What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological communication network that your body uses to regulate the homeostasis essential for general health and wellness.

"The ECS is critical for almost every aspect of our moment-to-moment functioning. The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating." - Dr. Peter Grinspoon, MD, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School: 'The Endocannabinoid System, Essential and Mysterious.'

The ECS was discovered by Lumír Hanuš, a Czech analytical  chemist working with American pharmacologist William Devane. The ECS is named after the Cannabis Plant.

All humans (in fact, all mammals) have an Endocannabinoid System.

How does the Endocannabinoid System work?

There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which interact with chemical compounds called cannabinoids. CB1 receptors are most highly concentrated in the brain. CB2 receptors are primarily in the immune system.

CB1 Receptors target motor activity, thinking, motor coordination, appetite, short term memory, pain perception, and immune cells.

CB2 Receptors target the gut, kidneys, pancreas, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, bone, eyes, tumors, reproductive system, immune system, respiratory tract, skin, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and the liver.

Next week: Exploring Cannabinoids

This article is part of our educational series on CBDs. Stay tuned for more!

Geoff Cox is the owner of Native Ceuticals of Loudoun LLC, and a member of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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