What is the Endocannabinoid System? Why does it matter?

While the term "cannabinoid" is often associated with cannabis, it's crucial to understand that our bodies naturally produce their own cannabinoids through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Sound familiar? Probably not! I say this because the ECS is not taught at most medical schools throughout the United States. Despite its discovery over 30 years ago, approximately 85% of medical school graduates report receiving no education on the ECS, which aligns with 9% of medical schools with documented ECS content in the AAMC Curriculum inventory database (Evanoff et al., 2017).

The ECS is an intricate cell-signaling system found in all humans and animals. Its discovery in the 1990s occurred during research on how THC, the intoxicating compound in cannabis, affects the body. This groundbreaking research unveiled a network of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes that work harmoniously to regulate homeostasis (balance) throughout the body. Influence of the ECS is far-reaching, impacting many aspects of our health and wellness, from mood and pain to sleep and immune function. Regardless of your stance on cannabis, if you don't understand the Endocannabinoid System, you don't know enough to make an informed decision on medical cannabis. Understanding the ECS is not only key to optimizing health, but also to comprehending how medical cannabis interacts with our bodies.

The ECS is made of three main elements:

1. Endocannabinoids: These are naturally produced cannabinoids within your body. While there are MANY, the two main endocannabinoids are:

* Anandamide (AEA): AKA the "bliss molecule" and * 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

2. Cannabinoid Receptors (CB1 & CB2): These receptors are distributed throughout the body and interact with both endocannabinoids (produced by your body) and phytocannabinoids (derived from cannabis, such as THC & CBD).

* CB1 Receptors: Primarily located in the brain and central nervous system.

* CB2 Receptors: Predominantly found in the immune system.

3. Enzymes: These enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they have fulfilled their function. The two primary enzymes are FAAH (which breaks down anandamide) and MAGL (which breaks down 2-AG).

Key Functions of the ECS:

• Regulates mood and stress responses

• Manages pain and inflammation

• Supports immune function

• Aids in sleep cycles

• Modulates appetite and digestion

• Influences memory and cognitive function

  
  

The ECS is considered the "master regulator" of the body due to its role in maintaining balance across bodily systems. A healthy ECS promotes homeostasis by synthesizing endocannabinoids on demand to help you respond effectively to stress, injury, and environmental changes. However, extreme or chronic insults can result in Endocannabinoid deficiency which researchers have linked to many chronic health conditions which may be difficult to diagnosis and/or treat.

Conditions Associated with ECS Dysfunction:

• Chronic pain disorders (fibromyalgia, migraines)

• Anxiety and depression

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• Autoimmune diseases

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, ADHD, PTSD)

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson's Disease

• Huntington's Disease

In such cases, cannabinoids derived from plants (phytocannabinoids), such as those found in cannabis, can potentially support the ECS and help restore balance.

Thankfully, there are multiple ways we can support our ECS through lifestyle activities that promote endocannabinoid production and receptor function:

• Activities that bring JOY! Such as spending time with loved ones and laughing,

• Maintaining a Healthy Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, hemp seeds, and flaxseeds) are precursors to endocannabinoids.

• Engaging in Regular Exercise: Activities like running, yoga, and swimming naturally boost anandamide levels.

• Managing Stress: Practices like meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness can enhance ECS function.

• Prioritizing Quality Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts ECS balance and can lead to stress and inflammation.

If further support is needed, which it often is, Cannabis is a wonderful tool to boost your ECS.

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most well-known. These compounds interact with the ECS and help restore balance in cases of deficiency or dysfunction.

• THC: This compound mimics anandamide and binds to CB1 receptors, contributing to pain relief, mood enhancement, and appetite stimulation. It is the ONLY intoxicating cannabinoid and this side effect can be easily mitigated with support by a Cannabis Specialist to provided benefits without the intoxicating high

• CBD: This compound indirectly supports the ECS by inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide, potentially offering anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective benefits without intoxication.

  
  

While these are the two that most people are familiar with, there are HUNDREDS of cannabinoids. Many of them can be implemented in a personalized plan to target specific ailments a person is experiencing. Some of these are CBG, CBN, THCa, CBDa, CBC, and the list goes on.

*It is important to note, that everyone's ECS is UNIQUE, and implementing cannabis as medicine is NOT a one size fits all approach. For example, some individuals benefit greatly from low doses of CBD, while others need high doses for a similar effect; other times, CBD may not achieve desired results, but CBDa will work wonders! If you're grappling with chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, or other health issues, understanding your ECS could provide valuable insights for finding relief. By making informed lifestyle choices and potentially exploring medical cannabis under professional guidance, you can support your ECS and strive for optimal health.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis or any other supplement.

Sources:

1. Evanoff, AB., Quan, T., Dufault, C., Awad, M., Bierut, LJ. Physicians-in-training are not prepared to prescribe medical marajuana. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;180:151-155. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.08.010.

2. ál Pacher and George Kunos, “Modulating the Endocannabinoid System in Human Health and Disease: Successes and Failures,” FEBS Journal 280, no. 9 (May 2013): 1918–43.