Have you ever wondered why weed gets you high? No mystery here. It is simply biological. We are programmed to be able to get high. We know this because of the endocannabinoid (ECS for short) system that runs through our bodies. In this article, we go over what the endocannabinoid system is and does, the two different receptors found in it and how it gets you high. So, kick back in the cut, fire one up, and let’s learn about some weed stuff.
What Is the Endocannabinoid System and What Does It Do?
The endocannabinoid system runs throughout our bodies and produces endocannabinoids which are molecularly similar to cannabinoids found cannabis and hemp. The first endocannabinoid discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word for bliss.1 Since then, more endocannabinoids have been discovered. Endocannabinoids play a major role in our physiology. These endocannabinoids effect things such as memory2, appetite3, female reproduction4, thermoregulation5, and sleep6. In short, the endocannabinoid system is essential to our physical wellbeing.
The CB1 and CB2 Receptors
There are two endocannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2. Both play major roles in our body’s development as well as its regulation. The CB1 receptor aids in many brain functions including the development of the hippocampus7. It also helps the central nervous system to interrupt stimuli8. The CB2 receptor helps regulate the immune system9, the gastrointestinal system10, and the peripheral nervous system11. These natural receptors allow cannabinoids to bind to them thus giving us the psychoactive effects we know and love.
How Does It Get Me High?
You may be wondering how this all adds up to you getting high. Think of the endocannabinoid system as a subway system running through your body and endocannabinoids as the trains. Because endocannabinoids and cannabinoids are so similar, when you ingest cannabinoids, they essentially hijack the trains. Some cannabinoids can hijack those trains easier than others, the most famous of which are the many variations of THC. The endocannabinoid system allows us to enjoy things like hemp-derived delta 9 THC gummies or delta 8 THC chocolates or HHC caramels. The better you know the endocannabinoid system the better you can tailor your personal cannabis experience. Without it, we wouldn’t know the joy of cannabis and that would be sad. So, give three cheers to the endocannabinoid system for it helps keeps us alive and have fun while being so.