Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is an internal biological system that consists of lipid-molecules (cannabinoids), their receptors, mainly the cannabinoid receptors (CBs) and other receptor targets of cannabinoid molecules.
These receptors engage endogenous compounds known as endocannabinoids, as well as phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids such as CBD and THC), and synthetic cannabinoids. The ECS also encompasses the biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes that create and break down cannabinoids.
The receptors of the ECS are expressed throughout the body across all major body systems. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ECS has widespread physiologic roles, including mediating the stress response; appetite and weight control; functioning of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system; pain; vasodilation, cardiac contractility, and blood pressure regulation; gastrointestinal motility; gluconeogenesis; hepatic metabolism; lipogenesis; and anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects
