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Table of Contents
- What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
- When Was the Endocannabinoid System Discovered?
- The Three Key Components of the Endocannabinoid System Explained
- What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do? Key Functions
- The Endocannabinoid System and Phytocannabinoids (THC vs. CBD)
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Endocannabinoid System Support: How to Naturally Balance Your ECS
Even if you’ve never used cannabis, you’re probably familiar with the effects of cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). But while you may be able to rattle off potential benefits like pain relief and sleep support, can you explain exactly how these plant compounds actually cause those effects in the human body? Three words: the endocannabinoid system (AKA the ECS).
In simple terms, the ECS is a signaling system in the body that interacts with cannabinoids when they’re consumed or used topically. But that’s just the beginning of this undeniably cool system. Here’s how it works, and why it matters for your overall health and well-being.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
The endocannabinoid system is an extensive network in the body that regulates its most vital functions, including digestion, immune response, sleep, mood, and appetite, to maintain homeostasis. To do that, the ECS uses both chemical signals and cellular receptors.
The Core Purpose of the ECS: Maintaining Biological Homeostasis
The ECS exists to keep various systems within the body balanced. It regulates all kinds of bodily functions to maintain stability. That makes it a master regulator.
When external stressors throw the body’s equilibrium out of whack, the ECS leaps into action with natural molecules known as endocannabinoids, which act as chemical messengers directing receiving cells to slow down or stop releasing other neurotransmitters. Again, it’s all designed to bring the body back into a balanced state.
Mandy Bliss, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, sits on the Cornbread Hemp Medical Advisory Board. She began studying cannabis and utilizing CBD in her practice over seven years ago as a way to help patients with pain relief. “The ECS could be likened to other signaling systems in the body, such as the endocrine system (or hormonal system),” she explains. “Just as with hormones, our bodies make their own cannabinoids, which act as signals and have far-reaching effects everywhere in the body.”
How the Human Endocannabinoid System Works Across Body Systems
The ECS is important because it affects every vital function. “Its receptors are found throughout the entire body and are especially abundant in the brain, reproductive organs, and gut,” says Bliss.
Five of the most important functions the ECS assists with are metabolism, sleep, mood, cognition, and immune response. Other functions the ECS is involved with include:
- Stress responses
- Aches & pains
- Inflammation
- Euphoria from exercise (“runner’s high”)
To maintain homeostasis across all of the major physiological systems, the ECS relies on three components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
CB1 and CB2 receptors are found throughout the body, and the endocannabinoids that attach to them send specific signals designed to influence activity. In the brain, that affects things like pain, mood, and emotional processing. In the immune system, those signals can help calm inflammation. Elsewhere, they can regulate hunger cues, influence how and when blood vessels dilate, or influence insulin sensitivity. See what we mean about the ECS being extensive?
When Was the Endocannabinoid System Discovered?
While the structures of CBD and THC were known by scientists as early as the 1960s, little was understood about how these compounds produced effects within the body. A major breakthrough occurred after the ECS receptors CB1 and CB2 were discovered in the mid-1980s.
“Receptors don’t exist because there’s a plant out there,” explained Raphael Mechoulam, known as the “father of cannabis research,” in an interview. “Receptors exist because we, through compounds made in our body, activate them. So we went looking for the endogenous [within the organism] compounds that activate the cannabinoid receptors” (1).
Indeed, it turned out that cannabinoids are naturally produced in human and animal bodies. When found within the body, cannabinoid compounds are known as endocannabinoids — named after cannabinoids. When found in plants such as the cannabis plant, they’re called phytocannabinoids.
The Three Key Components of the Endocannabinoid System Explained
There are two types of chemical signals within the ECS — endocannabinoids and enzymes. Receptors make up the third component.
1. Endocannabinoids: The Body’s Self-Made Cannabinoids
The word “endocannabinoid,” where “endo” comes from a Greek word meaning “within,” quite literally means “cannabinoids created within the body.” You heard that right — the human body creates its own cannabinoids (in the form of endocannabinoids), which interact with the ECS in the same way cannabinoids do.
Endocannabinoids carry instructions to the receptors to do things like lower temperature, raise awareness, or increase hunger.
Anandamide (AEA): "The Bliss Molecule"
The first endocannabinoid discovered was anandamide. That happened in 1992. The name is derived from ananda, which is the Sanskrit word for bliss or joy. Anandamide attaches to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the nervous system, where it works to help regulate mood, pain response, appetite, and memory.
Fun fact: THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, has a similar shape to anandamide, and it can also plug into some of the same receptors. That’s why it triggers deeply relaxing effects.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): Metabolic Driver and Immune Regulator
2-AG is the most abundant endocannabinoid in the central nervous system, and it also has a stronger activating role on CB1 and CB2 receptors than anandamide. It’s involved in influencing things like mood, pain sensations, inflammation, anxiety, and energy.
2. Cannabinoid Receptors: CB1 and CB2
CB1 and CB2 receptors are the main receptors in the endocannabinoid system (2). This is what cannabinoids — both endo and phyto — bind with to help regulate bodily processes. Their major differences come down to where they’re located and what they do.
CB1 Receptors: Central Nervous System, Mood, and Brain Function
CB1 receptors are mostly clustered in the brain and spinal cord, but they can also be found in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. These receptors influence functions like memory, mood, appetite, and motor function. Sound familiar to what’s impacted by THC? That’s because CB1 receptors are indeed activated by THC, which is what triggers psychoactive effects.
CB2 Receptors: Immune System, Inflammation, and Peripheral Tissues
CB2 receptors are mostly found in the immune system, where they help regulate inflammation, pain, and the broader immune response. Notably, activated CB2 receptors don’t cause psychoactive effects (3).
3. Enzymes: Metabolic Controllers (FAAH and MAGL)
The ECS enzymes limit production of endocannabinoids and break down both endocannabinoids and cannabinoids after they’ve performed their functions.
What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do? Key Functions
While we understand more now than we did three decades ago when the endocannabinoid system was discovered, scientists still have more to learn about the ECS. We do know that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in protecting and healing our bodies by helping to regulate other vital systems. The exact effects of its influence are determined, at least in part, by which cannabinoid or endocannabinoid binds with or influences which receptor.
Within a properly functioning ECS, the body produces endocannabinoids which then bond with ECS receptors. These bonds act as signals to the cells — eliciting different responses and making specific adjustments — to maintain a balance within the body’s various other systems. The enzymes then get to work, breaking down any excess or exhausted endocannabinoids, further preserving homeostasis.
Mood, Stress, and Anxiety Regulation
Both anandamide and 2-AG are used to send messages to CB1 receptors in key parts of the brain. This modulates neurotransmitters, helping to ease overactive stress and fear responses (4). It’s sort of like a natural chemical buffer.
Sleep Cycles and Circadian Rhythm
Sleep–wake cycles and the body’s internal clock — its circadian rhythm — are controlled by the brain’s master clock, or the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The ECS interacts directly with the SNC to support sleep. Endocannabinoid levels naturally rise and fall over 24-hour periods. When CB1 receptors are activated, it can help trigger sleep and even support the deep sleep stage (5).
Pain Perception and Inflammation Control
Cannabinoids binding to CB1 receptors on nerve endings can inhibit the release of the neurotransmitters that signal pain. When cannabinoids interact with CB1 receptors, it helps slow down the release of inflammatory chemicals (6).
Appetite, Digestion, and Metabolism
Activated CB1 receptors can stimulate appetite. That’s why a common side effect of THC is “the munchies,” or a noticeable increase in appetite. The ECS is what makes the act of eating enjoyable, especially when the food is sweet, high in fat, or otherwise delicious.
Both CB1 and CB2 receptors can be found in the gut, where they help manage elimination and inflammation. Gut-based ECS signaling also communicates with the brain, letting it know as food moves through the digestive tract. That impacts whether you feel full or hungry.
Immune Response and Cellular Homeostasis
When an immune response is triggered, endocannabinoids like anandamide and 2-AG bind primarily to CB2 receptors on immune cells to elicit a response. This can help lower anti-inflammatory effects or help move white blood cells where they’re needed.
The Endocannabinoid System and Phytocannabinoids (THC vs. CBD)
Because phytocannabinoids interact with ECS receptors just as endocannabinoids do, they can help to modulate the ECS and are an effective and safe option when treating a wide array of health conditions.
There are over 120 different known phytocannabinoids present in the cannabis plant (7). While there’s crossover with regard to the effects they have on the ECS, research suggests each phytocannabinoid produces unique benefits. Some are widely used today to relieve a variety of issues, including insomnia, inflammation, and chronic pain. These phytocannabinoids include:
- CBD, the most well-known cannabinoid (aside from THC)
- CBN (cannabinol), which forms when THC degrades from exposure to air, light, or heat
- CBG (cannabigerol), known as the “mother of all cannabinoids,” as it’s the cannabis compound from which all other cannabinoids develop
- The Endocannabinoid System and THC: Direct Binding and Psychotropic High
THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, just like anandamide. The connection is strong, so THC is able to influence CB1 activity intensely. But while endocannabinoids are produced on-demand as the body needs them, THC has more of a flooding effect because it activates CB1 receptors in the brain more broadly. Plus, THC isn’t degraded as quickly as the body’s own endocannabinoids, so the effects are noticeable for longer.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD: Allosteric Modulation and Indirect Balance
So what about CBD? It doesn’t bind directly to receptors the way THC does. Instead, it appears to have more of an indirect modulating effect.
How CBD Prevents Anandamide Breakdown by Inhibiting FAAH
Key enzymes in the body (including fatty acid amide hydrolase, or FAAH) break down endocannabinoids, and the process happens quickly once they’ve completed their signaling jobs. But CBD slows that down, keeping anandamide levels higher for longer.
Why CBD Doesn't Cause Intoxication While Interacting with the ECS
CBD isn’t like THC. It doesn’t lock onto CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system the way THC does — that’s what creates psychoactive effects. Instead, CB1 has more of an influencing role on the ECS, blocking enzymes that break down endocannabinoids and interacting with other pathways without the impairment associated with THC.
Endocannabinoid System Support: How to Naturally Balance Your ECS
By now, it’s probably pretty clear that the ECS is pretty darn important. And in excellent news, many of the same habits that support your health also benefit the ECS. Yes, we’re talking about things like a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and healthy stress management. Here’s what all of that does to keep your ECS firing.
Diet and Nutrition: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Those endocannabinoids in your system? Your body makes them, and it uses omega-6 fatty acids to do that. Since too much omega-6 can actually trigger inflammation, the key is balancing them with omega-3 fatty acids. Those are abundantly found in fatty fish sources, like salmon and sardines. Plant sources work well too, so try including chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or walnuts in your diet.
Exercise and Physical Activity: The Runner’s High Phenomenon
Whether you’ve ever experienced the runner’s high or not, moderate activity is good for you. Movement helps stimulate cannabinoid receptor activity and releases endocannabinoids like anandamide — remember, that’s the bliss molecule (8).
Stress Reduction, Sleep Hygiene, and Lifestyle Factors
You already know that chronic stress, poor sleep, and other negative lifestyle habits are bad for you. They’re also really disruptive to a healthy ECS. Stress hormones weaken ECS signaling and impact receptor sensitivity, and the same is true of diet choices. Do your best to find healthy outlets for stress, like yoga or deep breathing exercises. Be protective about your sleep schedule and prioritize a solid seven hours, and be mindful about what you eat. Occasional treats are fine, but a varied, plant-forward diet with healthy fats and adequate protein is really important.
Targeted Phytocannabinoid Supplementation (CBD Oil and Full-Spectrum Extracts)
Since phytocannabinoids interact with the ECS, adding a high-quality CBD oil may offer support. Choosing the right product ultimately comes down to your goals, but remember a few rules:
- Buy from transparent brands. Only buy from brands that are forthcoming about the source of their hemp and their manufacturing methods.
- Check for a current certificate of analysis. A COA from an independent, third-party lab confirms the cannabinoid profile and tells you whether the product has been screened for contaminants.
- Know your spectrum. Full-spectrum extracts include CBD and other naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes, which may support what’s known as the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum products remove the THC, and isolates are made with CBD by itself.
- Look for organic certification. Hemp is a bioaccumulator, so it absorbs compounds in the soil as it grows. USDA organic certification means peace of mind for how the plant was grown.
Cornbread Hemp checks all of these boxes — call it transparency in action. Our Kentucky-based, family-owned company makes our full-spectrum CBD oil from USDA organic hemp using a Flower-Only™ extraction process. That means no stalks, stems, or leaves. Of course, we third-party lab-test every product, and we back everything with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
While CBD isn’t a cure-all, it can be a useful addition to a daily routine that supports the ECS.
