The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Understanding the medicinal benefits of cannabis begins with grasping how it interacts with our bodies. The groundbreaking scientific work led by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team, which isolated the THC molecule and discovered endogenous cannabinoids like Anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2AG), paved the way for our understanding of the ECS.
What is the ECS?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system discovered in the 1990s, responsible for regulating core aspects of our biological functioning. Present in the human body, as well as that of all mammals, the ECS regulates physiological and cognitive processes throughout.
Processes Regulated by the ECS include:
• Mood regulation
• Appetite and metabolism
• Pain sensation
• Memory and learning
• Inflammation and immune function
• Sleep regulation
In essence, the ECS maintains balance or homeostasis within the body by modulating these processes in response to internal and external stimuli.
Components of the ECS
Comprising three components—Endocannabinoids, Receptors, and Enzymes—the ECS oversees the synthesis and breakdown of cannabinoids. The two main receptors, CB1 primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2 in the body, interact with the two main endocannabinoids, Anandamide and 2-AG, respectively.
How Cannabis Affects the ECS
Endocannabinoids, as the name implies, are produced by our bodies to regulate bodily functions. Phytocannabinoids, external cannabinoids found in plants like cannabis, work similarly to Anandamide and 2-AG. THC operates akin to Anandamide, while CBD behaves similarly to 2-AG. For further resources on the ECS please click here.
Reconsidering Perceptions of Cannabis
Could it be that during times of stress or bodily dysregulation from disease or external factors, phytocannabinoids could assist us in regaining balance as we address the underlying issues? With our increased understanding of how the ECS functions and responds to phytocannabinoids, perhaps it’s time to reconsider our perceptions of cannabis.
Challenging Norms
In an era of abundance and advanced technology, our minds are not solely preoccupied with survival but also with other stimuli, some distant from us. Unfortunately, our subconscious minds fail to distinguish between real and perceived stressors, putting us at risk of prolonged imbalance and subsequent diseases that degrade our quality of life.
Cultivation and Education
I believe that a significant portion of the population, with the capacity to cultivate cannabis, should do so urgently. Home cultivation can educate us about the plant within our homes and communities, revealing its countless uses and benefits. South African law supports this, as home cultivation is a constitutional right. I envision a time when our healthcare system is world-class, thanks to responsible self-medication at home for a wide range of ailments.
This dream is achievable if we begin cultivating the plant now. When we grow, we grow together. Click here for a YouTube video about revolution of self