What are cannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are naturally produced by our body. The word ‘endo’ stands for endogenous, meaning ‘from within the body’. These cannabinoids are different from the cannabinoids found in cannabis, but they do share similar properties and effects. They interact with the same pathways in our body, our brain, and the central nervous system. These pathways are known as receptors.
The endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system is a body-owned system that is influenced by cannabinoids. It regulates various processes in the body, much like the immune system, and is involved in several bodily functions. The body’s own cannabinoids ensure that signal transmission runs smoothly and efficiently. A stimulus that is too strong for the body can be inhibited by cannabinoids.
In the cell membrane, the cell nucleus, and the cytoplasm, there are receptors. The receptors receive signals and also pass them along. It works like a relay system. When a signal molecule, such as a cannabinoid, binds to a receptor, a certain reaction occurs. The type of reaction depends on both the type of receptor and the type of signal molecule. Receptors facilitate communication between cells and transmit signals to the correct location. This is also the reason cannabinoids can affect the body when they bind to the receptors.