CannaFibromyalgia
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a large role in regulating functions. It is composed of three parts: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. The following list represents functions that the ECS has an influence in:
Endocannabinoids (or endogenous cannabinoids) are molecules made by the body. They are similar to cannabinoids but they're produced by the body. Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). These help keep internal functions running smoothly. The body produces them as needed, making it difficult to know what typical levels are for each.
These receptors are found throughout the body, where endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells. 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 are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function. There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, it is the compound that gets you “high". Once in the body, THC interacts with the ECS by binding to its receptors, just like endocannabinoids. THC can can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, allowing it to have a range of effects on your body and mind, some more desirable than others. Experts are currently looking into ways to produce synthetic THC cannabinoids that interact with the ECS in only beneficial ways.
For example, THC may help to reduce pain and stimulate your appetite, although it can also cause paranoia and anxiety in some cases.
The other major cannabinoid found in cannabis is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD doesn’t make you “high” and typically doesn’t cause any negative effects. Experts aren’t completely sure how CBD interacts with the ECS, however they do know that it doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors the way THC does. Instead, many believe it works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down, allowing them to have more of an effect on your body; others believe that CBD binds to a receptor that hasn’t been discovered yet. While the details of how it works are still under debate, research suggests that CBD can help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with multiple conditions.
https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
https://weedmaps.com/learn/cannabis-and-your-body/endocannabinoid-system