Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates cellular homeostasis and whole-body metabolism. There is an autonomous ECS in the endocrine pancreas, including the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB(1)R) that is present in β-cells. Here, we discuss conflicts that have arisen with regard to the function(s) of the ECs in the endocrine pancreas and that have caused confusion when defining the role of the ECS in islets of Langerhans, especially the role(s) of CB(1)R in β-cells. We also discuss the latest data published concerning the ECS in islets. CB(1)R in particular is not simply a negative modulator of insulin secretion as it is also involved in intra-islet inflammation during high fat-high sugar intake and it is a negative regulator of β-cell viability and turnover. We also discuss the feasibility of using CB(1)R as a target for the treatment of diabetes.