Then in 1991 scientists cloned the receptor called CB1. This receptor is present mostly in our brain and is activated by THC. 1993 brought the discovery of anandamide, our own cannabinoid or endocannabinoid because it is made by our bodies, some call it our own internal marihuana but this is not very accurate. The second receptor CB2 was also cloned this year. This receptor is mostly present in our immune system and is activated by THC as well.
In 1995 the second endocannabinoid 2-AG, which stands for arachidonoylglycerol was discovered. So, in the 90s, a very important system was discovered, the Endocannabinoid System(ECS).
ECS is a physiological, universal system of regulation, cellular communication and homeostasis. It is widely present in humans, animals and plants except insects. It is involved in many biochemical reactions that constantly take place in our bodies.
Its role can be summarised in following simple statements. Eat, sleep, relax, protect and forget.
This important system consists of
- CB1 and CB2 receptors
- Endocannabinoids-anandamide and 2-AG , which activate these receptors
- Enzymes , which metabolise these receptors after particular physiological reaction is completed.
Endocannabinoids as well as plant cannabinoids, mostly THC bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors based on a key and lock analogy. CBD has weak affinity to these receptors and modulates the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD effects many biochemical pathways in our bodies. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, two things might occur:
- particular biochemical reaction will follow and this is called agonistic reaction.
- particular biochemical reaction is blocked and this is called antagonistic reaction.
ECS works like the thermostat, switching the biochemical reactions on and off depending on the need as our bodies constantly strive for homeostasis.
