WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?

You may go back to my dissertation paper to read the full information on the Endocannabinoid System (EC System) but since as recently as the 1990’s it is now a scientific fact that all humans have this physiological system in their bodies and therefore are supposed to consume Cannabis in order to stimulate this ‘new’ physiological system which got its name from the Cannabis Plant.  Sadly despite this revelation in science the plant with all its healing qualities remains out of reach of the average person by unfair laws, but we give thanks as consciousness is changing and people are starting to stand up and demand their rights and we can see this happening all over the world today.

So we already know that most of our tissues contain both CB1 and CB2 receptors, and each receptor is associated with a specific function which is to assist and protect the nervous system (CB1receptors) and to assist and protect the immune system (CB2 receptors), by maintaining homeostasis throughout the nervous and immune system as well as the endocrine system.

When cannabinoid receptors are stimulated by the consumption of cannabinoids, a number of physiologic processes start to take place.

When cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, they proceed to modify the way the body functions, especially when there is a threat to homeostasis at any level of the body.

The Endocrine system is part of the body’s main control mechanism and controls our hormone system, and the main function of the Endocrine system is also homeostasis and so these two systems work alongside each other in defending the body from unnatural imbalance from external environmental sources.

It is also interesting to note that the Endocrine glands are directly aligned to the spiritual chakras, which is not a physical system but rather a system made up of aspects of consciousness. Reiki healers and other natural metaphysical healers’ would focus on the chakras when carrying out their healing methods, and always with great success, which is proof that the connection between mind and body healing are essential to overall health and healing.

The position of each of the seven chakras directly corresponds to the position of the particular endocrine gland which it affects.

The position of the EC system as being an important regulatory system in the function of brain, endocrine and immune tissues, quite literally makes the EC System a bridge between body and mind and by gaining an understanding of the Endocannabinoid System, we are beginning to see a physiological engine which can go a long way to explaining how our state of consciousness can promote our health and healing.

 

 

Figure 1 Chakras and the Endocrine System

Source www.healingfromtheheart.co.uk

 

 

 

 

CHAKRA

                                                                                           ENDOCRINE GLAND

CROWN CHAKRA	PINEAL GLAND
THIRD EYE CHAKRA	PITUITARY GLAND
THROAT CHAKRA	THYROID GLAND
HEART CHAKRA	THYMUS GLAND
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA	PANCREAS
SACRAL CHAKRA	OVARIES
ROOT CHAKRA	ADRENAL GLANDS AND GONADS IN MALES

 

WHAT ARE ENDOCANNABINOIDS?

Endocannabinoids are the chemical substances which our bodies naturally produce to stimulate the identified CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, and, just as we need to boost our nervous and immune systems by consuming the required chemical components our body’s need, so too must we boost our EC System by consuming cannabinoids which in the required quantities, are unique to the Cannabis plant.

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found everywhere in the body, deep rooted within the cell membranes, and are now believed to be more numerous than any other receptor system in the body.

Two endocannabinoids have been identified and although science has already reported that they are investigating other endocannabinoids at this time, these are the two that we know the most about:

1.     ANANDAMIDE

Anandamide is a chemical molecule produced by the body and shares most but not all of the pharmacological properties of THC, and mimics the properties of THC in the body.

Anandamide’s actions at CB1 receptors are imitated by herbal and synthetic THC.

Anandamide plays an important role in appetite control, pain and depression as well as memory and fertility, and is also associated with feelings of euphoria in the same way as THC is.

2.    2-ARACHIDONOYLGLYCEROL (2-AG)

2-AG is the most common and widespread Endocannabinoid in the brain, working mostly with CB1 receptors in the nervous system.

Neuro-protection, cognitive flexibility performance and metabolic regulation are amongst the properties of 2-AG.

An interesting observation is that it has been noted in numerous studies that the expression of endocannabinoids does not relate to the distribution of cannabinoid receptors in the brain, suggesting that our endocannabinoids could also be interacting with other receptors or be involved with other cell processes. It is my personal belief that we all have cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies. All research evidence is pointing to this reality.

Considering that the EC System is responsible for the well- being of the nervous, immune and endocrine systems, perhaps in lay man’s terms this indicates that both the EC system and Cannabis indeed have a most profound effect on the human body.

 

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

1.    NEUROGENESIS

Neurogenesis is the creation of new neurons in the brain (new brain cells). Contrary to popular belief, research continues to show that Cannabis does not kill brain cells and in fact a recent study published in The International Journal of Neuropharmacology points to cannabinoids as a cause of neurogenesis in the brain and it was shown that Cannabidiol (CBD) increases adult neurogenesis while having no effect on learning.

“Most ‘drugs of abuse’ suppress neurogenesis.  Only marijuana promotes neurogenesis” – Dr Xia Zhang (Canadian researcher)

The complexity of the interactions between various cannabinoids, cell types, systems and individual organisms continues to challenge scientists and scholars alike, pushing researchers to meditate upon new ways to study health and how the body works. One possible ‘new’ way would be to consider both the internal and external human in other words the physical and spiritual being when reasoning about health solutions.

2.    HOMEOSTASIS/ADAPTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

Homeostasis is the number one factor in the biology of all living things and is best described as the ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite constant fluctuations in the external environment and the ability to maintain homeostasis is necessary for survival and medical disorders result from the failure of the body to maintain homeostasis, also known as homeostatic imbalance.

Cannabinoids are responsible for promoting homeostasis at every level of biological life, right from the sub-cellular, to the organism, and perhaps even to the community and beyond.

3.    AUTOPHAGY

 The EC system controls the process of autophagy which is a process involving cellular destruction of unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components.

The process of autophagy breaks down damaged organelles, cell membranes and proteins, but does not damage or alter healthy cells at all, unlike the majority of so called cancer fighting drugs which kill off healthy cells as well as damaged cells.

The failure of autophagy is believed to be the main reason for on-going cell damage and the aging process.

It seems obvious therefore that we need to boost our EC systems in order to maintain our good health and indeed our longevity and failure to do so will result in a number of medical disorders.

The death of cancer cells, in turn, promotes homeostasis and survival at the level of the entire organism.

4.    ANALGESIA AND ANTI-IMFLAMMATORY

Cannabinoids are also found at the intersection of the body's various systems, allowing communication and coordination between different cell types.

For example, at the site of an injury, cannanbinoids can be found decreasing the release of activators and sensitizers from the injured tissue, thus stabilizing the nerve cells to prevent excessive firing, and calming nearby immune cells to prevent release of pro-inflammatory substances.

5.    REGULATION OF METABOLISM

Researchers have recently discovered that two of the six known cannabinoids can actually increase the amount of energy and fat which the body burns.

THCV and CBD are discussed in more detail under the heading The Big Six in a later chapter.

Although Cannabis is better known for inducing hunger in those who consume it, scientists have found that Cannabis also has an appetite suppressing effect.

It has been clinically proven that Cannabis boosts metabolism, leading to lower levels of fat in the liver and reduced cholesterol in the blood stream.

THCV was also found to increase sensitivity to insulin while also protecting the cells that produce insulin, allowing them to work more effectively, and this has certainly raised hopes that Cannabis can be developed into treatments for obesity related diseases as well as diabetes.

There is a definite link between Cannabis use, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance.

Scientists now know that Cannabis activates adiponectin, a protein involved in regulating glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism, proving that there is a strong relationship between cannabinoids and exterior metabolic processes and therefore Cannabis.

6.     HORMONE ABSORPTION

Studies have already shown that cannabinoids have a regulatory effect on the Endocrine System which controls hormone release as well as homeostasis in our bodies, indicating that cannabinoids can control the production and release of hormones.

The EC System is linked to the Endocrine system as it has been proven to play an important role in the secretion of hormones related to reproductive functions and response to stress, and therefore controls the functions of the Endocrine system.

Tests involving the production and release of oxytocin have given scientists hope to pursue studies of the role of cannabinoids in hormone release in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, as well as symptoms of autism.

HOW DO CANNABINOIDS WORK DIFFERENTLY TO OTHER NEUROTRANSMITTERS?

Brain cells are called neurons and they communicate with each other and with all the other cells in the body by sending chemical messages along the nervous system. These messages coordinate and regulate all which we think, feel and do in life.

The chemicals which are released from neurons (brain cells) are called neurotransmitters.  They travel across a small “gap” between cells known as a synapse.

Please see Figure 2 below, the space between the two purple neurons is the synapse.

They then attach themselves to specific receptors found on a nearby neuron and this automatically stimulates the receiving neuron into action, setting about a chain of events which allows the messages to be passed along.

When a neuron or cell is under attack, the cell in front of it is activated and is known as the pre-synaptic neuron, and the neuron behind the stressed cell is known as the post-synaptic neuron.

The EC system communicates its messages in a unique way because it essentially works in reverse, where other neurotransmitters are released and attach themselves to receptors on the post synaptic neuron forward to the pre-synaptic neuron. 

When a neuron is activated, the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) of the EC System, cannabinoids, are produced on demand from the fat cells already present in the neuron.

Cannabinoids are then released from that cell and travel in reverse to the pre-synaptic neuron and attach to the cannabinoid receptors of that cell.

The importance of this is that cannabinoids can actually act on pre-synaptic cells and therefore they can actually control what happens next when these cells are activated. Indeed a superior and brilliant defense system.

So cannabinoids work like a “dimmer switch” for pre-synaptic neurons by limiting the amount of various different neurotransmitters that gets released and this affects how messages and hormones are sent and received and processed by the cell.

The sole purpose of this function is to protect the cells from homeostatic imbalances which, is essential to sustaining life and optimum health as well as adjusting to environmental changes which are constantly changing and sadly not positively.

Cannabinoids are now deemed to be among the most common and the most important of all neurotransmitters which proves they are found throughout the body.

 

Figure 2: The Endocannabinoid (EC) System and THC

 

All evidence indicates that cannabinoids can act as both stimulants and inhibitors of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This is particularly evident in the research we have already seen on how cannabinoids affect appetite control, metabolic regulation as well as auto immune functions, its seems clear that whatever stress the body is under from external sources, where there are cannabinoids present they will rectify the situation and avoid a medical disorder.

THE BIG SIX - THE SIX MOST RESEARCHED CANNABINOIDS

There are over 460 known chemical constituents of the Cannabis plant and over 80 of these are cannabinoids, with new ones being discovered almost daily; so much more research is required to secure an over standing of the full mechanisms of the EC system and all of the cannabinoids present in the Cannabis plant, and how they work together to produce this life saving natural medicine.

The following list represents a summary of the six most well researched cannabinoids to date:

1.     THC – Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol - psychoactive

THC is the most well-known of all the cannabinoids and is the most psychoactive component of the Cannabis plant.

THC is the most active ingredient of Cannabis, and more than any other cannabinoid is associated with the majority of the pharmacologic effects of Cannabis, in order words, without THC most of the other cannabinoids would not occur or function in its absence.

THC imitates the actions of Anandamide (a cannabinoid produced naturally by the body) by binding with cannabinoid receptors and activating neurons, which can cause intricate effects on the mind and body.

It is critical to have an overstanding of the effects of psychedelic substances and in this respect we must strive to gain the responsibility to respect our dosage as only tiny amounts of cannabinoids is required to sustain optimum health.

THC has the ability to alter behavior, mood perception and consciousness and often promotes the meditation of sharing, humor and creativity, and feelings of euphoria.

There are many case studies and reports of people claiming to be able to enhance their natural abilities after consuming Cannabis including artists, students and athletes alike. In the same way many people will say that Cannabis induces psychosis and other mental conditions but as ii stated earlier the truth is on a spiritual level when you consume Cannabis this plant reveals YOU to you and it is easy to understand how some people can view this as psychosis.

The healing properties of THC include anti-cancer, anti-nausea, pain killer, appetite and metabolic regulation, anti-spasm, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, antimicrobial, neuro-protection (assists the brain from degenerating over time), anti-oxidant and so many more.

2.    CBD – Cannabidiol – Non psychoactive

CBD is a major constituent of medical Cannabis and does not possess psychoactive properties.

The presence of CBD can reduce some of the psychoactive effects of THC. So in other words a strain which is high in CBD will naturally be lower in THC so there will be less if any of a ‘high’.

CBD continues to show potential to relieve convulsion, inflammation, cough, congestion, nausea and most importantly the ability to reduce and in many reported cases of different types of cancers, to actually eliminate cancer cell growth.

CBD has also been shown to have anti- anxiety and anti-psychotic properties and is proving to bring great relief to people suffering with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and frequent anxiety attacks and seizures. This is ironic since the opposition keep on insisting that Cannabis causes schizophrenia, and remember one of the functions of the Endocannabinoid System is neurogenesis, generating new brain cells. Many people suffering with schizophrenia admit that using CBD rich Cannabis oil provides relief with overwhelming benefits.

Other healing abilities of CBD which have been researched include neuro protection, regulation of blood pressure and pain killing properties amongst others.

It has also been revealed that CBD has an effect on the genes which affect cholesterol metabolism and also has an appetite suppressing effect.

CBD also promotes uninterrupted sleep patterns which is essential to overall health and well -being. Insomnia is usually a big problem for people suffering with schizophrenia and indeed all the other conditions involving degeneration of brain cells.

There is not much you can do to increase CBD levels other than to choose strains with a known high CBD content.  CBD is naturally found in higher amounts in low THC varieties such as Cannabis ruderalis and some hemp species. So in other words people suffering from schizophrenia would need to source a ‘lower THC quality’ herb to prepare a high CBD medication.

3.     CBN – Cannabinol – Slightly psychoactive

CBN is only somewhat psychoactive at approximately ten per cent of the activity of THC.

CBN is a breakdown product of THC which takes place when THC is exposed to light or heat.

CBN levels in buds can be influenced by harvest, drying and curing processes and by waiting a little bit longer to harvest, until the trichomes are amber in colour, often results in higher levels of CBN. Higher exposure to air during the drying and curing stage and a longer curing phase also results in higher levels of CBN.

CBN in the presence of THC presents anti-anxiety properties, but does not in the absence of THC.

This is where we start to realise the intricacies of this plant and its components and in my experience treating a number of conditions, you will often hear me saying that all indications are that truthfully cannabinoids do not work effectively when isolated especially from THC.

CBN has sedative properties and has shown very promising anti-spasm properties, which is helping many children and adults who suffer from seizures. CBN also promotes uninterrupted sleep patterns.

CBN cannot exist without the presence of THC, and again this is the main reason why synthetic cannnabinoids are not as successful as herbal Cannabis.  CBN is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is usually very little CBN in the fresh plant.  CBN content increases as THC degrades in storage, and with exposure to light and air.  This is known as the curing process after harvest and is critical to the potency and purity therefore quality of the medication you are making.

4.     CBG – Cannabigerols – Non psychoactive

CBG has shown significant ability to counteract and terminate tumour formation.

CBG has also been shown to provide relief for intraocular pressure which has proven to be helpful in the treatment for glaucoma.

CBG has been identified as a primary cannabinoid because of the ability of the Cannabis plant to produce Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) which is exactly what makes the Cannabis plant so unique.

So chemically speaking CBG is the forerunner to the three major branches of cannabinoids:  Tetra-Hydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

Cannabis has natural enzymes called synthases (a chemical enzyme which is the catalyst in a synthetic process), which breaks the CBGA down to produce the various cannanbinoids.

The Cannabis plant has three synthases which have been identified (THC –synthase, CBD synthase, CBC –synthase) and are so named after the cannabinoid which they create.

CBG is found in higher concentrations in hemp than in varieties of Cannabis usually cultivated for a high THC content. So again, if you are looking to make a medicine which is high CBD and CBG you need to source a low THC quality herb.

 

5.    THCV – Tetrahydrocannabivarin -  Psychoactive

THCV has shown massive potential to treat diabetes and is being investigated as an anti-obesity drug because of its ability to regulate metabolism and suppress appetite.

THCV is almost identical in chemical structure to THC, but slightly different in that unlike THC, CBD and CBC, THCV does not start out as a cannabigerolic acid (CBGA).

Instead of combining with olivetolic acid to create CBGA, the geranyl phosphate joins forces with divarinolic acid, which has two less carbon molecules. 

The result is Cannabigerovarin acid (CBGVA).  Once CBGVA is created, the process continues exactly the same as it does for THC.  CBGVA is broken down to tetrahydrocannabivarin carboxylic acid (THCVA) by the THCV synthase.  At that point, THCVA can be decarboxylated with heat or UV light to create THCV.

The effect of THCV on the CB1 and CB2 receptors is different to the effects of THC.

THCV is in reality an antagonist (inhibitor) of the CB1 and CB2 receptors, so in other words instead of stimulating these receptors THCV actually blocks them from being activated which is what makes THCV so important in the study of obesity and appetite control and metabolic regulation which it is showing signs of being able to control, as an appetite suppressant.

THCV has shown to reduce and even completely block panic attacks and this feature has THCV also showing great potential to be able to lower the seizure and convulsion threshold for people suffering from seizures and spasms.

Some of the best loved sativa strains are known to be high in THCV for example Durban poison and many of the ‘Haze’ and ‘Cheese’ strains as well as their hybrids.

       6.     CBC – Cannabichromenes – non psychoactive

6.1 NEUROGENESIS

The Endocannabinoid Research Group stated that their results suggest that CBC can help the growth and survival of NPSCs. 

Neural Progenitor Stem Cell (NPSCs), are the stem cells of the brain and are vital to brain functioning.  NPSCs are the precursors to the three types of brain cells, being neurons, oligondendrocytes and astrocytes, and because they are able to create any of these cells, they are now being investigated to help regenerate brain cells. One can only begin to imagine how valuable this therapy would be in the treatment of Epilepsy, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

Astrocytes are the most prevalent cells in the brain and their role is to support and protect the neurons. At the site of injury, astrocytes repair a damaged area and replace any area that cannot be repaired.

The scientists at The Endocannabinoid Research Group have found that CBC is related to higher concentrations of NPSCs.  CBC also seems to inhibit the creation of proteins that cause the NPSCs to convert to other brain cells and this suggests that CBC may interact with this process and also take on the characteristics of being able to decide what brain cells are being developed and when they are being developed at cellular level. Brilliant natural technology!

CBC’s ability to promote neurogenesis is a fairly recent finding but previous studies suggest that THC and CBD can do the same, which again illustrates my reasoning that isolated or synthetic cannabinoids simply do not work as well as when working with the whole marijuana plant and in particular THC.

6.2  ANTI -TUMORAL PROPERTIES

CBC has shown to have anti-proliferative effects, which means it inhibits the growth of cancerous tumours.  This has been found to be as a result of its interaction with Anandamide (our natural Endocannabinoid) which has been found to aid the fight against human breast cancer.  CBC inhibits the uptake of Anandamide, which allows it to stay in the blood stream longer.

6.3 OTHER BENEFITS

CBC has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and very promising anti-biotic properties.

In addition CBC is also now believed to stimulate bone growth, which is a profound discovery in researching osteoporosis. There is a lot of research being conducted on the treatment of osteoporosis with Cannabis and coconut oil because of their role in hormone and vitamin absorption.