Overview
“Endogenous” in the context of chemicals and biology refers to something produced from within a system.
For instance, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) present in cannabis mimic the endogenous cannabinoids, or endocannabinoids manufactured naturally by the body’s system.
Many of the substances and medications that we use, illicitly or otherwise, function by emulating endogenous chemicals, especially Designer drugs that often modify a chemically found naturally:
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Opiates and Opioids like heroin, morphone, oxycodone, and fentanyl mimic endogenous endorphins and enkephalins
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Cannabis mimics endocannabinoids like anandamide which bind to CB1 receptors
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Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates bind to Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors
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Nicotine mimics acetylcholine
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Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT hyper-activate 5-HT2A serotonin receptors
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Caffeine mimics adenosine
Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines don’t mimic endogenous chemicals, but instead provoke the body into releasing its own dopamine and norepinephrine in excess amounts to produce the pleasure of a high.