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• The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate your body functions, including sleep and mood, among others.

It was identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis.

Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS. 

• The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate your body functions, including sleep and mood, among others.

It was identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC, a well-known cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis.

Experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS. But so far, we know it plays role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including:

• sleep
• mood
• appetite
• memory
• reproduction and fertility

The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. 

Read on to learn more about the ECS including how it works and interacts with cannabis.How does it work?

The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.

Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules made by your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but they’re produced by your body.

Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far:

• anandamide (AEA)
• 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)

These help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces them as needed, making it difficult to know what typical levels are for each. 

These receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action.

There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:

• CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system
• CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells

Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to. 

For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain. Others might bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a common sign of autoimmune disorders. 

Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function.

There are two main enzymes responsible for this:

• fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA
• monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG

The ECS is complicated, and experts haven’t yet determined exactly how it works or all of its potential functions. 

ResearchTrusted Source has linked the ECS to the following processes: 

• appetite and digestion
• metabolism 
• chronic pain
• inflammation and other immune system responses
• mood 
• learning and memory 
• motor control
• sleep
• cardiovascular system function 
• muscle formation 
• bone remodeling and growth
• liver function
• reproductive system function
• stress
• skin and nerve function 

These functions all contribute to homeostasis, which refers to stability of your internal environment. For example, if an outside force, such as pain from an injury or a fever, throws off your body’s homeostasis, your ECS kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation. 

Today, experts believe that maintaining homeostasis if the primary role of the ECS.