How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work? Cannabinoids, their receptors, and endocannabinoid molecules all play a role in helping the Endocannabinoid properly balance your bodily functions. Your body produces endocannabinoids and you receive some from your diet. The endocandnabinoids help match the correct cannabinoid cells with certain receptors to balance bodily functions as they cycle throughout the ECS.