What is the Endocannabinoid System
Though cannabis has been used therapeutically for thousands of years, it is only recently that we have begun to understand just how this amazing plant benefits such a wide range of conditions.
The answer lies in the special relationship that the plant has with the chemistry of our body, through its interactions with our own endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex communication system that works to maintain homeostasis, or a natural state of balance, in the human body. This vast network of receptor sites is located throughout our brains, central and peripheral nervous systems, organs and tissues. It is critical for the day-to-day functioning of almost every aspect of our physiology.
When our body is functioning optimally, it produces cannabinoids that act as keys, stimulating these receptor sites in order to activate our most vital life functions, including memory, immune response, pain, digestion, motor function, appetite, sleep patterns, mood and emotions, protection of brain and neural tissues, and so much more. When our body is out of balance, it is unable to produce sufficient cannabinoids, resulting in disease, disorder, chronic illness and an array of often debilitating symptoms.
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are known as exogenous, or phytocannabinoids. These compounds are very similar to our own endocannabinoids and they too can act as keys, supplementing our body’s natural supply and activating these receptors in order to alleviate symptoms, correct imbalances, and return our body to a state of homeostasis and wellbeing.