The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is a very complex regulatory
system, broad in its function, and found within all complex animals, from fish
to humans. It regulates diverse functions such as memory, digestion, motor
function, immune response and inflammation, appetite, pain, blood pressure,
bone growth, and the protection of neural tissues, among others.
The two primary subtypes of cannabinoid receptors in the
endocannabinoid system are CB1 and CB2. These receptors are distributed
throughout the central nervous system, immune system, and within many other
tissues including the brain, gastrointestinal system, reproductive and urinary
tract, spleen, endocrine system, heart, and circulatory system. Other newly
discovered orphan CB receptors are GPR55, GPR18, and GPR119; the transient
receptor potential vanilloid-type channel (TRPV1); and the peroxisome
proliferator-activated nuclear receptors (PPAR).
The endocannabinoid system takes up cannabinoid compounds
from cannabis medicine and delivers it to all the right areas throughout your
body, putting into balance anything that was not aligned.
The cannabis plant produces more than 700 different chemical
compounds. The best known cannabis compound is the phytocannabinoid,
tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. The four primary cannabinoids are
·
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
·
CBD (cannabidiol)
·
CBG (cannabigerol)
·
CBC (cannabichromene)
A fifth cannabinoid is CBN (cannabinol) is not produced by
the plant itself but is the breakdown product of THC when exposed to oxygen
over time.
These chemical compounds bind to receptors located
throughout the body. Local activity occurs when endocannabinoids serve as the primary
messengers in retrograde signaling between neurons from the postsynaptic neuron
back across the synapse to the presynaptic neuron, controlling the release of
neurotransmitters across the synapse.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the
role of endocannabinoids in this synaptic function is both more important and
far more complex than was previously thought.
Endocannabinoids effectively modulate the flow of
neurotransmitters, keeping our nervous system running smoothly and are directly
linked to the mechanisms underlying memory and learning.
Endocannabinoids are produced on demand, released back across
the synapse, activating the receptors, then taken up into the cells, and
rapidly metabolized. Endocannabinoids appear to be profoundly connected with
the concept of homeostasis (maintaining physiological stability) and help to redress
specific imbalances presented by disease or by injury. Endocannabinoids’ role
in pain signaling has led to the hypothesis that endocannabinoid levels may be
responsible for the baseline of pain throughout the body, which is why
cannabinoid-based medications may be useful in treating conditions such as
fibromyalgia (a condition marked by heightened background pain levels, muscular
pain, and stiffness).
This could also mean that the constant release of the
bodies own endocannabinoids could have a “tonic” effect on muscle tightness
(spasticity) in multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and even
baseline appetite. The value of proper “endocannabinoid tone” within the body
appears to play a significant role in maintaining the general physical and
emotional well-being of a person.
When it comes to medicating with cannabis to help alleviate
pain or ailments, it is important to utilize both of the primary cannabinoids
together, THC and CBD. Cannabis compounds in herbal cannabis or whole-plant
extractions tend to work together in synergy, delivering an entourage effect.
Cannabis may cause significant interactions with certain medications.
There are some side effects with cannabis, the most known are rapid heart beat
(this can be controlled through slow deep breaths and relaxing), dry mouth (lemons
or citric lozenges or gum can help), red dry eyes (eye drops can help sooth dry
eyes), lightheadedness (it helps to relax and focus on an object in front of
you, but do not operate heavy machinery), or coughing when smoked or vaped
(taking smaller lighter hits can help, grapes can heal your throat if it hurts),
THC is psychoactive.
Most of the cannabis side effects are solely associated with
THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient. By using medicines that also contain
CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, some of those side effects can be reduced
or even eliminated. CBD acts as a buffer for THC and they both work very well
together.
Cannabis as a medicine is not for everyone. Consult a
trusted Physician who is well educated on cannabis and the endocannabinoid
system.
You may experience problems with cannabis if you have:
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression, heart
disease or chest pain, high blood pressure, history of stroke, chronic
bronchitis or obstructive pulmonary disease, an immune disorder or medication
that compromises immune function, or are taking medications for blood thinners.
When it comes to dosing with cannabis remember to Start Low
and Go Slow. Take very, very small amounts until you have reached a desired
effect. Smoked or vaped cannabis medicine takes effect immediately, oral drops
may take 20-40 minutes, edibles may take 30-60 minutes.
If your interested in learning more, I highly recommend the
book
CANNABIS PHARMACY - The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana
By: Michael Backes, fwd by Andrew Weil, M.D.
Jack D. McCue, M.D., Medical Editor
order from Books Please, here...
We also love the site ProjectCBD.org you can find scientifically proven answers to all your questions, start here... https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance
