The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a chemical communication system that aims to maintain homeostasis (balance) in the human body. Scientific studies have shown that the ECS controls several states of consciousness. It regulates, to name just a few, sleep-wake cycles, emotions, pain perception, attention, and other important neurobiological processes. The ECS also plays a role in neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells). It influences the plasticity of our brain by promoting humor, creativity, and open-mindedness, and it supports the ability to grow beyond limited behavioral patterns.
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency
Research suggests that in clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome (ECS), the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or their corresponding receptors. As a result, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) can no longer function properly. Consequently, many bodily functions are no longer correctly regulated, and the body becomes unbalanced. This can lead to illness. This theory was proposed in 2004 by the renowned cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo. In a study published in "Neuro Endocrinology Letters," Russo hypothesized that low endocannabinoid levels could explain the development of some chronic diseases.
Russo examined the available literature and found evidence that people with certain diseases have lower endocannabinoid levels. This also explained the alleviating effect of cannabis cannabinoids on the symptoms of these individuals. Russo believes that cannabinoid-based medicines might be able to compensate for this deficiency. This was the conclusion of his report. Cannabis plants contain a variety of cannabinoids. These plant-derived cannabinoids are very similar to the body's own endocannabinoids and also interact with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They trigger chemical reactions and contribute to homeostasis.
Endocannabinoid deficiency can be associated with many diseases
Chronic illnesses such as migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome share common clinical, biochemical, and pathophysiological patterns that could indicate an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. Medicine struggles to find effective treatments for these conditions. Often, pharmaceutical medications provide only short-term relief or none at all. Patients have sometimes tried everything and are desperate, leading to a "psychosomatic" diagnosis. However, the common symptomatology of these illnesses could also be attributed to a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency, as Russo suggests. His fundamental hypothesis is that every person has an endocannabinoid tone, which reflects the level of endogenous endocannabinoids in the body. This tone can be deficient under certain conditions, whether congenital or acquired over time, and can lead to serious illness in the long term.
The endocannabinoid system is also responsible for regulating the release of neurotransmitters, so diseases resulting from dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, may potentially be linked to a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. Russo believes that the cannabinoids from cannabis plants are essential nutrients that can minimize certain diseases by supporting the ECS and ensuring its proper function.
Research needs to be intensified
At present, more conclusive evidence and better clinical studies are still needed to definitively prove the theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. Currently, statistically significant differences have been documented in migraine patients, and studies have shown ECS dysfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder. Other studies have also provided a solid foundation for the theory. For example, it is known that treatment with cannabinoids reduces pain and improves sleep. These are further clear indications that treatment with cannabis is beneficial and has a palliative effect on many illnesses and disorders.
For sick people, it doesn't really matter whether they suffer from a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. The main thing is that they find something that helps them. While a clear diagnosis might certainly help some understand what's wrong, what's important is that people finally have unrestricted access to this centuries-old medicinal plant. Hundreds of thousands worldwide have experienced how helpful cannabis can be as medicine. That should be proof enough. And yet, authorities keep insisting on further clinical trials. Scientific evidence is crucial for future understanding and improved therapies. The problem, however, is that few have engaged with cannabis research in the last 30 years, even though the groundbreaking discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was made during that time. This is certainly related to the fact that restrictive narcotics laws in many countries have made research impossible. But it's also undoubtedly due to the fact that clinical trials can only be conducted if the pharmaceutical industry invests money. However, since the cannabis plant is a direct competitor, there is naturally no interest.
Cannabis patients are tired of waiting for scientific proof of what they already know: Cannabis helps!
