The endocannabinoid system

GrandpaGreg

New Member
I am surprised that there is not more discussion in this group about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Many testimonials will make more sense the more one understands the ECS. It is a body system of cellular receptors plus our own cannabinoids (endo). This systems promotes homeostasis, an organism maintaining a steady, healthy state in spite of the external environment. The ECS does this at the cellular, tissue, organ and body level. Two receptors have been identified. CB1 receptors are primarily in the brain and nervous system. CB2 receptors are primarily in the parts of the body responsible for our immune system (spleen, liver, bone marrow, ...).

The ECS was discovered in the late eighties while studying cannabis (hence the name). Cannabis (and to a far lesser degree, other plants) produces photocannabinoids, most notably THC and CBD. THC binds to the CB1 receptor just like an endocannabinoid. That is why it is good for pain. CBD stimulates the body to generate more endocannabinoids that bind to the CB2 receptor. It is not quite that simple and it must be noted that cannabis works synergistically. Isolating or artificially creating cannabinoids is a bad idea (unless you are in the pharma industry)

Cannabis is wonderful medicine because it interacts with our ECS when our endocannabinoids cannot keep up.

The ECS is estimated to have been evolving for 600 million years and is present in all animals except insects. Cannabis has been estimated to have been evolving for only 40 million years.
 
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