Our bodies produce compounds virtually identical to those found in the cannabis plant through a network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This fascinating system helps regulate mood, memory, appetite, sleep, immune function, and more — all in service of maintaining homeostasis, or internal balance.
“The ECS is critical for almost every aspect of our moment-to-moment functioning.” — Harvard Health
Mindful cannabis use may help boost or rebalance the ECS, particularly in cases of chronic stress, anxiety, inflammation, or sleep disruption, where the system may be under-functioning.
Core Components of the ECS
The ECS is composed of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, working together throughout the brain and body, whether cannabis is used or not.
Research has found our body produces two key endocannabinoids:
- Anandamide (AEA)
Named after the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning “bliss,” anandamide helps regulate mood, memory, appetite, pain, and even fertility. It also plays a role in neurogenesis which is the creation of new brain cells. - 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
The most abundant endocannabinoid in the body, 2-AG is essential in regulating immune function, cardiovascular health, and synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity impacts how brain cells adapt and learn and can modify subsequent thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Endocannabinoid Receptors
Next, we have endocannabinoid receptors.
The endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG bind to receptors to help the body respond to imbalance such as pain, stress, or inflammation. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 Receptors
Found in the brain, nervous system, and organs like the liver, lungs, and reproductive system. CB1 regulates mood, pain, memory, motor control, and neuroprotection. - CB2 Receptors
Found primarily in the immune system, gut, spleen, and peripheral nerves. CB2 modulates inflammation, immune response, and gut health.
Cannabis Connection
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can interact with receptors in the ECS, activating or modulating them to produce a variety of effects on the body and mind. Some examples of this cannabis connection:
THC binds directly to CB1, producing an elevated* effect. By directly activating CB1 receptors, THC can influence mood, and pain. THC also interacts with CB2 to modulate inflammation.
While it doesn’t bind directly, CBD modulates CB1 activity by reducing overstimulation and tempering THC’s intensity, which can help ease anxiety or paranoia. This begins to introduce us to the entourage effect and further pushes the need for more cannabis education.
CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids can activate CB2, reducing inflammation.
Enzymes
The next big player in the ECS is enzymes.
Enzymes regulate endocannabinoid activity by breaking them down quickly which keeps the ECS balanced and responsive. There are two main enzymes:
FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase)
Found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, FAAH breaks down the endocannabinoid AEA. This crucial breakdown maintains homeostasis by protecting mental clarity and preventing overstimulation.MAGL (Monoacylglycerol Lipase)
This enzyme breaks down the endocannabinoid 2-AG and is found throughout the brain, liver, and other tissues. MAGL works to mainstain homeostasis as well, ensuring 2-AG doesn’t linger too long in the system, keeping inflammation and immune responses regulated. A current area of research with MAGL includes its interaction with other cannabinoids including THCV and CBG.
As with everything in nature, balance is crucial
Cannabis Connection
CBD inhibits FAAH, prolonging AEA’s calming effects.
Current research suggests CBG, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, may inhibit FAAH and MAGL, supporting higher levels of both AEA and 2-AG, and potential therapeutic effects on neuroprotection, inflammation, antibacterials, metabolic syndrome, pain management, and cancer treatment.
CBN interacts lightly with CB1 and CB2, and when combined with THC, it may enhance sedative effects which is useful for sleep support.
To Heal the Planet, We Must Heal Ourselves
As Western healthcare continues to fall short in so many ways, cannabis education and research is crucial.
I began this research because I truly believe that a better understanding of how our ECS interacts with the cannabis plant can help heal many physical and mental ailments people throughout the world are suffering with.
To move forward, we must undo decades of misinformation and stigma rooted in politics, not science. Through education and intention, we can help people reconnect with the cannabis plant and themselves.
We need cannabis research and education. We need the cannabis plant to heal collectively.
*The words we use in cannabis education is important. Because of decades of propaganda, words like “high” can have a negative connotation. THC elevates the mind and body, and with the right dosage and context, can provide clarity and an uplifted mood.
