ECS, the Mysterious System within Our Bodies

Many of us have heard of some of the transmitter systems within our bodies, such as the sympathetic nervous system. Fewer have heard of the more recently discovered endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is amazing when you consider that 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. 

The ECS is currently at the center of renewed international research and drug development. (*1)

What is the ECS and how does it work? (*1,2)

The ECS is an active and complex cell-signaling system. It comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed throughout our brains and bodies.  

The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

Endocannabinoids

Our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. All of us have tiny cannabis-like molecules floating around in our brains and bodies. They help keep a broad range of internal biological functions running smoothly. Our body produces them as needed. The cannabis plant, which humans have been using for about 5,000 years, essentially works its effect by hijacking this ancient cellular machinery. 

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, mostly found in the central nervous system, outnumber many of the other receptor types on the brain. They control the levels and activity of most of the other neurotransmitters and regulate things by turning up or down the activity of whichever system needs to be adjusted.
• CB2 receptors, mostly found in the peripheral nervous system, immune cells, are critical to helping control our immune functioning, and modulating inflammation, contraction and pain conditions.

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.

What are the functions of the ECS?

The ECS is complicated and regulates 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
• 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 is the primary role of the ECS.

What about endocannabinoid deficiency?

When an imbalance is detected within our internal environment, the body synthesizes endocannabinoids that interact with the cannabinoid receptors. However, in some cases, our body may not produce enough endocannabinoids, which is known as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD). Low endocannabinoid levels or ECS dysfunction can contribute to the development of certain conditions. The cannabinoids derived from cannabis plant can be used to supplement this deficiency. By stimulating and supporting our endocannabinoid system one can find relief from a multitude of illnesses and conditions.  

The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.

Reference *1: 

Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious

By Peter Grinspoon, MD on August 11, 2021,

Reference *2: A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D., Written by Crystal Raypole on May 17, 2019