{"id":147225,"date":"2024-05-29T10:11:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T08:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thetreecbd.com\/blog\/endocannabinoid-system-what-is-it"},"modified":"2025-09-02T12:35:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T10:35:53","slug":"endocannabinoid-system-what-is-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thetreecbd.com\/en\/blog\/endocannabinoid-system-what-is-it","title":{"rendered":"Endocannabinoid system: what is it and how does it work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The endocannabinoid system is a fundamental but little-known component of our body that plays a crucial role in the regulation of numerous physiological functions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since its discovery in the 1990s, scientists have been uncovering the complexity and importance of this system in maintaining homeostasis<\/strong> (the ability of an organism to remain stable despite changes in the environment). But what exactly is the endocannabinoid system and how does it influence our well-being?<\/p>\n

In recent years, interest in cannabis-derived products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), has increased significantly. This interest has prompted further research into how these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system through their multiple properties.<\/a><\/p>\n

Understanding how this system works is essential to fully appreciate how CBD<\/strong> and other cannabinoids can influence our internal state. In this article, we will explore in depth what the endocannabinoid system is, how it works, and why it is so relevant in the context of CBD<\/a> products.<\/p>\n

How was the endocannabinoid system discovered?<\/h2>\n

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was a gradual process that began with research into the active constituents of cannabis and progressed with the identification of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands.<\/p>\n

The first significant step was taken in 1964, when the isolation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)<\/a>, the main psychotropic component of marijuana, was achieved by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team\u00b9. This finding allowed scientists to investigate how THC interacted with the human body,<\/strong> as the reason for marijuana’s effect was previously unknown.<\/p>\n

A little later, in the late 1980s, specific receptors were identified in the brain that bind to THC\u00b2. These are mainly found in the central nervous system. Later, the CB2 receptor, located mainly in cells of the immune system\u00b3, was discovered.<\/p>\n

Following the identification of the cannabinoid receptors, the search for endogenous ligands that activate them began. In 1992, anandamide, the first known endocannabinoid, was discovered,<\/strong> followed by 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG)\u2074. These compounds are substances that are generated by the body itself and have a molecular structure very similar to that of the cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant.<\/p>\n

In summary, the endocannabinoid system was discovered through a series of investigations that began with the isolation of THC<\/a> and continued with the identification of cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands. This molecular signalling system is fundamental to maintaining homeostasis in the human body.<\/p>\n

The endocannabinoid system and CBD<\/h2>\n

Initially, THC was investigated for its obvious effects on SEC. Later, other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), began to be studied.<\/strong> This is one of the main compounds in non-psychotropic cannabis plants (hemp<\/a>), which interacts with this system in several ways.<\/p>\n

CBD modulates SEC signalling indirectly by enhancing the effects of natural endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG). This action is achieved by inhibiting certain enzymes responsible for the degradation of anandamide, which increases anandamide levels in the brain\u2075. As a result, CBD has a number of properties:<\/strong><\/p>\n