The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s. It plays a crucial role in regulating a range of functions and processes including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and reproduction. The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. It involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are molecules made by your body. These molecules bind to cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, which are found throughout your body. The ECS helps maintain internal stability and optimal function — a process called homeostasis. When you consume cannabis, compounds like THC and CBD interact with your ECS. THC binds primarily with CB1 receptors, producing the ‘high’ associated with cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t bind strongly but influences the ECS in subtler ways, potentially enhancing its overall effectiveness. Understanding how the ECS works can help you make informed decisions about your wellness and how cannabis might play a role in supporting it. It’s not just about getting high — it’s about balance and wellbeing.