What is the Endocannabinoid System?
CB1 and CB2 receptors – the “locks” of the ECS
Cell receptors in the body can be thought of as a series of “locks” that respond to corresponding “keys” – chemical molecules called agonists. Whenever a suitable agonist binds to a cell receptor, it relays a message and gives the cell an instruction. Research has found:
- CB1 receptors are mainly located on nerve cells.
- CB2 receptors are found on cells of the immune system.
The agonists or “keys” for these receptors are the cannabinoids. On the one hand, these are produced by the body itself, but can also be supplied to the body in the form of cannabinoids, for example from the cannabis plant.
“Studies have led to the theory that the endocannabinoid system is the natural way to regulate homeostasis – the internal balance of the human body.”
Functions of the endocannabinoid system
The endocannabinoid system essentially regulates all of the basic functions and patterns our bodies perform, including:
- appetite
- Memory
- Inflammation
- Immune functions
- Neuroprotection and development
- Pains
- reproduction
- Sleep
- Mood
- metabolism
- digestion
Studies have shown that patients with conditions such as Parkinson's, arthritis or chronic pain have higher endocannabinoid levels. This led to the theory that the endocannabinoid system is the natural way to regulate “homeostasis” – the stable, internal balance of the human body.
Cannabinoids as medicine
The endocannabinoid system has quickly become an area of interest to scientists, doctors and researchers alike. It is a complex system that plays many important roles in the human body.
The use of medical cannabis is the most effective method known to stimulate the endocannabinoid system. The exogenous cannabinoids THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system and produce extensive therapeutic effects. That's why they became a widely prescribed medicine around the world. MEDCAN is committed to ensuring that access to medical cannabis will soon become better in Switzerland.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are natural chemical messengers in the body. They occur in large numbers and can be assigned to the categories endogenous or exogenous.
Endogenous
“Endo” means “having its origins in the body”. Endogenous cannabinoids are produced in the body. They interact with the cannabinoid receptors and regulate basic functions such as mood, appetite, pain, sleep, etc.
Exogenous
This is the name given to cannabinoids that are supplied to the body via the food chain, mucous membranes, lungs, etc. They are commonly found in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). When ingested, they send signals to the ECS and produce physical and psychological effects in the body.
Endocannabinoids – the body’s own cannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced in the human body. They are formed within the body fatty acids such as Omega-3. The two most well-known endocannabinoids today are:
Anandamide is the first endocannabinoid discovered by scientists. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “Ananda” and means “bliss”. It plays an important role in regulating appetite and pain. Its effect on the body is comparable to that of cannabis. Feelings such as joy or euphoria and the reward system are also influenced by anandamide. Research has shown that exercise promotes the release of anandamide.
2-Arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) is an endocannabinoid that activates the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. In rats, it has been detected in the brain, liver, lungs, spleen and kidneys.
These endocannabinoids are called “short-term” neurotransmitters (messengers) because they are only produced when the body signals that it needs them acutely. There are many other endocannabinoids such as noladine ether, virodhamine and N-arachidonoyldopamine (NADA). However, their role in the body is not yet fully understood.
Endocannabinoids – the “helmsmen” in the body
It is now believed that endocannabinoids control essential physical functions and patterns. Ethan Russo, a cannabis researcher and member of various international organizations, believes that low cannabinoid levels could be the cause of numerous diseases. This deficiency potentially causes serious illnesses such as chronic pain or fibromyalgia, which are related to the endocannabinoid system.
Exogenous cannabinoids – the cannabinoids supplied
The counterparts to endocannabinoids are exogenous cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. These enter the body when cannabis is consumed and remain there for a long time. They activate the endocannabinoid system (ECS) more strongly than endogenous/natural cannabinoids.
Research has shown that the cannabinoid THC binds to both receptors (CB1 and CB2) and activates them in the same way as an endocannabinoid. The effects of THC are generally considered psychological, but this compound does much more than produce a high. THC has been proven to help with chronic pain, nausea, loss of appetite, asthma and glaucoma (specifically brain tumors). Additionally, THC has been proven to be effective in treating cancer.
CBD actually does not bind to any receptors, but instead acts as an inhibitor for the enzyme FAAH. This slows or prevents the breakdown of anandamide - possibly one of the most crucial endocannabinoids in the body. The result is an accumulation of anandamide in the brain.
While we are aware that THC has an obvious psychological effect on the mind, CBD is thought to be effective on a physiological level - that is, it has effects on the organism. It works as follows for serious illnesses:
- Inhibition of tumor growth
- Relieving or preventing inflammation and nausea
- positive effects in the treatment of diabetes, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, cardiovascular diseases, psychoses and anxiety disorders
- Relieving pain from muscle spasms or neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
Cannabinoid receptors – the signal receivers
So far, two types of cannabinoid receptors have been identified: the CB1 receptor, which is located primarily on neurons, and the CB2 receptor, which is located primarily on cells of the immune system. In addition, there is evidence for the existence of other, as yet unidentified, receptors.
Although CB1 receptors are found throughout the human body, they are predominantly found in the brain and spinal cord, i.e. in the central nervous system. They are concentrated in regions associated with the behaviors. For example, they influence the hypothalamus, which helps regulate appetite, and the amygdala, which plays a role in memory and the emotional processing of experiences. They are also found in nerve endings, where they reduce the sensation of pain.
CB2 receptors are typically concentrated in immune cells, the gastrointestinal tract and the peripheral (outer) nervous system. When the receptors are activated, they trigger an anti-inflammatory immune response: This is believed to influence the body's immune response in certain diseases.