The first thing to understand for anyone new to the Medical side of Cannabis is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is found in every vertebrate on Earth and it only interacts with Endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the human body) or Cannabinoids (which are most readily found in Cannabis, although many other plants throughout the world contain some of the same Cannabinoids.

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   Current research has found well over 100 Cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant. Some directly affect your body's psychological and physiological processes, and some merely enhance the effects of other Cannabinoids.

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   Cannabinoids Receptors are found throughout the ECS. These are proteins located on the surface of cells that bind to Cannabinoids (i.e., THC, CBD, CBN, etc..). These Cannabinoid Receptors play a major role in directing various Cannabinoids to where they need to go in your body, affecting everything from Appetite & Mood to Pain Perception & Immune Response.

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   There are two types of Cannabinoid Receptors, CB1 and CB2. Cannabinoid Receptors are found in the Central Nervous System. CB2 Receptors are primarily found in the Peripheral Nervous System and Immune System.

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   The ECS is a complex biological system found in all vertebrates that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis, influencing everything from appetite and digestion to pain and sleep patterns. The ECS is comprised of Endocannabinoids (natural Cannabinoids produced in the human body) Cannabinoid Receptors and Enzymes (these synthesize and break down Endocannabinoids for use in the ECS).