Cannabis is hands-down the most controversial yet versatile plant to ever grace this earth. The moment you were introduced to cannabis, whether medically, recreationally, spiritually, or for all reasons combined, you may have realized that what you have always been told about cannabis is a lie. When I first smoked marijuana and began learning about the endocannabinoid system, the ploy became as transparent as the underwear I happen to not be wearing.
After smoking marijuana, it was no longer an evil plant that deserved the stamp of prohibition. It was no longer the gateway drug leading first-time users to hard narcotics. “Reefer Madness” propaganda turned into a laughingstock, wilder than Harry Anslinger could have imagined after prohibition. The “unruly promiscuous women” smoking cannabis were now trailblazers to be looked up to rather than pawned off as the devil’s spawn. All of these mind-blowing revelations make for a truly sublime experience. No longer a victim of government propaganda, it was the firmest sense of well-being I’d ever experienced to date. As I detached from my toxic ego and allowed my naked soul to exist in its unapologetic cannabis-induced glory, the feeling was truly phenomenal. But how? Why? How is it possible to feel this sense of homeostasis in every aspect of life after a couple hits of a plant we’ve all been brainwashed to fear? This is all happening as a result of the motherboard of every cannabis high, the endocannabinoid system.
Whether you smoke cannabis or not, everyone has an endocannabinoid system. In fact, if you’ve ever felt a ‘runner’s high,’ your endocannabinoid system played a role in that euphoric feeling. Consider this a simple crash course on a very complex part of our bodies.
WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for controlling dysfunction and maintaining homeostasis throughout the body. It is comprised of endogenous cannabinoid receptors found throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. The primary receptors are CB1 and CB2, which exist in different areas of the body. These receptors love the 100+ cannabinoids that exist in varying combinations in the cannabis plant, particularly THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Each cannabinoid produces its own benefits for the body, especially pain and inflammation relief. Scientists believe there are many other components of the endocannabinoid system that has yet to be discovered. This is because the US Government scheduled marijuana as a schedule I substance with no medical value, thus barring the plant from studies unless granted permission by the government. This is strangely coincidental since marijuana has been used since the beginning of time as MEDICINE, and was the number one cash crop in America up until the late 1800s….But I digress, that is a story for another day, back to CB1 and CB2.
CB1 Receptors
CB1 was the first cannabinoid receptor discovered by Cambridge University in 1990. CB1 Receptors are found in highest quantities in the Central Nervous System, which consists of the brain and spinal cord; however, they can be found all over the body. This receptor is responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC. Who doesn’t love THC?! Personally, I love THC like I love Pecan Sandies- A LOT! CB1 receptors are densely found throughout parts of the brainstem and amygdala section, where they help regulate pain from overstimulated nerve cells, reduce nausea, and control anxiety and fear.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 was discovered shortly after in 1993. This receptor is primarily an anti-inflammatory agent and has influence over the immune system. You can find these little guys on the surface of many different immune cells in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, bowels, spleen, bladder, thymus, tonsils, bone marrow, and even your skin. When the immune system gets annoyed, it isolates the problem by sending inflammatory chemicals to the area. CB2 receptors help to moderate and reduce these pain and inflammatory responses, which can be modulated by certain cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
Endogenous Cannabinoids
The endocannabinoid system regulates itself naturally through producing and releasing two endogenous cannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Both lipids act as neurotransmitters that deliver specific instructions to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are then forwarded by receptors to the surrounding cells they target. Their processes are similar, but Anandamide is considered the “bliss molecule” because its effects on CB1 receptors are similar to the euphoric effects of THC, and 2-AG, the most abundant endocannabinoid in the body, is the primary binding molecule for CB2 receptors. Both have similar but critical roles in the quality of messages delivered to cells by receptors. For a more technical explanation, check out this journal on the endogenous cannabinoid system.
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is the party crasher. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of cannabinoids at the receptor site, which reduces their effects and the quality of messages they’re sending to nearby cells. One of the ways CBD works with the body is by stalling the breakdown of cannabinoids, which gives the body more time to utilize and build up its supply before FAAH breaks it down.
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids that exist within the body are called endocannabinoids (endo = within). Cannabinoids that exist in plants are called phytocannabinoids (phyto = plant). The most popular plant source for cannabinoids is cannabis, but they do exist in other types of plants. Their molecular structure is so similar that the body uses them interchangeably to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most popular phytocannabinoids because they exist in the largest quantities in cannabis, but plants can contain over 100 different types of cannabinoids that affect the body in different ways.
Cannabis, like pharmaceutical drugs, will require time for you to discover the correct products and dosage for your desired effect. Everyone is different and so are our endocannabinoid systems. Some people find that their hearts get a little too racy, or maybe they’re feeling dizzy or anxious – this could be caused by the overexpression of the CB1 receptors. If that’s the case, low dose THC strains are probably the way to go. Perhaps a high-CBD strain such as AC/DC, Cannatonic, or Harlequin would suit you better. The same can happen when someone doesn’t feel a ‘body high’ as strongly as others may. This can be an underexpression of CB2 receptors… or just some weak ass herb, but that’s for you to decide.
As you continue your cannabis journey, you will start to realize which strains your endocannabinoid system loves and give you the best quality of life. Cannabis is such a versatile plant with so many ways to consume all of its cannabinoid and terpene goodness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strains and terpenes. Ask questions, do your research, and be your own advocate. Cannabis is an increasingly beautiful gift naturally given to our earth – use it! With all of that being said, stay happy, stay lit, and smoke up in the name of your endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis and endocannabinoid modulators: Therapeutic promises and challenges
Cannabis and cannabinoids: For health professionals
Emerging Role of the CB2 Receptor in Immune Regulation and Therapeutic Prospects
The CB2 Receptor and its Role as a Regulator of Inflammation