The Endocannabinoid System

We all have one. But why does it matter? 

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS), is a network of receptors all throughout your body. And these receptors check on what’s happening around them to help your body adjust.

But back to the receptors in the Endocannabinoid System – there's two major types. And these receptors bind to cannabinoids – compounds naturally found in our brains and bodies...and in the cannabis plant.

2 Major Types of Receptors in the ECS

CB1: These receptors are located throughout the brain and central nervous system.And they interact with and activate THC, the part of the cannabis plant that gives us psychoactive effects. Psychoactive might seem like a scary word, but it literally means “acting on the mind.” So, caffeine = also a psychoactive. 

CB2: These receptors are usually located in our organs and tissues associated with the immune system. Examples include tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, and white-blood-cell-making bone marrow. 

THC and CBD are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis. 

What’s all this talk about terpenes? 

They give lemons their bright, citrus scent. And they give pine trees their deep, fresh aroma, too. That’s because terpenes are found in the oils of every plant, including cannabis. Different terpenes give different strains of the cannabis plant their own scents, flavors, and colors. 

Scientifically speaking, terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in our bodies, in nature and in the cannabis plant. 

COMMON TERPENES FOUND IN CANNABIS

Limonene 

This terpene contains the same chemical that gives lemons, limes and oranges their recognizable citrus scent.

Aromas

  • Orange
  • Lemon
  • Grapefruit
  • Lime
  • Mint
  • Juniper

Also found in

  • Fruit rinds
  • Rosemary
  • Peppermint
Linalool

If you enjoy the smell of lavender, then you’ve enjoyed linalool. This terpene also gives off floral and spicy notes.

Aromas

  • Floral
  • Spicy
  • Woody 
  • Some citrus 
  • Birch
  • Lavender 
  • Rosewood
  • Laurels 
  • Coriander 

Also found in 

  • Lavender 
Myrcene

What do mangoes, hoppy beer, and pizza topped with fresh basil have in common? They all give off myrcene, in the same way that many strains of cannabis do. Myrcene produces gorgeously earthy, fruity and spicy aromas.

Aromas

  • Earthy
  • Spicy balsamic 
  • Basil
  • Clove
  • Mango
  • Lemongrass 

Also found in

  • Mango 
  • Lemongrass
  • Hops 
Pinene

If you go for a hike in the mountains, stop and take a deep breath while standing among the pine trees. Notice how you breathe a little easier? That’s because of the pinene in the air. Fun fact: This powerful terpene can also give off notes of rosemary and dill.

Aromas

  • Alpha
  • Pine 
  • Rosemary
  • Olive
  • Sassafras 
  • Bergamot
  • Beta 
  • Hops 
  • Dill
  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Cumin 

Also found in

  • Pine needles 
  • Rosemary
  • Basil
  • Turpentine 
  • Conifer trees
  • Orange peels