important than recently realized. Keep checking the blog for more news on how cannabis research is growing!