Cannabis Education - All About Endocannabinoids
When it comes to cannabis education, the pool of knowledge to learn about is seemingly endless. Here at Consume Cannabis, sharing the pool is something we’re most passionate about. Education is the heart of our business! Last month, we dialed in on our Illinois community by exploring local events. We know our Prairie State customers love to get out – we hope that you all enjoyed those events we suggested. For this month, we’re focusing on a different sector of cannabis education; buckle up as we explore all things endocannabinoids.
Exploring the Endocannabinoid System
First, to truly grasp the symbiotic relationship between marijuana and the human body, we must first get crystal clear with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intricate network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis—a state of balance—within our brains and bodies.
This system regulates a number of functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, immune response, and pain perception. When we consume marijuana, its cannabinoids interact with the ECS, influencing these processes in unique ways. How does that work you may ask? The answer to that lies within two receptors that exist within our bodies – CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Discovering Cannabinoid Receptors: CB1 and CB2
Next, before we get into the details and impact of endocannabinoids, let's delve into the receptors they interact with:
CB1
CB1 receptors function as the ‘office managers’, so to speak, regulating the levels and activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, which you could consider as the ‘office workers’.
This intricate process is facilitated by immediate feedback loops, which you could think of as the grand office meeting.
So when one signal interacts with a CB1 receptor, it sparks a domino effect for the other signals, igniting the feedback loop within the ECS and allowing the whole office to have one big party.
Whether the loops involve essential functions such as hunger, temperature, or alertness, these CB1 receptors serve as key modulators in taking care of our body.
CB2
Additionally, there is another type of cannabinoid receptor known as the CB2 receptor. This receptor primarily lives within our immune tissues, playing an important role in regulating our immune function.
They take on the managerial role of the sister office that CB1 manages.
The receptors contribute to regulating intestinal inflammation, contraction, and pain in cases of inflammatory bowel conditions.
Researchers have found that CB2 receptors hold potential as targets for drug development as they don’t trigger a cannabis-induced high as CB1 receptors do.
Endocannabinoids: Nature's Master Regulators
Furthermore, at the heart of the ECS are endocannabinoids—endogenous compounds our bodies naturally produce which have a strikingly similar structure to molecules in the cannabis plant.
There are two primary endocannabinoids that are currently known in scientific research: anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). They’re the office workers.
In 1992, a Czech analytical chemist named Lumír Hanuš was working in Israel with American pharmacologist William Devane when they had a groundbreaking discovery of the endocannabinoid, anandamide, that is still known today as one of the most important discoveries in cannabinoid science.
Anandamide
Anandamide, often referred to as the "bliss molecule," contributes to feelings of joy and contentment. It plays a crucial role in mood regulation, acting as a natural antidepressant.
Interestingly enough, anandamide was the first endocannabinoid discovered and it was named after the Sanskrit word ananda for bliss.
A naturally occurring arachidonic acid derivative, it serves as a neurotransmitter with multifaceted roles in the body.
Primarily responsible for binding to cannabinoid receptors, anandamide operates as a messenger molecule that plays a pivotal role in numerous bodily functions. As it interacts with these receptors, it assists in the regulation and coordination of various physiological processes, contributing to the intricate network of signaling within the body.
2-AG
2-AG primarily focuses on maintaining cardiovascular health and controlling inflammation. It's a key player in modulating pain perception, making it a potential target for managing chronic pain.
This endocannabinoid serves as an endogenous agonist of the CB1 receptor, playing a pivotal role in signaling pathways within the nervous system, making it a key player of homeostasis and balance within the body.
Additionally, it’s the primary endogenous ligand for the CB2 receptor, giving it greater influence within the endocannabinoid system.
Harmonizing Your Endocannabinoids at Consume Cannabis
Thanks for following along! We sincerely hope this blog was helpful in synthesizing a complex process that is pivotal to know to get the most out of your cannabis experience. We won’t stop here – be sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on cannabis education and more.
*Always consult a physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen.*
