- The endocannabinoid system is what our bodies use to achieve homeostasis: the perfect balance that allows peak performance.
- It includes endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that work like a team to regulate our mood, appetite, immunity, and more.
- THC interacts with this system and that’s what gives us the feeling of being high.
It doesn’t matter if you smoke flower or not—the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its cannabinoid receptors are an essential part of our general biology. Whether you smoke pre-rolls or not, everyone has an ECS. It helps our body achieve balance and regulates us.
When we understand what the endocannabinoid system is, we can wrap our heads around our highs. Keep reading to discover this fascinating biological system and the science behind our buzz to become a studious stoner!
Explaining the Endocannabinoid System
Think of this system in terms of a mission control command booth. Only, instead of spaceships, it monitors cells to control critical biological functions of the brain, organs, immune system, and nervous system. The ECS was discovered in the late 1980s and gave scientists a peek behind the curtain of how many of our biological functions are regulated.
The regulation of molecules affects mood, memory, pain, appetite, and more. Sounds familiar, right? These are the same functions altered by cannabinoids. Even without smoking, there’s an interplay between the different pieces of the ECS. This system is critical to any living thing with a spine. Yes, even Fido!
Homeostasis
To strike the perfect balance needed for peak performance, our bodies rely on the endocannabinoid system. The fancy term for this biological balance is homeostasis. Achieving this equilibrium is like our cells hitting a perfectly balanced yoga pose. It turns out that our bodies are very picky about maintaining the optimal conditions. Our cells’ stubborn insistence on homeostasis is known as the Goldilocks zone.
Our bodies are a lot like Goldilocks. She needed her bed, porridge, and chair just right. Our body acts in the same way. It needs to find the sweet spot to help us stay regulated. The endocannabinoid system is what keeps our bodies functioning just right. Each part of the ECS juggles cells to find the perfect blend of biology.
The Building Blocks of the Endocannabinoid System
One of the craziest parts of discovering this system is how common it is. Many people are shocked to find almost all animals (yes, humans are animals, too) have one. It’s critical in maintaining homeostasis. But ensuring that type of perfection is a big job. The ECS is the product of several pieces working to regulate our biology—and it’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Cannabinoid Receptors
Cannabinoid receptors are the town crier of the cells. They are found on the surface of cells and relay information to the inside. They dictate the proper cellular response.
There are many cannabinoid receptors. Scientists are still discovering them and understanding their unique functions. However, we know of two that play a significant role in our biology and our buzz.
CB1 Receptors
The CB1 receptors are most common in the brain. They regulate taste, smell, hunger, and mood. Of course, this will sound familiar to cannabis connoisseurs because these are functions related to smoking marijuana. When THC interacts with these cannabinoid receptors, we start feeling many of pot’s psychoactive properties.
CB2 Receptors
Unlike CB1, CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system. Instead of psychoactive effects, cannabinoids that interact with these receptors modify immune function and produce anti-inflammatory effects.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are available to our body on a per need basis. Their primary objective is to activate cannabinoid receptors by binding to them. We don’t store these chemicals in our bodies. Instead, the body whips up a batch naturally when it needs them to help us achieve the Goldilocks zone.
Metabolic Enzymes
The final part of the team are enzymes. Their job is simple: destroy endocannabinoids. They get rid of them once they’re done activating the receptors, ensuring they don’t stick around too long and overcorrect and cause imbalances.
Cannabis Interacts With the ECS
Your favourite strains hijack the ECS with cannabinoids to produce their effects. They bind to receptors, but our enzymes are unable to remove them. Their prolonged manipulation of the receptors is what sets our internal clocks to 420.
THC is particularly fond of the CB1 receptor. This affinity to bind with the endocannabinoid system is what produces the feeling of a buzz. While CB1 likes to party, CB2 regulates immune cells instead of producing psychoactivity. Cannabinoids still bind to CB2 receptors, but they produce anti-inflammatory effects.
Cannabinoids aren’t the only ones invited to the party. Scientists have found that terpenes can bind to cannabinoid receptors, too. This discovery is part of the entourage effect; a theory that the unique compounds in each strain of cannabis interact with our bodies and produce different effects.
Balancing Wellness
The endocannabinoid system is what our bodies use to regulate themselves. It helps manage pain, sleep, appetite, and immune response. Creating balance within this system helps our inner Goldilocks, creating ideal conditions for our cells.
Though studies lag behind usage due to difficulties studying cannabis before legalization, there’s reason to believe that marijuana can help balance an irregular ECS. Anecdotally, many users report relief from mental tension and pain when using cannabis. When it comes to sleep issues, any smoker who’s been around the block knows just how drowsy a potent indica strain can make you!
Because our body’s enzymes can’t destroy cannabinoids, we can manipulate the ECS to produce desirable biological outcomes. The implications run the gamut from maintaining our health and wellness to elevating our experiences when we hang out with friends. However, regardless of your cannabis consumption, the ECS plays a major role in the functions of your body.
Now You Know What the Endocannabinoid System Is
The world of cannabis is fascinating! The endocannabinoid system makes the power of marijuana even more staggering. Somehow, the chemicals in a plant mimic those found in our bodies, and it all adds up to positively manipulate the nervous system. Scientifically speaking, Mother Nature seems pretty 420-friendly!
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