The endocannabinoid system (ECS) refers to a group of cell receptors and matching molecules.
You can think of cell receptors like little locks on the surface of your cells. The keys to these locks are chemical molecules called agonists. Each time an agonist binds to a cell it relays a message, causing a cascade of chemical effects.
The endocannabinoid system is the name for a series of cell receptors that respond to certain kinds of agonists. Two primary cell receptors make up the ECS, Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). The keys to these receptors are called endocannabinoids.
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What does the ECS do?
The primary job of the endocannabinoids system is to promote homeostasis, which maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. The fact that the endocannabinoid system is connected with most of our basic functions may reveal why CBD has been found useful in helping treat many medical conditions.
According to one study, the endocannabinoid system is nothing less than a naturally evolved harm reduction system.
Endocannabinoid levels naturally increase after injuries and stress, illustrating the bodies awareness of the sudden lack in homeostasis and the use of endocannabinoids as a remedy.