December 2020 – By Sandy Yanez
The Endocannabinoid System, the series of cannabinoid receptors through the human body, was named for the drug that sparked its discovery, cannabis. As researchers strive to learn more about how cannabis affects the human body, they discover a series of cannabinoid receptors, which respond to cannabinoids produced by the body and those present in marijuana.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells, making them essential for the function of almost all parts of the human body. All animal species, with the exception of bugs, have an endocannabinoid system, and researchers believe it evolved approximately 6 million years ago. Though there are many gaps in this scientific knowledge of the endocannabinoid system, scientists have still gathered a lot of information on its function within the body.
The endocannabinoid system responds to both cannabinoids, cannabinoids producers within the body, and phytocannabinoids, cannabinoids that are sourced from plants. There are believed to be several inbuilt cannabinoids, but the two most well understood are Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonolyglycerol (2-AG).
Phytocannabinoids have mostly been identified from cannabis, but they have also been found in other medical herbs, such as Echinacea purpura. The most well-known cannabinoids from cannabis are THC and CBD. Cannabinoid’s can be psychoactive, as is the case with THC, though most cannabinoids are non-psychoactive.
The Endocannabinoid System in the Human Body
Scientists believe that there are more cannabinoid receptors present than any other receptor in the human body. Two specific kinds of cannabinoids receptors have been identified to make up the endocannabinoids system. The CB1 receptor Is normally present in the nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs, whereas the CB2 receptor is present in the immune system and associated structures.
Due to the fact that cannabinoid receptors reach into almost every part of the body, cannabinoids are integral and many different bodily functions. Cannabinoid’s are used in intracellular communications, and since their discovery, have helped us better understand the bridge is between body and mind.
Cannabinoids are also crucial in the process of maintaining homeostasis within cells in the body as a whole. The endocannabinoid system regulates autophagy, A process in which the cells segregate one part of its contents to be self-digested. It is extremely important that the body maintain the correct balance of cannabinoid’s in order to function properly and to keep the whole body healthy.
Dustin Sulak, of NORML states, “While this process keeps normal cells live, allowing them to maintain a balance between the synthesis, Degradation, and subsequent recycling of cellular products, it has a deadly effect on malignant tumor cells, causing them to consume themselves in a programmed cellular suicide. The death of cancer cells, of course, promotes homeostasis and survival at the level of the entire organism,”
How Cannabis Works in Our Endocannabinoid System
Cannabinoids from marijuana can stimulate or mimic our natural cannabinoid production. When phytocannabinoids are introduced, they can cause an increase of cannabinoid receptors in the body. This increase in cannabinoid receptors can help to explain why people don’t “feel” any effects the first time they take marijuana. Their heightened number of cannabinoids receptors, once they have previously introduced cannabinoids into their body, cause a more predominant effect.
Cannabis can work synergistically with the endocannabinoids produced inside the body to bring the body into homeostasis. Cannabis, unlike other synthetic medications, works in harmony with the body to bring it into health by obtaining equilibrium.
The Key to Many Chronic Illnesses
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) is believed to occur when endocannabinoid levels are found to be persistently lower than healthy control. The cause of CECD is unknown, but it is believed that an imbalance of cannabinoids could either be congenital or acquired throughout a period of time. Low endocannabinoid levels could be the cause of some chronic illnesses, rather than just symptoms. CECD is most often attributed to fibromyalgia, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cystic fibrosis.
Sufferers of the five conditions that are thought to be attributed to CECD often feel relief when using marijuana as a medication. Cannabinoids, such as THC, have been found to inhibit serotonin release in migraine sufferers, thereby relieving symptoms.
IBS is thought to be related to endocannabinoid and serotonergic signaling. Though research into the connection is limited, this connection suggests that CB receptors may be a good target in alleviating IBS related complications.
ASD has been linked to dysfunctional endocannabinoids signaling. This altered endocannabinoid expression suggests that there may be specific backing for the anecdotal reports from parents who have had success administering medical marijuana to their children with ASD.
And finally, 2011 study suggests that chronic congenital cystic fibrosis is the result of imbalanced endocannabinoid levels, indicating that phytocannabinoids could be viable routes of treatment.
How Can Cannabis Help?
The endocannabinoid system is all about homeostasis. Finding the proper treatment is unique to each individual because it involves balancing cannabinoids found in the body with those provided by medical marijuana. Most current research seems to point to success using high-CBD, low-THC strains when combatting CECD related conditions.
As more research is done on the endocannabinoids system in the human body, medical marijuana prescriptions can become more precise and be less of a trial-and-error process. The increase in knowledge of the benefits of medical marijuana in aiding the body’s own endocannabinoid system is crucial.