Endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids, are naturally occurring lipid-based neurotransmitters within the human body. “Endo†means “withinâ€, as the body naturally produces endocannabinoids which act as chemical messengers to send signals between nerve cells, within the endocannabinoid system.
There are two main types of endocannabinoids identified:
- 2-archidonoyl glyerol (2-AG)
- Anandamide (AEA or arachidonoyl ethanolamide)
It is believed there are additional endocannabinoids in the body although the functions and roles are not yet definitively understood. Endocannabinoids attach to receptors in the endocannabinoid system to regulate biological systems in the body such as appetite, energy, pain, blood pressure, memory, immune response and more.