Overall, the studies to date suggest that the interactions between the endocannabinoid system and the HPA axis are both complex and reciprocal. The general picture that emerges from these studies is that with respect to the neuroendocrine aspect of stress, endocannabinoid signalling appears to regulate both the activation and termination of the HPA axis in response to stress through a reduction in AEA and an increase in 2-AG, respectively. Accordingly, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the endocannabinoid system is an integral regulatory force on HPA axis activation and stress responsivity. This phenomenon likely contributes to the putative therapeutic role this system may play for mood and anxiety disorders which are often associated with heightened sensitivity to stress (Gorzalka et al., 2008; Hill et al., 2009a)
