The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signaling system, which consists of the endocannabinoids (EC) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and the enzymes that regulate their production and degradation. AEA and 2-AG are lipid compounds derived presynaptically from the degradation of membrane phospholipids and act as key modulators on synaptic transmission. This article presents accumulated data on the mechanisms by which ECS affects learning and memory. Substances that modulate the activity of ECS have impact on different phases of memory formation through direct and indirect influences. Studies show contradictory results on the role of the ECS in learning and memory processes.
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