Cannabinoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different cannabinoids that have been identified so far, with the most well-known being THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). At least 124 have been identified to date and more are expected to be discovered.
How those the ECS work?
Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, commonly abbreviated as the ECS. The ECS plays a significant role in regulating many physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and immune function, as well as having a potent anti-inflammatory effect. The ECS is a complex system of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids.
The ECS is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors that are found throughout the body on all soft tissue and organs. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and nervous system, but they can also be found in other organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lungs. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and related tissues, such as the spleen and bone marrow, but they can also be found in the brain and other organs.
The ECS regulates most internal bodily functions and plays a critical role in the body’s day-to-day regulation. Interestingly, studies show that the CB1 receptors outnumber many of the other receptors found on the brain. These receptors act like traffic lights by controlling the activity of other neurotransmitters. They are reliant on endocannabinoids to regulate these responses, and therefore a lack of endocannabinoid or lack of phyto-cannabinoids consumed in our daily diet can result in deregulation of the ECS. The deficient ECS is often presented as various debilitating symptoms and/or manifesting into long term illness. A long term indicator of ECS dysfunction is when a patient is no longer managing to control their symptoms with conventional and often chemical based medications.
To stimulate these receptors our body produces molecules called endocannabinoids, Endocannabinoids are produced in the body through a process called biosynthesis. Specifically, they are synthesized from lipid precursors, which are typically present in cell membranes. Enzymes within the cell membrane then convert these precursors into endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids can then interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body, producing various physiological effects.
Although we find phyto-cannabinoids in their highest concentrations in the cannabis plants, there is increasing scientific evidence that other plants such as black pepper, legumes, liverwort and fungi contain certain levels of phyto-cannabinoids.
At this point, you may be asking, who has an ECS?
Well it is fascinating to note that the ECS is present in all mammals such as cats, dogs, horses and even some invertebrates.
THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it is responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis use. CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and has been the subject of much research for its potential therapeutic benefits.
A recent Systematic review shows clear evidence that ‘medical cannabinoids have an overall positive therapeutic effect for epilepsy, chronic pain, spasticity, appetite, Parkinson’s disease, sleep, SUDs and Tourette’ and that ‘Cannabinoids are effective therapeutics for several medical indications’(Bilbao and Spanagel BMC Medicine (2022) 20:259).
Overall, cannabinoids are well tolerated and generally improve the general outcome of the patient, however one most keep in mind that even cannabinoids can interact with certain compounds and pathways in the body. Therefore, if you are suffering from a complicated illness, it is always advisable to seek a doctor with a special interest in cannabinoid medicine before commencing any form of self-treatment.
Other cannabinoids, such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol), are also being studied for their potential medicinal properties. The discovery of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system has opened up new avenues for research into the potential uses of cannabis and cannabinoids for various medical conditions.
