How desperation led to an effective form of cannabis consumption

Eating cannabis flowers – why might that be so effective?

1. Relief of the liver and altered first-pass metabolism

Fat-based cannabis preparations (e.g., oil preparations) require bile acids for absorption and are subsequently extensively metabolized in the liver (first-pass effect). During this process, cannabinoids are metabolized via cytochrome P450 enzymes (including CYP2C9 and CYP3A4).

If the liver is functionally stressed – for example by medication, inflammatory processes, metabolic dysregulation or fatty liver – additional fat intake can further increase hepatic metabolic work.

Ingesting small amounts of decarboxylated flowers without an additional fat base could:

• to stimulate bile secretion less
• reduce hepatic lipid processing
• reduce the overall metabolic load
• to enable more even absorption through the intestinal mucosa

Furthermore, cannabinoids may be released more slowly when ingested within the plant matrix, as they are embedded in the plant's natural matrix.

2. Secondary plant compounds and the entourage effect

Cannabis is a pharmacologically complex plant with many compounds. Besides THC and CBD, it contains over 500 identified bioactive substances, including:

• Terpenes (e.g., myrcene, limonene, β-caryophyllene)
• Flavonoids
• Polyphenols
• Chlorophyll
• other antioxidant and inflammation-modulating accompanying substances

The so-called entourage effect describes the synergistic interaction of these substances. Terpenes and flavonoids can, among other things:

• influence the binding affinity to cannabinoid receptors
• modulate inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, cytokines)
• Reduce oxidative stress
• alter the permeability of biological membranes

β-Caryophyllene, for example, acts as a selective CB2 receptor agonist and can exert immunomodulatory effects.

Chlorophyll – possible physiological significance

Chlorophyll possesses antioxidant properties and is associated in the literature with the binding of certain toxic metabolites in the intestine. There is evidence that chlorophyllin can influence fermentative processes and thus potentially exert gas-reducing effects in the gut. While the data is not entirely conclusive, a supportive effect on intestinal processes seems physiologically plausible. These accompanying substances are preserved when the whole plant is consumed – unlike with extracts.

3. Influence on the gut, microbiome and metabolic regulation

The plant material contains structural components such as cellulose and other indigestible plant fibers. These function similarly to dietary fiber and can:

• promote intestinal motility
• serve as a substrate for bacterial fermentation
• support the formation of short-chain fatty acids (e.g., butyrate)
• stabilize the intestinal barrier

There is a close interaction between the gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system. This is referred to as the microbiome-endocannabinoid axis.

Chronic inflammation and metabolic overload are frequently associated with alterations in both the microbiome and the endocannabinoid system. A combined effect of plant matrix, secondary plant compounds, and cannabinoids could have a synergistic regulatory effect here.

4. The endocannabinoid system as a central regulatory axis

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a regulatory system in the body that controls numerous physiological processes:

• Pain processing
• muscle tone
• Inflammatory reactions
• Immune function
• Bowel movement
• Vascular tone
• metabolism
• Stress regulation Roller okay okay jannes acupuncture older therapist Pieno Alves food season loose osteoarthritis large let with you cbd Pariah Paula infection or okay in contra so okay bye

It consists of:

• CB1 receptors (primarily in the central nervous system)
• CB2 receptors (primarily in the immune system and gut)
• endogenous ligands (e.g. anandamide, 2-AG)
• Enzymes for synthesis and degradation

THC primarily binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CBD has a more complex effect, including through:

• Modulation of TRPV1 receptors
• Inhibition of anandamide degradation (FAAH)
• Influence on serotonergic signaling pathways

In chronic diseases, a possible functional dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system is discussed. The intake of phytocannabinoids may:

• activate receptors directly
• Enzyme systems modulate
• inflammatory signaling pathways are affected
• dampen neuronal overexcitation
• Regulating spastic activity

CB1-mediated inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitters plays a central role, especially in spasticity and chronic pain.

5. Subjectively perceived diuretic effect

The endocannabinoid system is also involved in regulating vascular tone, inflammatory processes, and fluid balance. CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in the vascular endothelium and the kidneys, where they influence vascular and immunological processes.

From my own experience, I can say that I have significantly fewer swollen feet since I started taking decarboxylated cannabis flowers. I feel like they have a slightly diuretic effect on me.

Possible physiological explanations could be:

• Modulation of inflammatory processes
• Improvement of microcirculation
• Influence on vascular tension
• indirect regulation of fluid balance

There is currently no definitive scientific confirmation of this. However, I personally can clearly feel this change.

Selection of scientific literature

1. Endocannabinoid System – Basics and Regulation.
   Lu HC, Mackie K.
   An Introduction to the Endogenous Cannabinoid System.
   Biological Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516–525.
   → Overview of structure, CB1/CB2 receptors, anandamide, 2-AG and central functions.

2. Entourage effect and secondary plant compounds.
   Russo EB.
   Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects.
   British Journal of Pharmacology. 2011;163(7):1344–1364.
   → Fundamental work on the entourage effect and the role of terpenes.

3. Gut, microbiome and endocannabinoid system.
   Cani PD et al.
   Endocannabinoids—at the crossroads between the gut microbiota and host metabolism.
   Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2016;12:133–143.
   → Microbiome-endocannabinoid axis and metabolic regulation.

4. Pharmacokinetics and hepatic metabolism of cannabinoids
   . Zendulka O et al.
   Cannabinoids and Cytochrome P450 Interactions.
   Current Drug Metabolism. 2016;17(3):206–226.
   → First-pass metabolism and CYP enzyme system.

5. Chlorophyll and toxin binding in the gut.
   Ferruzzi MG, Blakeslee J.
   Digestion, Absorption, and Cancer Preventive Activity of Dietary Chlorophyll Derivatives.
   Nutrition Research. 2007;27(1):1–12.
   → Overview of chlorophyll and possible binding effects in the gut.