Cloudy Kitchen is a huge advocate for the exploration and use of cannabis as a medicine. This plant has the ability to have a vast amount of medicinal benefits. Consider this as a Cloudy Kitchen Classroom Session entitled “endocannabinoid system 101”, in which the system, and how it benefits humans will be explained.
The endocannabinoid system in the human body (also present in other mammals like dogs and cats) helps to alleviate pain, insomnia, and anxiety, just to name a few.
Also, check out this article that explains cannabinoids, THC, and CBD.
How Does The Endocannabinoid System Work?
The endocannabinoid system is composed of retrograde neorotransmitters. These transmitters process feedback between, and functions of, cells in the body. It is like these transmitters within the body are sending messages to each other, depending on the health of function of these types of cells.
Endocannabinoid transmitters are endogenous and lipid based.
What this means, in plain English, is that these transmitters are part of a system in the body that originates from tissue, organs, or cells. Lipid-based, means a bio-molecule that is soluble in non polar solvents. Naturally occuring hydrocarbon lipids do not dissolve in water or fatty acids.
When consuming cannabis, the endocannabinoid systems transmitters will bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid proteins. These cannabinoid receptors and proteins help the endocannabinoid system to regulate a massive variety of human body functions.
There have been two major receptors discovered in the endocannabinoid system.
The CB1 And CB2 Cannabinoid Receptors
The two main cannabinoid receptors that have been identified are CB1 and CB2.
CB1 cannabinoid receptors were first cloned by scientists in 1990. These CB1 receptors are found in the brain, spinal cord, white blood cells, and endocrine gland.
CB1 receptors can be found in some organs, like the spleen, and tissue. Additonally, CB1 receptors are found in the gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tract systems of mammals.
Also, CB1 receptors are thought to have an effect on pain and sleep and they are also responsible for the psychoactive effect of cannabis.
CB2 cannabinoid receptors have been found to be the most responsible for alleviating inflammation and repairing tissue in a mammal’s body. CB2 receptors are located in immune cells, the spleen, and tonsils.
Both of these receptors are incredibly important areas in the field of medicinal cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system regulates a myriad of body functions such as:
Functions of The Endocannabinoid System
- Metabolism
- Energy Levels
- Anxiety And Social Behaviour
- Organ Function
- Sleep
- Pain & Inflammation
- Memory
- Stress Levels
- Immune Function
- Female Reproduction
In addition, the Endocannabinoid system works most efficiently in a person who is healthy and not overweight. Exercise and diets that are rich in fatty acids can also help to boost the endocannabinoid system!
How Do Cannabinoids Help Humans And Other Mammals?
NORML, claims that the endocannabioind system is the, “most important physiologic system involved in maintaining human health”.
The endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors in the body help to explain why some plants have natural healing properties.
Even our pets can benefit from their own endocannabinoid systems!
Before prohibiton, marijuana was used as a common natural medicine for headaches and other ailments. The benefits of marijuana and hemp have been known for centuries. The past 100 years of illegality has really hurt the research into cannabis as a beneficial medicine.
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Sources:
What Are Cannabinoid Receptors
Images Courtesy Of Tyler Strause and Linda Strause, Ph.D. and info@wpa4a.org
Comment Below If This Info Was Useful To You!
Great description of the Endocannabinoid System. I’ll definitely keep this article handy for reference.
Thank you for reading budbubbler, I am glad you enjoyed it. I am not a scientific mind so I tried to explain as simply as I could – hope it helps you in your quest to become a budtender! From what I have read on your site, your future customers will enjoy being served by someone like you who genuinely cares about cannabis becoming an every-day medicine
Thank you for the compliment! I’m definitely passionate about cannabis education and use. I’ve experienced multiple health benefits from cannabis consumption and I have seen what it can do for family and friends. It’s an exciting time to live in BC and witness the growing social acceptability surrounding the medical benefits of cannabis.
B.C is a great place to be right now! It is crazy to think how much the times have changed with regards to cannabis and the stigmas associated with it. It will be a matter of time before cannabis is whole-heartedly accepted as a medicine by all 🙂