The Endocannabinoid System – ECS, is a molecular signaling system within the biology of all mammals that is responsible for maintaining optimal balance in the body – homeostasis.

This system was discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in 1980 while undergoing research into cannabinoids. This discovery has caused a huge upsurge of scientific research and interest and over 500 active researchers from around the world can be found sharing their scientific knowledge on the website for the International Cannabinoid Research Society. A source for impartial knowledge on cannabis, with hundreds of clinical studies examine the medicinal and therapeutic effects.

The ECS regulates a broad range of physiological processes that affect our daily living and quality of life – mood, energy level, intestinal fortitude, immune system, blood pressure, bone density, glucose metabolism, pain, stress, hunger, and more.

A healthy ECS is paramount to the healthy development of the brain by developing neural circuits throughout adolescence. The ECS has been found to be deficient in cannabinoid receptors in nearly all pathological conditions.

Science has determined to date that there are two main Cannabinoid receptors: CB1 – mostly found in the brain and central nervous system as well as some other body tissues.

CB2 – is found in the peripheral nervous system, the cells associated with the immune response, and pain and muscle control. Cells naturally produce Endocannabinoids as they are needed, but some peoples systems are deficient or not functioning at the optimum level.

The cannabinoids in cannabis mimic the body’s own receptors and stimulate the ECS. The chemical compounds within cannabis bind to the cannabinoid receptors within the nervous system, similar to the way Endocannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors. CBD itself interferes with CB1 receptors which THC activates thereby deactivating the psychoactive component of THC when present with high doses of CBD.