The endocannabinoid system is a homeostatic regulator of neuronal activity and almost every other physiological system in the body. It has a regulatory role on pain, inflammation, memory, emotion, sleep and metabolic function.
It comprises a vast network of receptors in the brain, central and peripheral nervous system and cannabis-like compounds called endocannabinoids.
It has been likened to a dimmer switch, constantly working to bring balance when there is too much or too little activity in the body.
Plant cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system, which researchers believe may explain some of the reported physiological effects of the cannabis plant.
Scientists also believe that when this system isn’t working correctly, diseases can occur. This is known as Endocannabinoid Deficiency and could be at the root of many conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS and multiple sclerosis.
Recent research has demonstrated that active compounds from other plants species such as carrot (Daucus carota), kava (Piper methyscum), New Zealand liverwort (Radula marginata), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) contain compounds which interact with the endocannabinoid system.