the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Before discussing the functions of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), it is important to understand its components. The ECS is comprised of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands (binding molecules) for those receptors, and enzymes that synthesize and degrade the ligands.
The most well known cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. Both types of cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the entire body, but are distributed differently. CB1 receptors are concentrated primarily in the brain, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system. However, CB1 receptors are also distributed in a variety of peripheral areas like adipose (fat) tissue, and CB2 receptors are expressed to some degree in the brain.
The primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). Anandamide was discovered in 1992 and determined to be the endogenous ligand for the CB1 receptor. Its chemical structure is very similar to tetrahydrocannabinol. 2-AG was discovered in 1995, and unlike anandamide has a high affinity for activating both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Anandamide and 2-AG are synthesized from arachidonic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid, although the specific pathways and synthesizing enzymes vary. Anandamide is degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and 2-AG by monoacylglyceride lipase. Both endocannabinoids are manufactured “on demand” [as needed], using precursor molecules from cell membranes.
The most well known cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. Both types of cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the entire body, but are distributed differently. CB1 receptors are concentrated primarily in the brain, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system. However, CB1 receptors are also distributed in a variety of peripheral areas like adipose (fat) tissue, and CB2 receptors are expressed to some degree in the brain.
The primary endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). Anandamide was discovered in 1992 and determined to be the endogenous ligand for the CB1 receptor. Its chemical structure is very similar to tetrahydrocannabinol. 2-AG was discovered in 1995, and unlike anandamide has a high affinity for activating both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Anandamide and 2-AG are synthesized from arachidonic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid, although the specific pathways and synthesizing enzymes vary. Anandamide is degraded by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and 2-AG by monoacylglyceride lipase. Both endocannabinoids are manufactured “on demand” [as needed], using precursor molecules from cell membranes.
The Primary Function of the Endocannabinoid System
The overall role of the ECS is described best by Dr. Dustin Sulak, the Director of Integr8 Health in Maine. His firm has treated thousands of patients with medicinal cannabis, and Dr. Sulak is one of the most sought-after speakers for medicinal cannabis conferences.
As Dr. Sulak discussed in an endocannabinoid introductory article, the primary function of endocannabinoid activity is to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. This stability is known as homeostasis, which endocannabinoids promote at the most basic levels. These endocannabinoids regulate homeostasis through a wide variety of mechanisms, including facilitation of intercellular communication between different cell types.
“At the site of an injury, for example, cannabinoids can be found decreasing the release of activators and sensitizers from the injured tissue, stabilizing the nerve cell to prevent excessive firing, and calming nearby immune cells to prevent release of pro-inflammatory substances. Three different mechanisms of action on three different cell types for a single purpose: minimize the pain and damage caused by the injury,” said Dr. Sulak.
When cells communicate, neurotransmitters normally flow from presynaptic neurons to postsynaptic neurons. Endocannabinoids are unique, being able to travel in the opposite direction and deliver feedback to the presynaptic cell. This process is a fundamental mechanism by which endocannabinoids maintain homeostasis. For example, if a neuron is firing messages too quickly, then endocannabinoids (usually 2-AG) instruct it to slow down by traveling upstream and activating presynaptic CB1 receptors.
As Dr. Sulak discussed in an endocannabinoid introductory article, the primary function of endocannabinoid activity is to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. This stability is known as homeostasis, which endocannabinoids promote at the most basic levels. These endocannabinoids regulate homeostasis through a wide variety of mechanisms, including facilitation of intercellular communication between different cell types.
“At the site of an injury, for example, cannabinoids can be found decreasing the release of activators and sensitizers from the injured tissue, stabilizing the nerve cell to prevent excessive firing, and calming nearby immune cells to prevent release of pro-inflammatory substances. Three different mechanisms of action on three different cell types for a single purpose: minimize the pain and damage caused by the injury,” said Dr. Sulak.
When cells communicate, neurotransmitters normally flow from presynaptic neurons to postsynaptic neurons. Endocannabinoids are unique, being able to travel in the opposite direction and deliver feedback to the presynaptic cell. This process is a fundamental mechanism by which endocannabinoids maintain homeostasis. For example, if a neuron is firing messages too quickly, then endocannabinoids (usually 2-AG) instruct it to slow down by traveling upstream and activating presynaptic CB1 receptors.
the CANNABINOIDS
Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Ligands for these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids(produced naturally in the body by humans and animals), the phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially).
In addition to cannabinoids, the chemical profile of the cannabis plant contains other compounds like terpenoids, amino acids, proteins, sugars, enzymes, fatty acids, esters, and flavonoids, just to name a few
The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant. There are at least 85 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.
In addition to cannabinoids, the chemical profile of the cannabis plant contains other compounds like terpenoids, amino acids, proteins, sugars, enzymes, fatty acids, esters, and flavonoids, just to name a few
The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of the plant. There are at least 85 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.
(Photo: Coleen Danger/Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is a phytocannabinoid that activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. The CB1 receptors are generally located in the nervous system and they are responsible for the psychoactive effect that THC can cause. The CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are more located in the immune and gastrointestinal systems. They play a major role in minimizing inflammation. the compound causes some pain reduction, may reduce aggression, can stimulate appetite, and may help reduce nausea. Higher doses may cause the “high” associated with marijuana, leading to altered perception of time and space, and feelings of happiness or fatigue. scientists have even shown that THC can promote the growth of new brain cells through a process known as neurogenesis.
Strains with high concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) have made their way back into the mainstream and there is a budding trend to develop high cannabigerol (CBG) strains. Although a well-balanced cannabinoid profile is certainly ideal, strains high in THC have shown to serve a purpose. Not only is it beneficial as a supplement to everyday life, but it has successfully helped a number of people deal with incurable diseases.
"CBD-3D-balls" by Ben Mills
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major phytocannabinoid, accounting for up to 40% of the plant's extract. CBD is considered to have a wider scope of medical applications than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD has anti-psychotic effects and may counteract the potential psychotomimetic effects of THC on individuals with latent schizophrenia. some reports show it to be an alternative treatment for schizophrenia that is safe and well-tolerated. Studies have shown CBD may reduce schizophrenic symptoms due to its apparent ability to stabilize disrupted or disabled NMDA receptor pathways in the brain, which are shared and sometimes contested by norepinephrine and GABA.
some excerpts from "A brief Overview of the Endocannabinoid system" by Justin Kander on Medicaljane.com
for more information on the science of Medical Marijuana visit their site
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