The endocannabinoid system (ECS) assists the body with balancing and optimizing our internal environment. When something goes wrong the ECS works to restore balance. Endo (endogenous) means that which is internal. Cannabinoid is defined as any of a group of related compounds which include cannabinol and the active constituents of cannabis.
The ECS consists of three major parts which are:
- Cannabinoids (Endocannabinoids: Anandamide) and Phytocannabinoids (THC, CBD)
- Receptors (CB1 and CB2)
- Enzymes
Endocannabinoids or naturally produced cannabinoids such as Anandamide and phytocannabinoids or plant based cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) bond with the CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout our bodies.
THC and CBD are the most commonly known cannabinoids to consumers. Inexperienced consumers who want to treat their pain without getting high will ask you what the difference is between THC and CBD. It is important for budtenders to remember an easy way to explain which cannabinoid bonds with which receptor and how the bond affects the endocannabinoid system and our bodies. The following formulas will help you simplify the explanation:
THC+CB1=Head , CBD+CB2=Body
With this formula in mind you know a customer will not get high if they take CBD. If THC is combined with CBD the customer may experience some psychoactive effects on their perception, mood, behavior, and cognition.
The CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found in the nerves of your extremities, digestive system, and immune system.
*GPR55 or CB3 may be a newly discovered receptor which is said to assist in regulating healing.
Through the CB1 and CB2 receptors, the ECS assists in regulating a variety of functions such as:
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Immune function
- Inflammation
- Mood
- Sleep
- Reproduction
- Motor control
- Temperature regulation
- Memory
- Pain
- Pleasure
Once the cannabinoids have brought things into balance, enzymes break them down and prevent them from upsetting the balance in the opposite direction.
Having a basic understanding of the endocannabinoid system will help you better understand the service and products you sell. We hope you enjoyed this summary. Stay tuned for more articles for the aspiring budtender which will explore some of the terms in this article in greater detail. Until next time I wish you all peace, love, and good budtending.
References
https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system-4171855
https://www.greenrelief.ca/blog/cannabinoid-receptors/
https://cloudykitchen.co/the-endocannabinoid-system-explained-cannabinoids-why-they-matter/
The Bud Bubbler 
Great article! I love that people are translating the scientific literature into plain english lol
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