Will cannabis kick or not kick the endocannabinoid system?
Your endocannabinoid system probably works fine on its own
The endocannabinoid system is made up of three main components:
- Endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG.
- CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.
- Enzymes used for the synthesis, transport and metabolism of endocannabinoids.
Our body produces endocannabinoids naturally in response to the internal and external environment. For example, when we experience fear or danger, the body responds by producing two stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger the human fight-or-flight response. But our body also produces in these situations endocannabinoids to help suppress stress, reduce cortisol levels and calm us down again.
In addition to the stress response endocannabinoid system is also involved in memory formation, regulating hunger and energy levels, regulating the course of inflammation, and much more. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception among cannabis enthusiasts that taking cannabinoids such as THC can help endocannabinoid system "enhance". However, this is completely wrong. Endocannabinoid system It, like most physiological systems, is very precisely regulated and is formed to function properly without the need for the stupa of external elements such as phytocannabinoids.
How phytocannabinoids actually affect the endocannabinoid system
THC is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. Of the more than 400 chemical constituents in the plant, we know by far the most about it. It is also the most abundant compound in modern varieties of cannabis, with a proportion of over 30 % in the flowers in some cases. THC is structurally very similar to the endocannabinoid anandamide and binds perfectly to CB1 receptors. Endocannabinoid system. This means that the ECS produces less endocannabinoid and cannabinoid receptors.
This occurs because endocannabinoid system it's very precisely controlled, and it's designed not to be overactive. An overactive endocannabinoid system can be harmful to humans and is associated with serious diseases including metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation and other ailments. Silencing the endocannabinoid system can have negative effects over time. As the body produces fewer endocannabinoids and receptors, it can develop a dependence on THC and other phytocannabinoids. This dependence can then interfere with the body's ability to self-regulate and respond to conditions such as anxiety and stress, proper memory formation, and other processes in which the ECS is naturally involved.
What about other cannabinoids besides THC?
Unfortunately, we still know relatively little about cannabis. Even CBD, despite all the attention it has received recently, is still shrouded in confusion. Scientists have many questions about the main mechanisms of action of this cannabinoid and how they affect its effects and therapeutic potential.
However, we know for certain that CBD has a low binding affinity for cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it appears to act on serotonin, gamma and vanilloid receptors, among others. It also blocks receptors, such as GPR55, which have been shown to be involved in the regulation of bone mass. Finally, CBD may act as a reuptake inhibitor anandamid causing a temporary increase in endocannabinoid levels in the body.
Do you need to boost your endocannabinoid system with cannabis?
The answer is mostly no. Your endocannabinoid system does not need phytocannabinoids to function properly. As we've discussed before, taking cannabinoids like THC can actually impair your endocannabinoid system to function properly. This can be a particular problem during periods of human development, such as adolescence, and therefore people should only use cannabis during these years if medically necessary.
Remember that, like most other physiological systems, the endocannabinoid system is designed to function properly on its own. All healthy adults should have a functioning, precisely regulated endocannabinoid system that does not need to be "fed" or "boosted" by the use of THC or any other phytocannabinoid.
A note on cannabinoid therapy
As we have already mentioned, endocannabinoid system it's extremely important for balancing our body's responses to changes in the internal and external environment. When this system is not sufficiently active, disease occurs. It is at this point that the use of phytocannabinoids can prove to be truly beneficial.
Scientists believe that clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) may underlie a number of diseases. For these conditions, cannabis use may help support the "broken" endocannabinoid system patient. Although research in this area is still in its infancy, it appears that there are exceptions to the above rule. When it comes to the therapeutic potential of cannabis, there really is a lot we don't know and little that we do. And while cannabinoids like THC and CBD have real medicinal properties, they are not necessary for your ECS to function at its best.
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