Discover how the endocannabinoid system (ECS), our body’s internal wellness regulator, works to maintain balance and combat disease. Explore its groundbreaking therapeutic potential and the role of cannabinoids in supporting health.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), discovered in the early 1990s by scientists in Israel1, is a groundbreaking discovery in human biology. Often described as the body’s internal system of checks and balances, the ECS plays a critical role in maintaining a steady state of wellness.
A Deeper Look into the ECS
This discovery led to identifying two receptor subtypes within the ECS: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system and nerve cells2. Receptors, made of protein structures, are crucial for receiving and transmitting signals within biological systems3.
Dr. Francis D’Ambrosio explains the ECS using an analogy: Imagine being in a seizure state, where the faucet is turned on, but you can’t shut it off. The ECS acts like a plumber, stepping in to turn off the water and restore balance5. These receptors are designed to override disease states4, ensuring our bodies maintain homeostasis.
The Role of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids—chemical compounds that interact with the ECS—come in two types. “Endo” cannabinoids are produced internally by the human body6, while “phyto” cannabinoids are derived from plants7, particularly Cannabis. When the body struggles to produce enough endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids can step in to fill the gap. Remarkably, the human body cannot distinguish between these two sources, making phytocannabinoids a safe and effective solution to support wellness during disease states.
Beyond Seizures: Expanding Therapeutic Potential
Initially, the ECS was studied for its impact on nervous system-related conditions like seizures. However, a survey of 4,700 patients revealed that Cannabis has broader therapeutic applications8. Patients reported relief from depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, headaches, and even opioid addiction.
From a patient’s perspective, this highlights an openness to exploring Cannabis as an alternative remedy. For medical practitioners, it suggests the possibility of additional ECS systems tailored to specific parts of the body beyond the central and peripheral nervous systems. This is an area ripe for further research.
Challenges to Access and Acceptance
Despite its potential, federal restrictions in the U.S. classify Cannabis as a Schedule I substance, alongside cocaine and heroin. This classification not only hinders scientific research but also limits patients’ access to Cannabis as a medicinal option. Some states have yet to legalize medicinal use, forcing patients to seek alternatives that may be overly potent or addictive. The opioid crisis is a stark reminder of what’s at stake: as of 2021, 39.5 million people worldwide suffered from opioid abuse disorders9.
Advocating for Change
As more states embrace both medicinal and recreational Cannabis, advocates must push for the federal de-scheduling of Cannabis. Unlike synthetic drugs, phytocannabinoids align naturally with the body’s systems, reducing the risk of adverse side effects. This inherent compatibility is a compelling reason to prioritize Cannabis as a treatment option.
Dr. D’Ambrosio’s advocacy for minimizing synthetic alternatives is a sign that the medical community is paying attention. However, questions remain about how doctors in non-legal states approach Cannabis as a treatment. Are they referring patients to neighboring states, prescribing synthetic alternatives, or perhaps over-prescribing them? The current federal-state disconnect creates inconsistencies that hinder broader adoption and understanding of Cannabis’s potential.
The Path Forward
To unlock the full potential of the ECS and Cannabis, the federal government must remove outdated barriers. Formal studies are essential to validate hypotheses and establish patterns for when and where Cannabis intervention is most effective. Patients deserve more than educated guesses; they need evidence-based solutions. Now is the time to modernize policies, enabling the medical and scientific communities to explore Cannabis as a legitimate tool for improving human health.
Citations
- Unit 2 – The Biochemical Pathways of the Endocannabinoid System
- Unit 2 – The Biochemical Pathways of the Endocannabinoid System
- Receptor (biochemistry), Wikipedia
- Unit 2 – The Biochemical Pathways of the Endocannabinoid System
- Unit 2 – The Biochemical Pathways of the Endocannabinoid System
- Wiktionary
- Merriam Webster
- Unit 2 – The Biochemical Pathways of the Endocannabinoid System
- Opiod overdose, World Health Organization