What is the Endocannabinoid System?
Prior to 1992, we were taught that there is only 11 major Organ Systems in the body. The circulatory, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, integument, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, lymphatic, and digestive systems. However, there was another major organ system that was discovered in 1992. Scientist Raphael Mechoulamas as well as NIMH researchers William Devane and Dr. Lumir Hanus discovered this system, The Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
These researchers discovered the ECS while they were studying the cannabinoid, THC. They were trying to understand how THC affected the body. In doing so, they found we naturally have a remarkably complex network of receptors expressed in cells throughout our body’s central and peripheral nervous systems, they called them cannabinoid receptors. Those receptors work like a “lock and key” relationship with cannabinoids. The researchers discovered from the experiment that the phytocannabinoid THC bound to the CB-1 receptors throughout the body. They later discovered that CBD primarily interacts with CB-2 receptors.
They then decided to research the other half of the equation: If there are receptors in our body that will bind to a phytocannabinoid, than might that mean our bodies naturally produce some sort of cannabinoids on their own?
The answer was Yes!
Discovering cannabinoid receptors led the researchers to discover that our bodies produce their own natural cannabinoids that bind to the receptors. Anandamide was attributed as the first cannabinoid discovered that our body naturally produces. Our body’s cannabinoids along with Phytocannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG..etc.) work in conjunction with the receptors throughout our entire body.
Scientist Raphael Mechoulam's Documentary, "The Scientist"
A child of the Holocaust, his family landed in Israel as they fled persecution, there began the Scientist's life long career as the chief investigator into the Biology and Chemistry of the cannabis plant. Click on the poster below for the hour long documentary digging into the Scientist's life and understanding why he is credited as the Father of Cannabis Research.
Some of his many accomplishments:
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In 1963, his research team and himself discovered the structure of CBD
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First research group to fully detail the structure chemical compounds known as cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, mostly researched in the flower portion of the plant
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Published more than 350 scientific articles
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First to determine the THC cannabinoid (component of Medical Marijuana)
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His team and himself were the first to discover Anandamide and isolate it
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Over 7,000 Israelis can fill a prescription for cannabis to ease pain and enhance appetite as of 2012. This was all accredited to Dr Raphael's research efforts.
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Collaborated with associates in Israel, the US, Canada, Spain, Germany, Brazil, New Zealand, Italy and Japan while consulting for a pharmaceutical company.
So, What does the ECS do?
The ECS helps modulate the regulation of homeostasis across all major body systems ensuring that all systems work in concert with one another. The ECS restores balance in the body.
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The best way to describe Homeostasis: picture a pendulum swinging back and forth going from one extreme to the other. Homeostasis is the middle ground where peace lies. Not too extreme to one side or the other, just balanced in the middle. The ECS is involved in regulating homeostasis with things that involve appetite, pain modulation, digestion, reproduction, motor learning, stress, memory, mood, physiology and our everyday experience.
Bradley E Alger, Ph.D. has published many articles on researching discoveries in the US National Library of Medicine and quotes: “The endogenous cannabinoid system—named for the plant that led to its discovery—is one of the most important physiologic systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the body: in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. With its complex actions in our immune system, nervous system, and virtually all of the body’s organs, the endocannabinoids are literally a bridge between body and mind. By understanding this system, we begin to see a mechanism that could connect brain activity and states of physical health and disease.”
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) is based on the concept that the root issue of many disorders can be attributed to our body’s endocannabinoid system being deficient in cannabinoids. Because the ECS is responsible for managing homeostasis in our bodies, when it is not functioning properly, there are side effects.
In 2001, a theory of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED) was presented by two publications and is continuing to be researched and updated. Please click on this link to read further into the findings of the publications: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED).
Research is continuing to develop answers and ask more questions about the many benefits of maintaining a healthy Endocannabinoid System. It is believed that by supplementing the body with naturally occurring cannabinoids from plants, we can correct this deficiency, relieve symptoms and restore health.
