The endocannabinoid system is a chemical communication system aimed at maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the human body. Scientific research has shown that the ECS controls multiple states of consciousness. To name just a few, it controls sleep-wake cycles, emotions, pain perception, attention and other important neurobiological processes. The ECS also plays a role in neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells). The plasticity of our brain is influenced 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 (Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome), the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or their associated receptors. The ECS can no longer function as desired. Because of this, many functions are no longer regulated properly and the body becomes unbalanced. As a result, the body becomes sick. This theory was developed in 2004 by the renowned “cannabis researcher” Dr. Ethan Russo set up. In a study published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters, Russo theorized that low endocannabinoid levels may explain why some chronic diseases develop.
Russo examined the available literature and found evidence that people with certain medical conditions have lower endocannabinoid levels. This also explained the alleviating effect of the cannabinoids of the cannabis plant on the symptoms of these people. Russo believes that cannabinoid medicines may be able to address this deficiency. That was the conclusion of his report. Cannabis plants contain a variety of cannabinoids. These plant cannabinoids are very similar to the body's own endocannabinoids and also interact with the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS. They trigger chemical reactions and contribute to homeostasis.
Endocannabinoid deficiency can be linked to many diseases
Chronic diseases such as migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome share common clinical, biochemical, and pathophysiological patterns that may indicate an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. It is particularly difficult for medicine to find the right treatment option for these diseases. Pharmaceutical medications often only help for a short time or not at all. Some of the patients have tried everything and are desperate. This often puts the “psychosomatic stamp” on you. The similarity in the symptoms of these diseases could also, as Russo suspects, be due to a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. His basic hypothesis is that every person has an endocannabinoid tone. This shows the level of the body's own endocannabinoids in the body. This tone can be deficient in certain deficiencies, either congenital or acquired over time, and can cause serious illness in the long term.
However, 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 be related to 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 function.
Research still needs to be strengthened
At the moment, more conclusive evidence and better clinical studies are still missing to definitively prove the theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. Currently, statistically significant differences have been documented in migraine sufferers and research has shown ECS hypofunction in post-traumatic stress disorder. Other studies have also provided solid support for the theory. It is known that treatment with cannabinoids reduces pain and improves sleep. These are further clear indications that treatment with cannabis makes sense and has a soothing effect on many diseases and disorders.
But sick people don't actually care whether they suffer from a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. The main thing is that they find something that helps them. It could certainly help some to understand what is wrong with a clear diagnosis. It is important that people finally have unrestricted access to the centuries-old medicinal plant. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have noticed how helpful cannabis can be as a medicine. That should be proof enough. And yet the authorities keep insisting on further clinical studies. The scientific evidence is important to understand more and improve therapies in the future. The problem is that in the last 30 years only a few people have researched cannabis, even though the groundbreaking discovery of ECS was made back then. It certainly has something to do with the fact that the restrictive drug laws in many countries made research impossible. But it is also more certain that clinical studies can only be carried out if the pharmaceutical industry invests money. However, since the cannabis plant is a direct competitor, there is of course no interest.
Cannabis patients are tired of waiting for someone to scientifically prove what they have already known for a long time. Cannabis helps!
