What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and how does cannabidiol (CBD) work?

CBD works by activating your body’s endocannabinoid system (or “ECS” for short).

If you’ve never heard of the ECS, here’s what you should know:

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a system of molecules, receptors, and enzymes responsible for helping to maintain homeostasis in the body.

According to UCLA Health, “…  the endocannabinoid system is involved in a wide variety of processes, including pain, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive function.”

There are two main types of receptors that make up the ECS:

CB1 Receptors, which are more prevalent in the central nervous system, and CB2 Receptors, which are more prevalent in the peripheral nervous system.

Whether you use cannabis or not… your ECS is producing its own cannabinoids — anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) — every day to keep your body in a state of balance.

There’s a lot we still don’t know about the ECS, but it’s becoming clear that it’s one of the body’s most important systems for maintaining homeostasis.