The Endocannabinoid System
Our body not only produces its own cannabinoids, but has developed a complete signaling system, the so-called endocannabinoid system. It consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes. Two endocannabinoids are well researched: anandamide- an analog of THC, and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol – an analog of CBD, but we expect further research to identify more endocannabinoids. So far two receptors were found: CB1 and CB2, with different distributions in the body. CB1 receptors are concentrated in the central nervous system, while the CB2 receptor is more evenly distributed throughout the body. Enzymes involved in this system are responsible for the proper formation and degradation of cannabinoids, allowing optimal performance for the endocannabinoid system.
The first insights into the functioning of the cannabinoid system have been given by the work of a research group led by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. A documentary about his work has been filmed and we highly recommended viewing it.