What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring Δ-9-THC ((–)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC). The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis and plays a crucial role in providing homeostatic balance to the nervous system and immune system. 

Homeostasis is your body’s efforts to keep your internal environment stable and optimal. It does this by modulating neurotransmitter release and affecting pathways throughout the body. This means that when something in your body is not operating properly or optimally, the ECS is activated to help correct it. 

The system is pervasive in mammalian species and has a presence in nearly all animals. The biological conservation of this system indicates its importance. The study of this system in both human and veterinary medicine has opened the door to novel approaches targeting pain management, cancer therapeutics, modulation of neurological disorders, stress reduction, anxiety management, and inflammatory diseases. 

How Does it Work? 

The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. 

Receptors 

So far, scientists have discovered two types of cannabinoid receptors: 

• CB1: Predominantly in the central nervous system. Anatomical locations for CB1 receptors include blood vessels, liver, lungs, digestive system, and far cells. 
• CB2: Predominantly in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities) as well as the immune system. 

Endocannabinoids 

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous ligands, or molecules produced internally, which bind to the receptors. There are two known eCBs: 

• Anandamide (AEA)
• 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) 

Unlike other neurotransmitters, endocannabinoids are not stored before ECS activation; instead, they are synthesized as needed, and therefore the level of eCBs in your body can vary. 

Enzymes 

Once the eCBs have carried out their function, enzymes break them down. The two enzymes responsible for this are: 

• Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down AEA 
• Monoacylglycerol Acid Lipase (MAGL), which typically break down 2-AG

Functions 

• Anxiety – It has been theorized that chronic stress and anxiety result partly from deficiencies in eCB signaling, as diminished circulating levels of eCBs have been correlated to anxiety-like behaviors. It is known that chronic environmental stress will down-regulate CB1 receptors and reduce levels of AEA. 
• Pain – eCBs modulate the coinduction of pain signals by reducing neural signals of pain. 
• Neurodegenerative Conditions – eCBs have been shown to have neuroprotective properties, possessing the ability to promote neurogenesis

Other Processes Linked to the ECS include: 

• Appetite and digestion
• Metabolism 
• Mood 
• Learning and memory 
• Motor control 
• Sleep 
• Cardiovascular system function 
• Bone growth 
• Liver function 
• Reproductive system function 
• Skin and nerve function 

THC Interactions 

THC is one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis. Once in your body, THC interacts with your ECS by binding to receptors, similar to eCBs. THC can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. The metabolic enzymes that break down eCBs do not work on THC, which allows it to remain in your system much longer. 

CBD Interactions 

CBD is another major cannabinoid found in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not make you “high.” CBD does not bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors the way THC does. Instead, it inhibits the breakdown of eCBs – thus allowing the positive effect associated with the presence of eCBs. 

Several conditions are linked to eCB deficiency in the human system, but scientists are still studying how eCB deficiency is correlated with disease. 

What About My Dog? 

The animal and human endocannabinoid systems are similar with respect to the cellular processes and organ systems involved. The main difference is the number of CB1 receptors in the hind-brain structures in the dog exceeds those found in humans. Research on the ECS in both humans and dogs is ongoing. 

It is known that the endocannabinoid system, which is universal to all animal species except, possesses essentially the same benefits regardless of species under review. 

ElleVet has established industry-leading scientific standards by conducting long-term clinical safety studies on every one of our products. No matter what CBD product you try, always demand to see proof of safety. 

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The ElleVet Team
844-673-7287
[email protected]