5 things to know about the endocannabinoid system

So little is known about the largest receptor system in the human body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Most sources indicate that the ECS was discovered barely three decades ago, in 1988.

Since then, scientists from around the world have made progressive discoveries about this dynamic system and its importance in health and disease.

The number of published studies and articles on ECS has increased significantly over the past decade, leading to growing public interest in the topic. There is even evidence that this “seemingly fanciful” system may actually be the most important system in the human body, given its great influence. Robert Mechoulam, considered the founding father of medicinal cannabis, said this about the ECS.

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“Two eminent scientists said that the endocannabinoid system is involved in essentially all human diseases. That’s a very strong statement, but it appears to be true.”

Here are five things you should know about the endocannabinoid system.

The ECS consists of three main components

From what science has shown so far, the ECS consists of three main components distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems; Endocannabinoids (ligands), endocannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid enzymes (synthesis and degradation). The endocannabinoids are synthesized by enzymes in the system and interact with endocannabinoid receptors to produce specific effects in the body. Once they have completed their role, they will be demoted and removed from the system. The ECS has been described as a “lipid signaling system”.

The ECS has two types of receptors namely CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are abundant in immune cells. The primary identified endocannabinoids are anandamide (bliss molecule) and 2-AG. Anandamide is broken down by the enzyme FAAH while 2-AG is broken down by MAGL.

The ECS is present in both vertebrates and invertebrates

The ECS was previously thought to be present only in animals that have a backbone, also known as mammals. It has now been found that invertebrates such as leeches and mollusks. However, it is widespread in mammals.

The ECS maintains homeostasis in the body

The ECS is a “regulatory” system involved in several important functions in the body. The primary role of the ECS is to maintain a state of homeostasis, or physiological balance, in the body. Terms like endocannabinoid tone have emerged and are used to describe the overall health of the ECS in terms of the density and level of functioning of its components.

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When the ECS detects an imbalance, it triggers a cascade of events along signaling pathways to restore balance. For example, when the body temperature is too high, the ECS triggers mechanisms to ensure the temperature is restored to normal parameters. The ECS is involved in regulating the following functions:

• Pains
• Sleep
• hunger
• metabolism
• hormonal function
• reproduction
• memory
• nausea and vomiting
• immunity
• moods

The ECS has an extensive network of receptors distributed in almost every part of the body. ECS receptors are highly concentrated on the skin, the body’s largest organ. This broad network of receptors supports the far-reaching effects of the ECS.

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Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency can trigger chronic diseases

In some cases, the body may be deficient in endocannabinoids. This condition, called clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome (CECD), has been linked to some chronic medical conditions. A study examining the concept of CECD found that it may be the underlying trigger for chronic and treatment-resistant conditions such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. The researchers further suggested that this could potentially explain how cannabis provides benefits in these conditions.

Phytocannabinoids in cannabis interact with the ECS

The cannabis plant contains hundreds of bioactive molecules, mainly composed of phytocannabinoids and terpenes. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most studied phytocannabinoids. Scientists have discovered that phytocannabinoids are able to mimic the effects of endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced in the body. Hence, they are able to support the role of the ECS in maintaining homeostasis. This forms the basis of medicinal cannabis.

RELATED: How Your Endocannabinoid System Affects Your Cannabis Experience

THC mainly binds to CB1 receptors in the brain. Besides therapeutic benefits, THC also causes psychoactive effects by altering the state of mind to induce euphoria. CBD indirectly interacts with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Since it does not bind to the CB1 receptors, it does not cause any psychoactive effects.

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The ECS forms the basis for medicinal cannabis

Medical cannabis has gained significant traction over the last decade due to discoveries in science about the role of the ECS and how cannabis can affect this system. To date, 37 states have legalized medical cannabis programs that allow patients access to cannabis-based treatments.

Here are some of the conditions that have been approved for medicinal cannabis treatments in the US:

• Cancer
• Neuropathic Pain
• multiple sclerosis
• HIV/AIDS
• diabetes
• multiple sclerosis
• epilepsy
• Crohn’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• joint degeneration
• Nausea and vomiting in terminal illness
• fear
• depression
• sleep disorders
• mood swings

Medical cannabis can also be used as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the effectiveness of other medications. For example, patients taking opioids for pain management can use medicinal cannabis to reduce the amount of opioids they take. This also has a positive effect on opioid-related side effects.

The ECS is still being studied, and there is still a lot that is unknown about this system. Previous preliminary studies have shown that this system plays an important role in maintaining health and well-being. It is also clear that phytocannabinoids from cannabis have far-reaching effects on the ECS, which forms the basis of medicinal cannabis.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been republished with permission.