# The endocannabinoid system controls various functions of the olfactory circuit

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/the-endocannabinoid-system-controls-various-functions-of-the-olfactory-circuit/
> **Published:** 2020-11-24T14:09:21-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-08-31T15:12:59-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Cannabinoid Control of Olfactory Processes: The Where Matters In Summary: ​Cannabis exerts its mental and physical effects by producing chemicals called cannabinoids. In mammalian, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) include cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes that synthesize and degrades endocannabinoids. Most noticeably, the CB1 receptor […]

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Cannabinoid Control of Olfactory Processes: The Where Matters

In Summary:

​Cannabis exerts its mental and physical effects by producing chemicals called cannabinoids. In mammalian, the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) (ECS) include [cannabinoid receptors](https://cedclinic.com/citral-cannabinoid-receptor-2-activation-pain-relief/) type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), their endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes that synthesize and degrades endocannabinoids. Most noticeably, the CB1 receptor is expressed ubiquitously in many olfactory brain structures. Over the last decade, research has proved that the CB1 receptor modulates various olfactory-related functions ranging from sensory perception to complex cognitive processes such as learning and memory.

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Despite the current knowledge, a lot about the roles of ECS in general and [CB1 receptors](https://cedclinic.com/cb1-receptor-modulation-mira-55-no-cns-side-effects/) in particular in the olfactory system remained to be discovered. A better understanding of such interactions will not only advance the field of neuroscience, but also lead to novel [medical applications](https://cedclinic.com/medicinal-cannabis-endometriosis-pain-relief/). For instance, alterations of ECS functioning have been shown to underlie the development of neurological and [neuropsychiatric disorders](https://cedclinic.com/thc-exposure-neuropsychiatric-disorders-impact-study/) with symptomatic loss of smell. A detailed understanding of the interconnections between the ECS and olfactory areas could provide the rationale for a combined use of olfactory manipulations with ECS-based pharmacotherapy to potentially treat those conditions.

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).