The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered in 1992 by a small team of scientists who stumbled upon an unknown, molecular signaling system within the mammalian body. The ECS is responsible for regulating a broad range of biological and physiological processes to include appetite, digestion, metabolism, pain-sensation, inflammation, mood, sleep, stress, and memory. However, the primary objective of the ECS is always the same – homeostasis, as it is quite literally the bridge between the body and the mind.
Regardless of whether or not we consume cannabis, everyone has an Endocannabinoid System. The ECS is largely comprised of three core components:
Endocannabinoids – cannabinoids naturally produced by the mammalian body activates cannabinoid receptors in cells.
Cannabinoid Receptors – found throughout the mammalian body; endocannabinoids bind with them, signalling the ECS to take action.
Metabolic Enzymes – breaks down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function
What Does the ECS Do?
When an imbalance is detected, the Endocannabinoid System synthesizes endocannabinoids that in turn interact with cannabinoid receptors. This prompts a chemical response to return the physiological process back to homeostasis. However, in some cases, there is a glitch in ECS signaling. This condition is known as Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD). There is no explanation as to why this condition occurs, but theories include:
The body is not synthesizing enough endocannabinoids
The body is not creating enough cannabinoid receptors
There is an abundance of enzymes that breakdown cannabinoids
An outside sources such as foods and medications have decreased ECS signaling.
Research indicates that cannabinoids have a synergistic relationship with terpenes and flavonoids, meaning their combined therapeutic effect is greater than the sum of their individual parts.
By understanding the purpose of the ECS (which is to maintain homeostasis in the body), and in acknowledging the presence of the ECS across so many systems (to include our nervous and immune systems), one can conceive how cannabis-therapies might actually work. By stimulating and supporting our endocannabinoid system, its entirely possible to find natural, plant-based relief from a multitude of potential conditions.
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