THE
ENDO-
CANNABINOID
SYSTEM
When was the ECS discovered and why don't more doctors know about it?
DISCOVERY OF THE ECS
Discoveries that led to the discovery of the ECS:
Many discoveries were made before the Endocannabinoid System was truly identified and set apart as a new medical discovery in the early nineties. It began with the DNA sequencing of the encoding process of a cannabinoid in the brain. This initial research study was led by Lisa Matsuda with the National Institute of Mental Health. They were conducting research on the effects of THC in the brain. Possibly why this was not discovered until the early nineties is because the DNA sequencing technology had not been developed in a way to make such research cost effective. It is amazing to think that such a vital system that effects all other functions in the body was just discovered 30 years ago. Science is now catching up with human intuition. Watch video on the discovery of the endocannabinoid system.
1990
Lisa Matsuda with the National Institute of Mental Health mapped the DNA sequence of cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
1990
Identified CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous and immune systems.
1992
Dr. Lumir Hanus and Dr. William Devane discovered two endocannabinoids.
1992
Following metabolic pathways of phytochemicals, led Hanus and Devane to the discovery of the ECS.