WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

The cannabis plant is incredibly complex, with hundreds of active compounds and a wide array of cultivars to explore. But the real secret to how cannabis interacts with the body lies within all of us, built-in network called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short.

Originally discovered in 1988, the ECS plays a central role in how the body processes cannabis. But its purpose goes far beyond weed.

Let’s break down what the endocannabinoid system is, what it does, and how cannabis interacts with it.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis. These are the active ingredients that engage with the ECS. THC and CBD are the most widely known cannabinoids, but there are over 100 others, including CBN, CBG, CBC, and THC-V.

How the Endocannabinoid System Works

The ECS is part of the larger central nervous system and includes three main parts:

• Endocannabinoids – the chemical messengers

• Cannabinoid receptors – located on cell surfaces

• Enzymes - that break down endocannabinoids after use

There are two primary types of receptors:

• CB1 receptors, found mostly in the brain and central nervous system

• CB2 receptors, located mostly in immune tissues and throughout the body

When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, different types of cellular responses are triggered. For example, THC typically engages CB1 receptors, while compounds like beta-caryophyllene are known to bind with CB2 receptors.

The “Bliss Molecule” and Natural Activation

One well-known endocannabinoid is anandamide, nicknamed the “bliss molecule.” It's been associated with positive feelings and may even contribute to what’s often called a “runner’s high.”

Unlike cannabis-derived cannabinoids, anandamide is made on demand and then quickly broken down.

The Entourage Effect

Cannabinoids don’t work in isolation. They interact with other compounds in cannabis, especially terpenes, to produce a synergy known as the entourage effect.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds also found in herbs and spices. Some, like beta-caryophyllene, interact with ECS receptors directly. Others may enhance the absorption or impact of cannabinoids.

Although the entourage effect still needs more clinical study, many consumers and researchers believe that full-spectrum cannabis products that preserve a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes may better support natural balance than isolated compounds.

How Strains Can Interact Differently with the ECS

Each cannabis strain has a unique chemical fingerprint. This means that even small changes in terpene or cannabinoid content can create different results for each consumer.

For example:

• Strains rich in beta-caryophyllene may engage CB2 receptors more directly

• Strains with balanced CBD content may help support the ECS’s internal signaling processes

Because everyone’s ECS is slightly different, finding the right product often takes some personal experimentation.

Is Endocannabinoid Deficiency Real?

Some researchers have proposed a theory called Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD). This idea suggests that certain conditions may be related to low endocannabinoid levels. While this is still being explored, it’s one of many ways scientists are trying to understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis-derived compounds.