How does the endocannabinoid system work?

While cannabis has a powerful effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and is an important tool for many healing journeys, it is essential to remember that the ECS can function efficiently all by itself. The ECS is an ancient system which evolved in humans over millions of years. All mammals, and some insects, have an endocannabinoid system. Humans have been using cannabis medicinally and spiritually for around 5,000 years. But how does the ECS work?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex signaling system discovered in 1988 and is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical messengers (also called neurotransmitters) made by the body that activate cannabinoid receptors. The enzymes control the production and breakdown of the endocannabinoids.

This signaling system exists to balance and prevent disease and aging. It promotes feelings of calm, relaxation, sleepiness, enhances learning, provides support for the immune system, processing emotions, including stress and traumatic events, pain control, decreases inflammation, and affects appetite. If the system is out of balance and in a state of disease, stress, or trauma, the system becomes overactive and unbalanced. A healthy ECS will kick in and signal the release of chemical messengers (endocannabinoids) thereby restoring balance and homeostasis.

The body has an insane ability to heal itself, including the ECS. Some describe the ECS as a metaphorical lock and key system. Cannabinoids are the “keys” and receptors are the “lock”. The two main receptors of the ECS are CB1 and CB2. When the key fits in the lock, the chemical signals from the lock are blocked or slowed down. The effects of this process are determined by which receptor/lock is activated and where it’s located in the body.

What makes this lock and key system unique from other signaling systems in the body is the ECS signals backwards. This is called retrograde transmission. Typically, chemical signals (neurotransmitters) move from point A to B, but endocannabinoids travel point B to A. In retrograde transmission, the postsynaptic neuron is in charge. The post synaptic neuron (B) uses endocannabinoids, a chemical messenger, to signal the presynaptic neuron (A) activating and binding to it. This blocks or slows down impulses from presynaptic neuron resulting in relief from disease processes i.e. pain, inflammation, disease or trauma.

Understanding the ECS can be confusing and challenging, but stick with me to learn more about this amazing discovery.

Source: Clark C. Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2021.