What is the Endocannabinoid System?

What is the Endocannabinoid System aka the ECS and what is its role in preserving health and wellness? The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system first discovered in the late ’80s and early ’90s. The ECS is largely made up of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. These all help regulate a variety of the body’s functions. Some of these functions include sleep, mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation.

Homeostasis and the ECS

The ECS is a fundamental system in all mammals. It helps the body stay healthy by maintaining a state of balance or “homeostasis”. Homeostasis is a kind of “Goldilocks” zone. It is a state where all conditions are just right for all cells, tissues, and other systems to function at their best.

Unfortunately, the ECS can become dysfunctional just like any other system. This causes the body to fall out of balance. Scientists now believe the ECS plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the body. Many of the symptoms and diseases may result from a concept called “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD).

Scientists also believe it is because of the CECD, that phytocannabinoids such as CBD have the potential to help with the relief of symptoms. For instance, when CBD enters the body, it interacts with and regulates the same receptor cells with which your very own endocannabinoid interact. CBD helps kick-start the ECS and rebalance the body and its systems again.

It’s all pretty complicated. Therefore, we asked Okoa Pet’s Veterinary Science Officer, Dr. Rob Silver, to help explain the ECS. He explains its origins, how it works, and the implications for the health and wellness of you and your pet.