Have you been curious to learn more about how cannabis interacts with the human body? Ever wondered what is the endocannabinoid system and why is it so important? Even if you haven’t, it is wise to know how cannabis interacts with us. So, what if we told you that the answer to this complicated question lies within our own bodies? Would you be curious to learn more? Good! Because in this breakdown, we get into the nitty-gritty of the ECS, so you have a complete picture of how it works, its interaction with cannabis and a whole lot more.
A Brief History of the Endocannabinoid System
Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in the US discovered this unique bodily system in 1988. Further studies found that the ECS is a complex network of chemicals and cellular receptors that occur all across our brains and bodies, from the central nervous system to skin tissue.
Later researchers uncovered that it comprises endocannabinoids — chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters that convey messages between the brain and the body. Most interesting is that these endocannabinoids were mirror images of the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
In other words, your body has a complex internal environment to register and process the various psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis. Knowing that critical systems in our body are naturally aligned to the compounds that make up cannabis can be a game changer for anyone still on the fence about making this wonder plant a part of their lives.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system is an organic neurotransmitter network in our bodies that regulates the central and peripheral nervous systems. The ECS is responsible for vital functions such as movement and motor coordination, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, and pain modulation.
These functions are performed by activating two types of receptors found in the body — Cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid 2 (CB2). The former regulates the brain and the central nervous system, while the latter governs the immune system.
The core of the ECS combines endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes to determine the interactions between cannabis and our bodies and minds.
Endocannabinoids
Endogenous cannabinoids, aka endocannabinoids, our body’s natural cannabinoids, are powerful lipid-based neurotransmitters released from our own cells that interact with the ECS. For instance, nerve cells send these endogenously made chemicals to communicate information.
The latest scientific research has identified two primary endocannabinoids:
- Anandamide (AEA): Anandamide is based on the Sanskrit root word ananda, which means bliss or happiness. AEAs are lipid mediators in the brain that bind with CB1 receptors. In addition to regulating pain responses, memory, appetite, and sleep, AEAs are known to produce feelings of bliss in the body, which is why we popularly refer to AEAs as the “bliss molecule.”
- 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): 2-AG is another endocannabinoid that binds with both CB1 and CB2 receptors and is believed to be essential for managing the metabolic functions of our body.
These natural neurotransmitters can produce various therapeutic benefits by interacting with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. They help maintain homeostasis in our bodies by regulating the processes that external environmental factors might otherwise disrupt.
Endocannabinoid Receptors
Anandamides have been an eye-opening discovery for the medical and scientific communities for the last thirty years. They have led to the discovery of endocannabinoid receptors across the human body, from the brain to the central nervous system, kidneys, lungs, liver, white blood cells (WBC), and the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.
At least two kinds of endocannabinoid receptors:
- The CB1 Receptor: Neuroscience studies have determined that cannabinoid receptors are predominately in the central nervous system, including areas like the neocortex, cerebellum and brainstem. Additionally, these same systems exist on external nerve endings and organs such as the spleen, testis and eye.
- The CB2 Receptor: CB2 is mainly found in the immune system in the brain and body. Recently, scientists found that CB2 may also have a job in the central nervous system.
Have you ever wondered if there’s a CB3 Receptor? It turns out that GPR 55 may actually be the elusive third cannabinoid receptor! Initially labeled as an orphan, it has since been genetically cloned and identified to bind with Anandmie and several other ligands.
Enzymes
The enzymes help to break down the endocannabinoids once they have done their job of relieving pain or activating the body’s immune response. For example, fatty acid amidohydrolase (FAAH) breaks down both AEA and 2-AG endocannabinoids.
Another enzyme called monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is responsible for the metabolism of only 2-AG. However, research has shown that enzymes are significant in the modulation of the ECS, particularly through the management of neuronal processes. Enzymes mediate several such processes, including the sensory signals received by the body from the external environment and how our muscles respond to these incoming cues.
Even though it might be confusing, we need to use these scientific terms to define the ECS and how it works. So let’s break it down into simpler terms.
How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?
The ECS is important for the endocrine and immune systems of the body and the brain. Let’s look at how the ECS regulates signaling pathways, homeostasis, and pain responses in our bodies.
Signaling Pathways
How do we understand signaling pathways in human beings? The textbook definition identifies them as a chain of chemical reactions between clusters of molecules that work together to manage basic functions. For example, imagine a signal from the external environment sparking off a series of processes inside the body that has to do with hormonal or stress-related functions. In such an event, each molecule of the signaling pathway activates the next molecule until the entire cluster is “lit up.”
The ECS has an essential role in managing the chain of command in the signaling pathways. It mediates the release of reproductive and stress hormones. It also regulates the body’s core temperature and impacts how the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract process appetite and hunger. By regulating lipid metabolism, the ECS contributes to the liver’s health.
Researchers continue to speculate on how the ECS can positively affect fertility and prevent cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In addition, the CB1 receptor has been found to cause an upward spike in metabolism, leading to weight loss. This effect is believed to be responsible for reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL) in patients suffering from obesity.
The ECS may also hold answers to potentially reversing diseases like cancer and epilepsy and conditions like autism, which have no known cures.
Homeostasis
Homeostasis refers to the balance between the brain’s core functions, the endocrine and the immune system, necessary for the human body to survive in different conditions. Destabilizing any of these factors can mean the difference between life and death.
It also has a crucial relationship with mental health. Nutritional and other imbalances contribute to psychological disorders such as clinical depression and anxiety. We have learned that the ECS is vital in maintaining the body’s average temperature and critical hydration levels, oxygen, sugar, salt, protein, calcium, iron, and lipids.
Pain Management
The CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors are instrumental in signaling and managing pain. The body activates signals that bind themselves to these receptors and are perceived as pain. The ECS then releases endocannabinoids, which act on the affected parts of the body by inhibiting pain signals and reducing inflammation.
The ECS’s analgesic effects can be activated by ingesting CBD or other cannabinoid compounds like cannabigerol or cannabinol. This is why CBD has been proven to be an effective remedy for chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, which can otherwise be difficult to manage with conventional drugs.
ECS and Cannabis
Now that we know that the human body has natural systems that align with the effects of marijuana cannabinoids let’s look at how exactly cannabis impacts our endocannabinoid system.
How does cannabis affect the endocannabinoid system?
The body’s natural endocannabinoids, AEA and 2-AG, have a remarkable resemblance to the cannabis-derived cannabinoids CBD and THC. These phytocannabinoids can imitate our endocannabinoids and form bonds with CB1 or CB2 receptors to generate effects such as euphoria, pain relief or decreased anxiousness.
Interaction with Cannabinoids and Receptors
There has been a lot of curiosity about how cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with endocannabinoid production, specifically CB1 and CB2.
While CB1 receptors can be found all over the body, CB2 receptors have a limited presence in a few neurons and immune cells. Though endocannabinoids may activate either one of the receptors, THC is powerful enough to light up both receptors. THC not only gets you high but has several immediate and long-term effects on the body and mind.
When it comes to CBD and its interaction with receptors, much more research is needed to determine how it activates the endocannabinoid system. Some researchers believe CBD helps block enzymes that break down endocannabinoids, giving them more time to regulate bodily functions. Others believe that the receptors that CBD binds with have not been discovered yet.
How does THC interact with the ECS?
THC imitates the chemical structure of anandamide to interact with CB1 receptors and influence our endocannabinoid system. THC and anandamide can alter pain sensation and reward, yet THC truly brings about marijuana’s euphoric feeling due to its more notable effects on these systems.
THC uniquely interacts with CB2 receptors, unlike anandamide. This distinction is attributed to the predominance of CB1 receptors in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and most CB2 receptors being part of the immune system. This may explain why THC has both psychotropic and therapeutic properties.
Overwhelming proof suggests that THC may be beneficial in the treatment of a variety of symptoms and conditions, such as:
- PTSD
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Glaucoma
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Poor appetite
- Autoimmune disorders
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Neurodegenerative conditions
Though more research is needed to understand the full extent of THC’s effects on the endocannabinoid system.
How does CBD interact with the ECS?
Contrary to popular belief, CBD is not non-psychoactive. Instead, it is a mood-altering substance that does not cause intoxication or a “high” feeling when taken. The confusion around this term probably stems from its effects being far more subtle yet powerful than THC.
Although CBD does not directly interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, it has been shown to bind to other regulatory pathways in the body.:
- Evidence suggests that CBD interacts with the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A, which could explain its calming properties and anti-anxiety effect.
- Cannabidiol has a fascinating interaction with vanilloid receptor TRPV1, which may impact how our bodies register pain sensations.
- CBD inhibits the FAAH enzyme, preventing the degradation of anandamide and thus amplifying levels of this blissful endocannabinoid in our bodies.
Humans are using CBD to combat an array of illnesses and conditions. Despite the need for further research, people have relied on the therapeutic properties of CBD to treat symptoms such as:
- Insomnia
- PTSD and anxiety
- Crohn’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Opioid withdrawal
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
Fascinatingly, there is proof that CBD and THC are even more effective when utilized together, according to the concept of the Entourage Effect.
Ultimately, the results of the Endocannabinoid System and its interaction with CBD, THC and other cannabinoids are still being uncovered. Yet, it is clear that these phytochemicals can have a powerful impact on our health and well-being.
The Entourage Effect
In the late 1990s, chemists Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-ShabaIn developed the revolutionary concept of an ‘entourage effect,’ suggesting that cannabis’ range of cannabinoids and terpenes interacted to produce more significant effects than THC alone. Although this idea challenged traditional beliefs about marijuana’s power, it was met with skepticism due to a lack of cannabis research.
Even two decades later, these controversial theories are still being questioned – yet remain as relevant today as they were then.
Supporting Evidence
According to a 2011 study by The British Journal of Pharmacology, the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may offer additional therapeutic advantages for people suffering from various conditions such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, cancer and fungal infection.
Not only that, but the terpene caryophyllene bears a strong resemblance to endocannabinoids and binds with the CB2 receptor. This implies it may have healing effects. Solid evidence indicates that CBD could potentially regulate THC’s effects.
Additionally, research examining CBD’s neuroprotective qualities revealed that the combined use of both compounds results in more effective outcomes than either one taken on its own.
Synthetic Cannabinoids and the ECS?
Do synthetic cannabinoids affect the ECS? Undoubtedly, yes. The breakthrough of ECS and the continuous exploration of its operational mechanism have caused pharmaceutical companies to manufacture drugs made with synthetic cannabinoids.
But why would pharmaceutical companies bother to synthesize cannabinoids and obtain approval from the FDA when natural cannabinoids are already available in cannabis? It all goes back to 1973 when cannabis was placed on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This law has made researching marijuana incredibly difficult for years.
Additionally, it’s near impossible to patent a plant, so pharma can’t make much money from its cultivation. This might be why they have always been adamant against legalization efforts across states and countries.
Other Ways to Enhance the ECS
Besides utilizing cannabis, there are other ways to enhance the ECS system. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed oil can help with joint pain and inflammation by stimulating our bodies’ production of endocannabinoids.
Physical activity has also been linked to better ECS function, a balanced diet, stress management and quality sleep. In this way, it is possible to keep our natural cannabinoid production at optimal levels — allowing us to maintain balanced bodies and minds daily. Try a few of these
Learn More with Phenotopia
We hope we have been able to give you a tiny peek into the endlessly fascinating world of the Endocannabinoid System! To learn more about this complex system and its implications in medicine, health and well-being, join Phenotopia’s community of curious minds — explore our resources and connect with us in-store!
Our team is always there to answer any questions and provide support as you embark on your journey of self-discovery. So, shop now, order online and get ready to unlock a whole new level of well-being!
