The Science of Cannabis

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of cell receptors and signaling molecules that plays a critical role in regulating a variety of physiological processes in the human body, including mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and immune function.

The ECS is composed of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that are produced by the body and function similarly to the compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (Sanskrit for “bliss”), and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Enzymes are also a crucial part of the ECS, as they break down endocannabinoids once they have served their purpose. This ensures that the ECS remains in balance and does not overstimulate the body's systems.

The ECS represents the most abundant network of receptors in the body, reaching out to interact with all other organ and endocrine systems; essentially acting as the body’s “control tower”, helping to regulate all the incoming and outgoing neurochemical/hormonal “traffic”.

Why does the body have an endocannabinoid system in the first place?  

The primary purpose of the ECS is to maintain balance within the body. For instance, if the ECS senses pain or inflammation anywhere in the body, it activates and mobilizes resources to that particular area, as well as acting on central (brain) areas where pain is processed, providing its analgesic effects. If the ECS senses imbalances with mood and sleep, it compensates by increasing receptors and increases production of naturally occurring endocannabinoid hormones. These in turn, have positive influences on mood influencing hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

Where are endocannabinoid receptors located?

The receptors of the ECS are located throughout the body and are known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are located primarily in immune cells and peripheral tissues, as well as bones. It is also important to note the areas that express both CB1 and CB2 receptors including skin, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, heart, liver, and reproductive organs.

What happens when someone gets high?

The mind-altering effects of marijuana can occur when high levels of delta-9 THC (one of the active components of marijuana) binds to CB-1 receptors in the brain. This doesn’t occur with our bodies own natural endocannabinoids and can generally be avoided when medical cannabis is used mindfully. The benefits of THC include promoting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, stress reduction and improved mood and sleep, as well as neuroprotection and anti-spasmodic properties.

How can you get healing without the high?

One of the amazing qualities of the marijuana plant is its balance. The plant has over 400 chemical compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD), terpenoids and flavonoids, and other phytocannabinoids  which give the plant its characteristic taste and smell. The purpose of the CBD in the plant is to off-set the potential intoxicating effects of THC, while still providing a myriad of benefits including its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as positive mood, and possible anti-cancer effects. When CBD is combined with a low-THC product, there is synergism of benefits, “the entourage effect”, that extends beyond CBD alone.

Of course, it is critically important for patients considering medical cannabis to consult a physician with the expertise to help guide them with their choices of medical cannabis products. One of the most important elements of my practice at Vibrant Health is working one-on-one with patients to understand their needs and goals, and to provide patient education and expert advise on selecting the right medical cannabis products. I ensure their progress with a scheduled follow-up, and continued access through secured messaging or by phone.

Schedule an appointment with me today if you would like to learn more about the science of marijuana or experience the healing powers of medical cannabis for yourself!