THE BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has not only increased our understanding of the effects of plant cannabinoids, but also increased our understanding of human biochemistry as well as opened up avenues towards new therapeutic targets. Phytocannabinoids as well as their synthetic counterparts are known to engage with our endocannabinoid system ; hence our understanding of the basic biochemistry of this pivotal signaling system offers insights into beneficial and therapeutic uses of these molecules. There is a plethora of research data and scientific peer-reviewed papers on the topic of cannabinoids, the ECS and health/disease. Much data has been gathered from epidemiological and biomedical research, thus providing patients and medical professionals with good foundations for the use of cannabinoids in medicine. But understanding the biochemistry of the ECS and the role this signaling system plays in human physiology is the key to the proper use of these potent molecules.