Until the late 1980s, no one even knew what the Endocannabinoid system was. Raphael Mechoulam was the first to study and find many things we now know about cannabis. He discovered the endocannabinoid system with a pig brain, while studying THC. He found that mammals and humans have an entire system in our body, and the function is to balance our body. We have two different receptors working within our body, CB1 and CB2 on this ECS. (To Date 6/2021)
CB1 and CB2
These receptors are found throughout the entire body: brain, lungs, digestive system, organs, tissue, glands and immune cells. CB1 cells are the most studied. These are throughout the brain and spinal system, then scattered through your body in different systems and organs. CB2 receptors are mostly in the immune system, and fights inflammation through out your body.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD attach to these receptors. The goal is to bring your body to balance – Homeostasis. CBD can not attach to CB1 receptor without the presence of THC. Our bodies produce their own Endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids
Anandamide and 2-AG are endocannabinoids, which means they are within our body. Both of these cannabinoids were discovered in the 90s by Raphael Mechoulam. Anandamide also known as the bliss or joy molecule. It is a mood enhancer that works on your ECS similar how THC works on your ECS. Anandamide can be broken down easily and doesn’t last in your body for very long.
A little later in the 90’s Raphael Mechoulam found another endocannabinoid in our body. 2-AG (2-ArachidonoylGlycerol) is highly present in our central nervous system.
Enzymes
According to the dictionary, enzymes are “substances produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.” We have one for each of our endocannabinoids; FAAH breaks down the bliss molecule, anandamide and MAGL breaks down 2-ag after they are used.
We need a lot more research on our Endocannabinoid system and all of its functions. However, we are progressing at a decent speed in other countries. Eventually, America will be able to freely study cannabis as a whole and learn more about what it does on our ECS.
Check out other blogs on our ECS – Feeding Your ECS and Endocannabinoid system and Cannabinoids
Stay Blissful,
Chelsea