The endocannabinoid system and its role in homeostasis were discovered in the 1990s. Research shows us that there are two main types of receptors in the human body: CB1 (found in the brain, lungs and spine) and CB2 (found in the immune system, colon and spleen). Before the discovery of the endocannabinoid system revealed that the body naturally produced its own endocannabinoids, we only knew of them (cannabinoids) as a diverse group of compounds found in a plant family that includes hemp.
The first endocannabinoid to be discovered was anandamide, which is named after Ananda, the Sanskrit word for happiness. Anandamide can also be found in chocolate. Many common, popular activities cause your body to release endocannabinoids. To experience this natural process, try taking a long run or dancing and singing along to your favorite song. Running, singing and dancing are all known to release endocannabinoids and give a feeling of happiness and well-being.
