What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
Think of it as a master regulator of all of our body systems. We naturally make our own endocannabinoids which are responsible for regulating many functions in the brain and body (sleep, energy, pain, pleasure, stress response, immune function, digestion, and much more).
When we are stressed from an injury or infection, our endocannabinoid system helps us get “back to normal”; back to a state of homeostasis or balance.
ENDOGENOUS CANNABINOIDS: Our bodies make 2 main endocannabinoids
- AEA (Arachidonoyl ethanolamide) or anandamide which binds to CB-1 receptors (as does THC).
- 2-AG (2-Arachidonoyl glycerol) which binds to CB-2 receptors (as does CBN and β-Caryophyllene).
CB-1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and nervous system, while CB-2 receptors are mostly located in organs and areas associated with the immune system. Take note that CBD (cannabidiol) does not directly bind to either receptor, but it exerts its powerful beneficial effects by allowing the body’s own natural neurochemicals to be longer-acting. It is a master chemical that not only potentiates anandamide, but it influences positive benefits for the HPA axis (stress response), serotonin pathway (anti-depressant effect), PPAR-gamma pathway (regulating gene expression in cholesterol and inflammatory cascades), TRPV1 pathway (anti-psychoactive effect) and GPR55 pathway (anti-cancer and osteoprotective).
Phytocannabinoids are terpenes that are found in the hemp plant. They are most concentrated in the oils of glandular hairs of flowers and leaves. There are hundreds of cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are THC and CBD. Other beneficial cannabinoids include CBD-A, CBN, CBC, CBT, CBG, CBG-A, CBL, CBCO, THC-A, and THC-V. Research on the components of cannabis is extensive and new information is available almost daily.
Whole Plant Medicine and the Entourage Effect
Humans have evolved on this planet with these plants for thousands of years, and our bodies recognize cannabinoids and terpenes as natural compounds. Hundreds of biologically active components exist in a plant extract—they are naturally balanced and do not act alone. In fact, the symphony of compounds packaged by nature work better together—greater than the sum of their individual parts. This is known as synergy and is commonly referred to as the “Entourage Effect”. There are over 500 compounds in the plant, over 150 of these are cannabinoids.
Pharmaceuticals are synthetic isolates (mostly single chemicals mimicking something natural). When something is packaged in an “unnatural form” the automatic response of our immune system is to react to the foreign invader, to reject it or fight against it. This is why so many people experience side effects from synthetic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications.
Meet “the Team” – The CANNABINOIDS:
CBD: Cannabidiol “The Quarterback”—powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic (helps with pain & abnormal pain pathways), antioxidant, antibacterial, helps reduce anxiety & depression, improves mood, improves brain function & supports brain health (neuroprotective & precognitive), anti-convulsive (helps control seizures),supports healthy cellular (helps fight cancer) and mitochondrial function, supports healthy skin and bones, and discourages scar formation (fibrosis). Reduces nausea & vomiting. Stimulates appetite. Reduces spasticity, muscle spasms, and intraocular pressure (helps with glaucoma). Helps reduce the psychoactive effect of THC.
CBDA: Cannabidiolic Acid—the acid form of CBD with similar properties. Since it is more bioavailable than CBD, a lower dose is needed.
THC: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol—is psychoactive (can make you feel “High”). It helps relieve pain, nausea & vomiting, spasms (muscular & intestinal), & anxiety. It is also an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant & neuroprotective agent. It dilates smooth muscle which can reduce blood pressure & open up airways (broncho-dilator). It reduces intraocular pressure (helps with glaucoma). It stimulates appetite. Some forms are sedating & help with sleep. Some help fight cancer.
THCA: Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid—the acid form of THC is not psychoactive. It may help modulate the immune system, help reduce inflammation, and support healthy cellular function while discouraging abnormal cell (cancer) proliferation. It also helps to reduce nausea & vomiting, protects healthy brain cells, and helps decrease seizure frequency.
CBN: Cannabinol—is produced by oxidation of THC but does not have THC’s psychoactive effects. Medicinal effects are the same as THC. Some people feel that CBN helps them sleep better.
CBG: Cannabigerol—I like to describe this as the “stem cell” of cannabinoids as it is metabolized into many other cannabinoids listed here. It is analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-neoplastic, supports brain health, mood, & cognitive function, and may help with lipid metabolism and skin integrity. Promotes bone growth, reduces bladder spasms, bowel inflammation, intraocular pressure, nausea & vomiting, and stimulates appetite.
CBC: Cannabichromene—known for its antinociceptive effects (decreased perception of pain). It may also help with reducing inflammation and supporting prostate health. Has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-acne, antidepressant, and anti-cancer properties.
THCV: Tetrahydrocannabivarin—not psychoactive. May reduce appetite resulting in weight loss, may balance abnormal blood sugar levels. Relieves pain and inflammation.
CBL: Cannabicyclol—similar chemical structure to CBN, is a breakdown product of CBC. May have similar effects as CBD, but research is limited.
CBT: Cannabitriol, CBTC Canabicitran—not much is known about these rare cannabinoids. There are 9 different forms, synthesized from CBDA. It prevents crystallization of hemp products and may dampen the psychoactive effects of THC, just like CBD. Research is limited; possible estrogen modulation effect (similar to the drug Tamoxifen, used to treat breast cancer).
TERPENES:
Other terpenes found in cannabis are also found in other plants, most commonly in their essential oils. The top 5 terpenes found in cannabis are β-Myrcene, β-Caryophyllene, d-Limonene, α- and β-Pinene, and Terpineols. Other familiar terpenes such as Linalool are found in some strains of hemp, but more commonly associated with Lavender.
FLAVONOIDS:
Flavonoids are beneficial polyphenols that are found in highly pigmented foods such as berries and green tea. There are about 20 flavonoids found in hemp, some familiar ones are quercetin (antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer), and apigenin (anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety). Cannaflavins A and B, unique to the hemp plant, are potent anti-inflammatory agents and they also contribute to the Entourage Effect.
OMEGA FATTY ACIDS:
OMEGA FATTY ACIDS support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. They are an important component of all cell membranes and are additionally supportive of brain and eye health. Hemp is an excellent source of omegas. You will find Omega 3, 6, and 9 in Dr. Lisa’s Whole Spectrum™ CBD Products since they are not destroyed in the chemical-free extraction process. The omegas also enhance absorption of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, enhancing their absorption and bioavailability. You can think of the omegas as the bus that drives the team to the football game—it’s the delivery vehicle!
Could you be suffering from Endocannabinoid Dysfunction?
In 2001, Dr. Ethan Russo first described the concept of Endocannabinoid deficiency or dysfunction in certain individuals with difficult to treat conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome. Subsequent research has expanded on this idea to encompass many types of chronic diseases which may result from our body’s inability to balance or normalize itself. In addition to the conditions already mentioned, problems with the ECS have been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, autism, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, and chronic pain syndromes. The ability of our ECS to adapt to physical or psychological stressors may reflect a genetic predisposition or may become diminished with aging, trauma, lifestyle choices, or environmental toxins. Supporting our ECS with high quality cannabinoids such as those found in Dr. Lisa’s Whole Spectrum™ CBD Products may help the body to re-achieve balance or homeostasis.
Pharmacokinetics—a fancy term to describe how our bodies metabolize different forms of medications. Everyone’s system is different, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for each person. In general, Tinctures used under the tongue have a greater bioavailability (absorption into the bloodstream and a quicker onset of action). Edibles and tablets take longer to work but last longer (usually need a higher dose, due to stomach acid and liver metabolism). Topicals are good for local relief and can be re-applied as often as needed.
Articles written by Dr. Lisa (previously published by The Brick Magazine, Ann Arbor)
Your Endocannabinoid System: The Steward of Your Body, February 2021.
Cannabis for the People, October 2019.
CBD is Everywhere, November 2019.