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The Endocannabinoid System and Medical Cannabis

In the early 1960s, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues identified two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis: cannabidiol, or CBD, and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. These discoveries helped pave the way for modern cannabis research and contributed to the later discovery of the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS, (Crippa et al., 2023).

Scientists identified the first cannabinoid receptor, known as CB1, in 1988 and later discovered naturally occurring compounds in the body called endocannabinoids. Together, these findings revealed that cannabinoids can interact with the ECS, a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate several important functions in our body.

Medical cannabis contains more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids that may help manage symptoms associated with qualifying conditions under the Compassionate Use Program, including pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, nausea and other symptoms.

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Three Components of the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a complex cell-signaling system that helps regulate many physiological processes throughout the body. Research has shown that the ECS plays an important role in functions such as mood, stress response, appetite, pain perception, sleep, memory, immune function and other processes involved in maintaining homeostasis, or the body’s internal balance.

The ECS consists of three main components:

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds produced by the body. They act as signaling molecules that help regulate communication between cells in the nervous system and other organs and tissues.
Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body and are located on the surface of cells. Endocannabinoids bind to these receptors to help regulate various physiological functions. Phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant, like THC and CBD, can also interact with the ECS.
- CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system, including areas of the brain such as the cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebellum. They play an important role in regulating memory, mood, appetite, movement and pain perception.
- CB2 receptors are found mainly on immune cells and in immune-related tissues such as the spleen and tonsils. They are involved in regulating immune responses and inflammation (Pandey et al., 2009).
Metabolic enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they have carried out their signaling function, helping ensure that ECS activity remains balanced.

The Endocannabinoid System and Pain Regulation

One of the endocannabinoid system’s most important functions is helping regulate how the body processes pain. The ECS acts as a signaling network throughout the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, helping to modulate pain signals before they reach the brain.

Studies suggest that the body’s two primary endocannabinoids, anandamide, or AEA, and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG, play an important role in regulating pain signaling. Cannabinoid-based therapies may help reduce certain types of chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain (Ateş et al., 2026). While individual responses vary and additional research is ongoing, evidence suggests that medical cannabis may provide pain relief for some patients and could help reduce reliance on opioids or other pain medications (Sic et al., 2025).

Medical cannabis may help regulate symptoms of qualifying conditions, such as:

Pain
Headaches
Seizures
Muscle spasms
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Tremors

About Medical Cannabis in Texas

Medical cannabis was legalized in 2015 for patients living with intractable epilepsy. Today, more than 150 conditions qualify for medical cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program, including chronic pain, PTSD, cancer and more.

To get a medical cannabis prescription, Texans can schedule an appointment with a physician. Once approved, patients can place an order online or by calling 512-614-0343. Click below to get started.

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Other Blogs

How Medical Marijuana Could Help Texans with Chronic Pain

The Endocannabinoid System and Medical Cannabis

Three Components of the Endocannabinoid System

The Endocannabinoid System and Pain Regulation

About Medical Cannabis in Texas

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