THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM: the Amazing Discovery

In 1988 researchers discovered the cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor and it was cloned in 1990. The cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor was cloned about three years later in 1993.

We have this system The Endocannabinoid system built into us that monitors the body’s constant struggle between building itself up (anabolism) and breaking itself down (catabolism). When it detects too much of either, it appears, and almost as rapidly disappears, to nudge the body back to normal (homeostasis).

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body; in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells.

In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same; homeostasis, the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment.

Endocannabinoids are found at the intersection of the body’s various systems, allowing communication and coordination between different cell types.

At the site of an injury, cannabinoids can be found decreasing the release of activators and sensitizers from the injured tissue, stabilizing the nerve cell to prevent excessive firing, and calming nearby immune cells to prevent the release of pro-inflammatory substances.

Three different mechanisms of action on three different cell types for a single purpose; minimize the pain and damage caused by the injury.