BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
AND A SUMMARY OF WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR.
       (Rev. Dec 13, 2025)

The endocannabinoid system consist of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids (internally produced cannabinoids). Since the 1990s scientist in several countries have been studying the effects of endocannabinoids and phitocannabinoids (produced by the Cannabis plants) on the many cannabinoid receptors (such as CB1 and CB2 receptors).



The first receptors found, were CB1 and CB2.
 

 
However, these are not the only cannabinoid receptors. Scientists keep finding more receptors as the research continues. Here are the seven they have found so far.



So far, they have found 5 endocannabinoids that can bind to some of the above receptors.
They are:
Anandamide - First endocannabinoid found. Discovered in 1992.
2-Arachidonoyl-glycerol (better known as 2-AG).
Palmitoyl-ethanolamide
Oleamide
Docosatetraenylethanolamide

These endocannabinoids affect our immune system, metabolism, and brain functionality. They share functionality with some of the phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plants. And because the cannabis plants have dozens of cannabinoids, the potential therapeutic values of  the cannabis plant are enormous.



For a very detailed description of the endocanabinoid system,
 you can go to the many links included in the REFERENCE section bellow.

REFERENCE LINKS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocannabinoid_system
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4789136/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5877694/
https://biologydictionary.net/endocannabinoid-system/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anandamide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2-Arachidonoylglycerol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serinolamide_A
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleamide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docosatetraenoylethanolamide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Arachidonylglycine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachidonoyl_serotonin

RETURN to HEALTH MATTERS

RETURN to CANNABIS PORTAL