Background:
The endocannabinoid system is a neuromodulatory system responsible for partial regulation of cognitive and emotional processes in the human central nervous system such as behavior, mood disorders, and neurologic disorders such as epilepsy. The endocannabinoid system is also prevalent throughout the peripheral nervous system and human body and its receptors and signaling pathways are present and active in areas including the male and female reproductive tracts and organ systems such as the urologic and gastrointestinal system.
Summary:
The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a brief background on the endocannabinoid system and to discuss the implications of the endocannabinoid system in urology as it applies to the male reproductive system, risk of urologic malignancy, and impact on the lower urinary tract, voiding, and urologic pain. It also summaries and discusses the epidemiology and research on cannabis and cannabidiol products.