Introducing the Amazing Endocannabinoid System
Cannabis sativa extracts are known to cause a wide range of medicinal effects. Many of these effects have been recognized by physicians as early as the third millennium BC. Cannabis extracts were widely used for medicinal purposes for nearly 3000 years until 1937 when cannabis was banned in the United States.
Nevertheless, recent insights into the mechanical systems underlying the body's natural therapeutic response to cannabis has caused a resurgence of interest in its use for medicinal purposes.
In a recent lecture by a leading osteopathic doctor and Diplomat of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, Dustin Sulak stated that when it comes to maintaining human health, the internal cannabinoid system is probably the most important physiological system of all. Over the course of his lecture Dr. Sulak explained that the endocannabinoid system is closely connected with cannabis.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
According to Leaf Science, scientists are aware of at least 2 types of endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. Each of these receptors perform different functions:
- CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain. However, these receptors are also present in a variety of peripheral tissues and cells. They aid in memory, sleep, appetite and mood.
- CB2 receptors are located within immune cells and hematopoietic systems. These receptors are responsible for helping to reduce inflammation.
Why is the endocannabinoid system so important?
The endocannabinoid system is a system of chemical signals endogenous to the human body. These signals are involved in virtually every physiological human process. According to researchers at the National Research Council of Italy, the endocannabinoid system extensively influences human health. For instance, the body's metabolism, central nervous system and cardiovascular system are all influenced by chemical signals sent through the endocannabinoid system. Moreover, the muscular skeletal system, the gastrointestinal system, and the muscular skeletal systems are also influenced by endocannabinoid signals.
How does the endocannabinoid system work?
Endocannabinoids are a system of receptors found throughout the body. For instance, these receptors can be found in the brain, bodily organs and connective tissue. They can also be located in glands and immune cells.
Proper stimulation of endocannabinoid receptors can stabilize health conditions in several different areas of the body. Glaucoma, diabetes, cancer and chronic pain are among the health conditions that can be improved by modulating the activity of endocannabinoid receptors.
Moreover, because the receptors can be found in the brain, stimulation of endocannabinoids can also be used to counteract psychological disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
Does marijuana play a role in the endocannabinoid system?
Studies show that there are roughly 60 cannabinoids present within marijuana. However, THC is the only psychoactive. Other cannabinoids have well-documented therapeutic effects, including anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) found in marijuana stimulates the receptors present throughout the endocannabinoid system in a way that promotes homeostasis throughout the body. As a result, cannabis is useful for treating a wide range of illnesses. Since cannabis does not have any deadly side effects, a growing number of physicians would like to prescribe cannabis for medical use to their patients.
Cannabinoids and the Future
Cannabis has been proven useful for treating a wide range of diseases, as well as preventing them. The endocannabinoid system's role in creating homeostasis throughout the body is vital for improving health and enhancing the quality of life for those in need. Since marijuana helps to facilitate the stimulation of endocannabinoid receptors without causing harm to the body, its use as a medical treatment is rational.
As physicians understand about the endocannabinoid system the inclusion of cannabis for medical use will become more common.