I will refer to the endocannabinoid system as the ECS. The ECS discovery began in the early 1980s. Some founders in this groundbreaking research include Allyn Howlett, William Devane, and Raphael Mechoulam. Many others were involved in many discoveries uncovering phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, receptors, and ultimately the endocannabinoid system. We will discuss all of that terminology!
The primary function of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis or balance within the body. It is connected to maintaining balance within other systems in the body. As of now we understand the ECS primarily helps to maintain homeostasis related to metabolic functions with neurotransmitters (examples: serotonin, dopamine), inflammation, and energy modulation.
The ECS is made up of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. The ECS actually has the most abundant amount of receptors in the body compared to any other system! Receptors are located on different cells throughout the body and receive messages through a signaling system. The ECS is also uniquely known for its retrograde signaling. Messaging between cells does not only happen in a forward direction but receptors can also send messages back! This is pretty awesome when you understand what this means for management of different conditions using phytocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The most common ones you are probably familiar with are THC and CBD. There are actually over 100 cannabinoids in the plant. Other cannabinoids that are already out on the market for medicinal use include CBG, CBN, CBDa, and THCa. Phytocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS and also interact with other receptors in our body in efforts to promote homeostasis or balance.
The receptors include CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system but found in solid organs (liver, lung, kidney, and more), glands (prostate, thymus, pancreas, and adrenals)bone, bone marrow, GI tract. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system as well as some other places.
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are made by the body. Two of them are well known and studied. They are anandamide and 2-AG. Anandamide has been referred to as the bliss molecule and hypothesized to be what gives runners their “runner high”. They are made on demand when stimulated. Stress, inflammation, viral/bacterial infections, and pain can stimulate the production of endocannabinoids. Different factors can affect the function of the ECS and its function in maintaining balance and so it is important to optimize its function with holistic modalities I will touch on in a bit!
Enzymes in the endocannabinoid system create and breakdown anandamide and 2-AG.
I seriously was so amazed and stoked when I found out about this system! There is literally a plant that grows on earth that has compounds in it that specifically bind to this system! It was like we were meant to receive the medicine from the plant and care for our ECS to bring more balance and vitality into our lives. The other things I loved learning was how different holistic modalities and lifestyle factors actually upregulate the ECS and help us have a healthy production of endocannabinoids. These include meditation, yoga, other meditative movements, dietary influences (specifically a balance of healthy fats!), acupuncture, exercise, sleep, and even osteopathy.
These holistic modalities impact the ECS and truly so many other things to heal, promote wellness, vitality, and longevity. The ECS reflects the beautiful word b a l a n c e. We need balance in our lives. When we find balance in life, our ECS can better maintain balance. Our wellness can then be optimized, and our longevity heightened. It was amazing when I learned that holistic modalities, such as meditation, upregulate a system that partakes in such physiology to promote health and prevent illness/disease.
It's almost like a physical reminder of how important holistic approaches are important to our wellness! There is an abundant system within us that can support us when we choose to support our bodies and see the importance of rest, play, nutrition and food, and care for our spirits!
Please reach out if you have any questions or comments! I am so passionate about educating my community about everything I am continuing to learn! A part of my new journey is cannabis nursing. A wonderful opportunity presented it-self to work with Acute on Chronic which is an evolving cannabis nursing company and I took it! I am seriously so excited. Check out www.acuteonchronic.com to stay up to date on cannabis education with clarity or to book services if you’re looking to use cannabis as medicine!
Sending you all healing energy that supports balance for your body, mind, and spirit!
Much love!
Ali
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