What is the Endocannabinoid System?

There are two main sources of cannabinoids:

Phytocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by plants

Endocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by the human body or other mammal bodies

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a central-nervous system which is composed of a network of receptors. After decades of scientific research on the endocannabinoid system, two types of cannabinoids were found:

CB1 - Mainly found in the brain but has been found in peripheral tissues in recent years.

CB2 - Almost exclusively found in cells and organs connected with the immune system and blood, with the highest concentration found in the spleen. Responsible for the anti-inflammatory qualities of cannabis.

The system is spread out and consists of many receptors throughout the body, mostly in the brain. The ECS system is very important to the human body, as it controls many vital life functions and affects a wide range of biological and chemical processes, including the immune system, memory, appetite, sleep patterns, moods, inflammation and pain sensation.

Similar to the cannabis plant, the human body also produces cannabinoids. However, cannabis has more than 60 species of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which are not produced by the body. Cannabinoids produced by the human body include Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol, and they are found in every human being.

For the most part, cannabinoid receptors are found in the brain and the immune system. However, researchers have discovered the same receptors in other parts of the body, such as the digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system and the bladder. As the research of cannabis is growing worldwide, more and more cannabinoids are being discovered throughout the human body.

The endocannabinoid system is not exclusive to the human body and is found in animals as well. In fact, endocannabinoids can be found in the bodies of all mammals - and even in some non-mammalian animals – proving their vitality for the natural development of organisms in nature.