The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system consists of a group of molecules known as cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors that they bind to and is a central regulatory system affecting a wide rage of biological processes, including facilitating the activity of medical marijuana and the body.

Like marijuana, a source for over 60 different cannabinoids (including THC andCBD), the human body also naturally produces a number cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in all human bodies are endogenous (growing from within an organism).

Binding sites for endogenous cannabinoids and cannabinoids found in marijuana are created by cannabiniod receptors, which when binded to CB1 or CB2 can actually change the way the body funchtions.
Cannabinoid receptors are found most expressed in the immune system and the brain, and have been identified by researchers to be found in the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, the peripheral nervous system, and the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. As endocannabinoid system research progresses, additional cannabinoid receptors in unique areas of the body continue to be identified.