There’s no doubt that cannabis has therapeutic benefits, whether you’re looking for symptom relief or mind-altering effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) makes it possible for the body to interact with the active chemical compounds found in cannabis, and this system is working in your body even if you don’t use cannabis. So what is the endocannabinoid system?
This system consists of cannabis-like substances that are produced naturally inside the body. It was discovered in the 1990s by researchers who were studying THC, and scientists still have a lot to learn about it. However, it is now known that the ECS plays a role in regulating several important processes including appetite, pain sensation, memory, sleep, and mood.
Keeping the Systems of the Body in Moderation
The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in homeostasis, a process that keeps bodily systems from going to extremes. It helps keep your cells within a narrowly defined range, preventing your blood sugar from getting too high or too low and your body temperature from getting too hot or too cold. This is a process that is extremely important for health and survival.
Parts of the ECS
The ECS consists of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are chemicals made by the body that are similar to cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids bind to receptors to signal the action that’s needed. They may target receptors to relieve pain, reduce inflammation or stimulate other processes. Once endocannabinoids carry out their function, enzymes break them down.
When THC binds with receptors, it may stimulate your appetite, relieve pain or trigger other symptoms such as paranoia. So far scientists don’t know how CBD interacts with the ECS, but it is known that CBD can relieve symptoms like nausea.
The ECS and Disease
Research continues to be done on how the ECS affects health. A deficiency of endocannabinoids appears to be related to some health conditions such as migraine and fibromyalgia. The increasing availability of CBD and medical cannabis is a good thing, especially because it may help correct endocannabinoid deficiencies that may lie behind some disorders.
Cannabinoids are being researched as potential treatments for many different disorders such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, psychiatric conditions, and more. CBD is already being used for some conditions such as childhood epilepsy and chronic pain. As time goes on and more research is done, there are likely to be more discoveries of the benefits of cannabinoids and the ECS system.
In the meantime, take advantage of the wide variety of cannabis products available at Foothill Wellness. Get in touch with us today!
