Endocannabinoid System - A Simple Guide To How It Works

3/18/22, 10:22 PM Endocannabinoid System: A Simple Guide to How It Works
LEARN
March Is Sleep Awareness Month MORE
A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid

System
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — Written by Crystal Raypole on
May 17, 2019
How it works Functions THC CBD Deficiency Takeaway
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system

identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known
cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis.
Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS. But so far, we know it
plays role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including:
sleep
mood
appetite
memory
reproduction and fertility
The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.
Read on to learn more about the ECS including how it works and interacts
with cannabis.
ADVERTISEMENT
How does it work?

The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors,
and enzymes. 
ADVERTISEMENT
Privacy - Terms
https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system#takeaway 1/10
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules

made by your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but they’re produced
by your body.
Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far:
anandamide (AEA)
2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
These help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body

produces them as needed, making it difficult to know what typical levels
are for each.
Endocannabinoid receptors
These receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind

to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system
CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous
system, especially immune cells
Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result

depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it
binds to.
For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal

nerve to relieve pain. Others might bind to a CB2 receptor in your
immune cells to signal that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a
common sign of autoimmune disorders.
Enzymes
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once

they’ve carried out their function.
There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA
monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG
What are its functions?


ADVERTISEMENT
The ECS is complicated, and experts haven’t yet determined exactly how
it works or all of its potential functions. Privacy - Terms

Research has linked the ECS to the following processes:
appetite and digestion

metabolism
chronic pain
inflammation and other immune system responses
mood
learning and memory

motor control
sleep
cardiovascular system function

muscle formation
bone remodeling and growth
liver function
reproductive system function
stress
skin and nerve function
These functions all contribute to homeostasis, which refers to stability of

your internal environment. For example, if an outside force, such as pain
from an injury or a fever, throws off your body’s homeostasis, your ECS
kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation.
Today, experts believe that maintaining homeostasis if the primary role of

the ECS.
ADVERTISEMENT
How does THC interact with the ECS?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the main cannabinoids found in
cannabis. It’s the compound that gets you “high.”

ADVERTISEMENT
Once in your body, THC interacts with your ECS by binding to receptors,
just like endocannabinoids. It’s powerful partly because it can bind to both Privacy - Terms
CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This allows it to have a range of effects on your body and mind, some
more desirable than others. For example, THC may help to reduce pain
and stimulate your appetite. But it can also cause paranoia and anxiety in
some cases.
Experts are currently looking into ways to produce synthetic THC

cannabinoids that interact with the ECS in only beneficial ways.
How does CBD interact with the ECS?

The other major cannabinoid found in cannabis is cannabidiol (CBD).
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t make you “high” and typically doesn’t cause
any negative effects.
Experts aren’t completely sure how CBD interacts with the ECS. But they
do know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does.
Instead, many believe it works by preventing endocannabinoids from

being broken down. This allows them to have more of an effect on your
body. Others believe that CBD binds to a receptor that hasn’t been
discovered yet.
While the details of how it works are still under debate, research suggests
that CBD can help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with
multiple conditions.
What about endocannabinoid deficiency?

Some experts believe in a theory known as clinical endocannabinoid
deficiency (CECD). This theory suggests that low endocannabinoid levels
in your body or ECS dysfunction can contribute to the development of
certain conditions.
SUBSCRIBE
A 2016 article  reviewing over 10 years of research on the subject
suggests the theory could explain why some people develop migraine,
fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
None of these conditions have a clear underlying cause. They’re also

often resistant to treatment and sometimes occur alongside each other.
If CECD does play any kind of role in these conditions, targeting the ECS
or endocannabinoid production could be the missing key to treatment,
but more research is needed.

ADVERTISEMENT
Privacy - Terms
ADVERTISEMENT
-10% -10%
The bottom line

The ECS plays a big role in keeping your internal processes stable. But
there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. As experts develop a better
understanding of the ECS, it could eventually hold the key to treating
several conditions.
Sponsored Content
Learn More
What's the right CBD

product for you?
Last medically reviewed on May 17, 2019
 18 sources
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic
research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You
can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our
editorial policy.
Ahn K, et al. (2008). Enzymatic pathways that regulate endocannabinoid signaling

in the nervous system. DOI:
1021/cr0782067
Alger BE. (2013). Getting high on the endocannabinoid system.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997295
Background: Marijuana. (2007).
drugabuse.gov/publications/brain-power/grades-6-9/weeding-out-grass-module-
4/background
Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-review report. (2017).
who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
Cannabis and cannabinoids. (2019).
cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq?redirect=true

ADVERTISEMENT
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency: Issue brief on clinical endocannabinoid

deficiency. (2017).
Privacy - Terms
health.state.mn.us/people/cannabis/docs/rulemaking/endocannabinoidbrief.pdf
De Laurentiis A, et al. (2014). Role of the endocannabinoid system in the

neuroendocrine responses to inflammation. DOI:
2174/1381612820666140130212957
de Morais H, et al. (2016). Anandamide reverses depressive-like behavior,

neurochemical abnormalities and oxidative-stress parameters in streptozotocin-
diabetic rats: Role of CB1 receptors. DOI:
1016/j.euroneuro.2016.08.007
Gomez M, et al. (2008). Cannabinoid signaling system.
Gorzkiewicz A, et al. (2018). Brain endocannabinoid signaling exhibits remarkable

complexity. DOI:
1016/j.brainresbull.2018.06.012
Human endocannabinoid system. (n.d.).
uclahealth.org/cannabis/human-endocannabinoid-system
Lu H-C. (2015). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. DOI:
1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028
Maccarrone M, et al. (2015). Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years

after THC. DOI:
1016/j.tips.2015.02.008
Pacher P, et al. (2008). The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of

pharmacotherapy. DOI:
1124/pr.58.3.2
Russo EB. (2016). Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency reconsidered: Current

research supports the theory in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, and other
treatment-resistant syndromes. DOI:
1089/can.2016.0009
Sharma P, et al. (2012). Chemistry, metabolism, and toxicology of cannabis: Clinical

implications.
Smith SC, et al. (2014). Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) revisited: Can
this concept explain the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia,
irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions?
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24977967
Zou S, et al. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system:

Signaling and function in the central nervous system. DOI:
3390/ijms19030833
 v   FEEDBACK: 
READ THIS NEXT

ADVERTISEMENT

Privacy - Terms
CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

Medically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between the different

components of the cannabis plant, especially with current laws. We’ll tak…
READ MORE
Pain Relief Basics

Medically reviewed by Eloise Theisen, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC
We all experience pain. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage pain,
whether that means treating the source of the pain or coping with the…
READ MORE
What Is Bhang? Health Benefits and Safety

Written by Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL)
Bhang is an edible mixture made from the buds, leaves, and flowers of
the female cannabis, or marijuana, plant. This article reviews bhang,…
READ MORE
How Does Cannabis Affect Brain Health? What

Researchers Want You to Know
The organization says regular cannabis use can have an impact on the
developing brains of people under 25.

ADVERTISEMENT
Privacy - Terms
READ MORE
Cannabis Use Could Impair Your Ability to

Drive for 4 Hours
Experts say people may have a false sense of how soon they're able to
drive safely after smoking or consuming cannabis
READ MORE
More Teens Are Vaping Cannabis. Why Health

Officials Are Alarmed
Health officials are concerned about the increase in teens vaping
cannabis because of the effects the drug can have on the brains of…
READ MORE
7 Best CBD Oils for Anxiety

Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC
Here are seven of the best CBD oils for anxiety. Learn what makes each
of these products a good pick, plus how to spot a quality product.
READ MORE
Cannabis 101: What’s the Deal with Terpenes?

ADVERTISEMENT

Privacy - Terms
Medically reviewed by Jeffrey Chen, MD, MBA
Terpenes are one part of the equation when it comes to determining

cannabis's effects. We break down the limited research and offer tips.
READ MORE
v  z  
Get our wellness newsletter

Filter out the noise and nurture your inbox with health and wellness
advice that’s inclusive and rooted in medical expertise.
Enter your email SIGN UP
Your privacy is important to us
About Us Health Topics
Contact Us Medical Affairs
Terms of Use Content Integrity
Privacy Policy Newsletters
Privacy Settings Do Not Sell My Info
Advertising Policy
© 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. Our
website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only.
Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See
additional information.
About | Careers | Advertise with us
OUR BRANDS

ADVERTISEMENT Healthline
Medical News Today
Greatist Privacy - Terms
Psych Central
Psych Central

ADVERTISEMENT
Privacy - Terms

Endocannabinoid System - A Simple Guide To How It Works

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Endocannabinoid System - A Simple Guide To How It Works

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

3/18/22, 10:22 PM Endocannabinoid System: A Simple Guide to How It Works

A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid

How it works Functions THC CBD Deficiency Takeaway

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system

How does it work?

Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules

Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far:

These help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body

These receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind

There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:

Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result

For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal

Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once

There are two main enzymes responsible for this:

fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA

monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG

What are its functions?

appetite and digestion

learning and memory

cardiovascular system function

skin and nerve function

These functions all contribute to homeostasis, which refers to stability of

Today, experts believe that maintaining homeostasis if the primary role of

How does THC interact with the ECS?

CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Experts are currently looking into ways to produce synthetic THC

How does CBD interact with the ECS?

Instead, many believe it works by preventing endocannabinoids from

What about endocannabinoid deficiency?

None of these conditions have a clear underlying cause. They’re also

The bottom line

What's the right CBD

Ahn K, et al. (2008). Enzymatic pathways that regulate endocannabinoid signaling

Alger BE. (2013). Getting high on the endocannabinoid system.

Background: Marijuana. (2007).

Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-review report. (2017).

Cannabis and cannabinoids. (2019).

Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency: Issue brief on clinical endocannabinoid

De Laurentiis A, et al. (2014). Role of the endocannabinoid system in the

de Morais H, et al. (2016). Anandamide reverses depressive-like behavior,

Gomez M, et al. (2008). Cannabinoid signaling system.

Gorzkiewicz A, et al. (2018). Brain endocannabinoid signaling exhibits remarkable

Human endocannabinoid system. (n.d.).

Lu H-C. (2015). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. DOI:

Maccarrone M, et al. (2015). Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years

Pacher P, et al. (2008). The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of

Russo EB. (2016). Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency reconsidered: Current

Sharma P, et al. (2012). Chemistry, metabolism, and toxicology of cannabis: Clinical

Zou S, et al. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system:

READ THIS NEXT

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between the different

Pain Relief Basics

What Is Bhang? Health Benefits and Safety

How Does Cannabis Affect Brain Health? What

Cannabis Use Could Impair Your Ability to

More Teens Are Vaping Cannabis. Why Health

7 Best CBD Oils for Anxiety

Cannabis 101: What’s the Deal with Terpenes?

Terpenes are one part of the equation when it comes to determining

Get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email SIGN UP

Your privacy is important to us