Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System

 

Knowledge about the endocannabinoid system is relatively new.  The endocannabinoid system is known as "the body’s own cannabinoid system." The ECS is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, 

pain-sensation, mood, and memory,  and in mediating the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

 

In the little more than 20 years since researchers began developing an understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating a variety of bodily functions, research has dramatically increased on how cannabis and its many constituent cannabinoids affect the human body. There is now a huge body of evidence and peer-reviewed research that has been published on various aspects of the endocannabinoid system.

 

Overview of the Endocannabinoid System

 

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of a sophisticated group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors of 

neuromodulatory lipids, their receptors, and signaling pathways. 

 

The ECS is located in the mammalian brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems.  The ECS is involved in regulating a variety of physiological processes including movement, mood, memory, appetite, and pain, and in mediating the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

 

Endocannabinoid receptors

 

Two primary endocannabinoid receptors have been identified: CB1, first cloned in 1990; and CB2, cloned in 1993.

 

CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the brain and central nervous system, as well as in peripheral organs and tissues such as the eyes, lungs, kidneys, liver and digestive tract, and are the main molecular target of the endocannabinoid ligand (binding molecule), Anandamide, as well as its mimetic phytocannabinoid, THC.

 

CB2 receptors are primarily located in tissues associated with immune function, such as the spleen, thymus, tonsils, bone marrow, and white blood cells. CB2 is active at both cannabinoid receptors, along with its own mimetic phytocannabinoid, and is involved in the regulation of appetite, immune system functions and pain management.  

 

Although the brain's receptors for cannabinoids far outnumber its opiate receptors, perhaps by as much as ten to one, the relative safety of cannabis is explained by the fact that cannabinoid receptors are virtually absent from those regions at the base of the brain that are responsible for such vital functions as breathing and heart control. [1] 

 

Dr. Ethan Russo - Leading modern cannabinoid researcher

 

Dr. Ethan Russo, one of the leading modern cannabinoid researchers on the endocannabinoid system, offers this comprehensive description of the ECS and its importance to a variety of physiological functions:

 

"The analgesic and palliative effects of the cannabis and cannabinioid preparation have been amply reported over the past generation.... In essence, the effects result from a combination of receptor and non-receptor mediated mechanisms. THC and other cannabinoids exert many actions through cannabinoid receptors, G-protein coupled membrane receptors that are extremely densely represented in central, spinal, and peripheral nociceptive pathways.

 

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) even regulate integrative pain structures such as the periaqueductal gray matter. The endocannabinoid system also interacts in numerous ways with the endogenous opioid and vanillio systems that that can modulate analgesia and with a myriad of other neurotransmitter systems such as the serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutameatergic, etc, pertinent to pain. Research has shown that the addition of cannabinoid agonists to opiates enhances analgesic efficacy markedly in experimental animals, helps diminish the likelihood of the development of opiate tolerance, and prevents opiate withdrawal.

 

The current author has suggested that a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency may underlie the pathogenesis of migraine, fibromyalgia, idiopathic bowel syndrome, and numerous other painful conditions that defy modern pathophysiological explanation or adequate treatment." [2]

 

In summary the endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the body. The primary function of the endocannabinoid system is cellular homeostasis. Our understanding of the endocannabinoid system is currently incomplete and still emerging.  Manipulation of the endocannabinoid system may provide effective treatments for a wide variety of conditions.

 

Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System Dr Dustin Sulak, D.O.

 

Dr Sulak provides a description of the ECS lipid signaling network essential to health, healing, and homeostasis,  adapted from a class for doctors entering the field of Cannabis-based Medicine.

 

Dustin Sulak, DO, is the founder and medical director of Maine Integrative Healthcare in Manchester, Maine, and Integr8 Health, LLC in Falmouth Maine. This article is based on Dr Sulak’s presentation for the Society of Cannabis Clinicians’ CME course, which can be accessed via cannabisclinicians.org. (5) 

 

Read Dr Sulak's article here. 

 

Please also watch these informative videos on the endocannabinoid system.