Cannabis & the endocannabanoid system
Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, also known as ECS, is a complex cell signaling system that focuses on THC, a well known cannabinoid. ECS is widely regarded to play a role in regulating many functions within the human body, including:
Sleep
Appetite
Mental Health
Memory
Fertility and Reproduction
Immune Function
Join us as we take a deeper dive into the endocannabinoid system in this article.
Things to know first:
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds of cannabis, such as THC the primary psychoactive cannabinoid, CBN (check out previous article), and CBD of course.
Endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids, are the cannabinoids your body creates naturally. There have been two endocannabinoids identified by experts:
- Anandimide (AEA), derived from the Sanskrit word “ananda,” which translates to “joy,” “bliss,” or “delight,” anandamide is sometimes called “the bliss molecule.”
- 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
It's hard to gage the levels of each endocannabinoid as our body naturally produces them as it sees fit to ensure balance.
Metabolic Enzymes quickly destroy endocannabinoids within the ECS once used. The two main enzymes are FAAH which breaks down anandamide and MAGL breaks down 2-AG. This process differs from other molecular signals in the body, like hormones or neurotransmitters, which can last for seconds or minutes, or stored for later use. For endocannabinoids, these enzymes ensure they get used when they are needed and only last as long as necessary.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found all throughout your body in which endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal your ECS that it needs to take action.
Two main receptors found in your body are:
- CB1 receptor is primarily found in the brain and nervous system and is the main receptor for THC
- CB2 receptor is primarily located immune organs (the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection) and on immune cells
Your endocannabinoid system is the body's largest neurotransmitter network. Neurotransmitters are communication molecules that help the brain and the body communicate with each other via nerve cells. Essentially your ECS helps maintain optimal balance in the body, known as homeostasis. ECS helps promote homeostasis in both the body and brain to perceive change and react accordingly-- a bridge between the mind and body.
What are ECS functions?
As research is still developing, all its functions are yet still to be determined. However, research has linked the ECS too:
- Mood
- Appetite and digestion
- Sleep
- Immune function
- Pain sensation
- Motor control
- Learning and memory
- Stress
These functions all contribute to homeostasis, stabilizing your internal environment and responding to whatever outside force such as, pain, stress etc. throws off your homeostasis and your ECS comes in to regulate and help your body return to ideal operation or balance.
So how does cannabis affect your ECS?
Well for plant based cannabinoids having psychoactive and medicinal effects internally is a massive component as to why we have an ECS that they can interact with. With THC, as it gets you high it activates the CB1 receptor within the brain. Note that compared to our body's natural endocannabinoids, THC will interact a bit differently; with help from metabolic enzymes. Which takes longer to break down THC, so THC lingers around for much longer in comparison to our natural endocannabinoids, which break down quite quickly.
So will you constantly be high?
Remember that these are plant cannabinoids, and like other neurotransmitters rarely only interact with one receptor type and often interact with multiple. CBD showcases this nicely as it interacts with multiple receptor types in the brain. Known as endocannabinoid tone, CBD prevents the FAAH enzyme from breaking down anandamide. Meaning that CBD can potentially for some increase anandamide levels by inhibiting FAAH from breaking down. This is a benefit for some as inhibiting the FAAH enzyme has been a useful strategy for aiding with anxiety disorders, thereby increasing the endocannabinoid tone.
ECS in Summary...
Comes down to the understanding that the most fundamental concept in our body is homeostasis. Think Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the story illustrates the best outcome usually lies comfortably in the middle, between two vastly different ends of the spectrum. Not wanting things too hot or cold, but just right. And to put it simply our ECS reflects that. Our highs, how we metabolize, and however many receptors we have internally it’ll always vary from person to person. However by understanding the importance of your ECS with not only the effects of cannabis but how you find your balance; homeostasis, thus will offer a better understanding of your internal processes.
Due note there still is a lot of research to be done and is being conducted on the ECS.
