Understanding the endocannabinoid System 

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System and How Cannabis Works in Your Body

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, yet in recent decades, its therapeutic potential has been brought into the spotlight thanks to a deeper understanding of how cannabis interacts with the body. Central to this interaction is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and signalling molecules that play a vital role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, from mood and memory to pain and inflammation. At MOCA Health, we believe that understanding the endocannabinoid system is key to appreciating how cannabis can offer therapeutic benefits.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is a biological system found throughout the human body. It consists of three main components:

1. Endocannabinoids: These are naturally occurring compounds in the body that are chemically similar to cannabinoids found in cannabis. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

2. Cannabinoid Receptors: These are found on the surface of cells throughout the body and brain. The two primary receptors are CB1 receptors, primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, and CB2 receptors, mostly found in the immune system and peripheral organs.

3. Enzymes: These break down the endocannabinoids once they have served their purpose. The two main enzymes are FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) and MAGL (monoacylglycerol lipase).

4. The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, which is the body’s internal balance. When something disrupts this balance, the ECS works to bring things back to a stable state. It does so by regulating processes such as pain, inflammation, sleep, appetite, and immune function.

5. How Does Cannabis Work with the Endocannabinoid System?

6. Cannabinoids in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors on cells, mimicking the action of the body’s natural endocannabinoid.

• THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain. When THC binds to these receptors, it can produce the "high" typically associated with cannabis use. THC is known to affect a wide range of bodily functions, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, increased appetite, and relaxation.

• CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a high. It has a much lower affinity for the CB1 receptor but has been shown to influence the ECS in various beneficial ways. CBD is known to interact with several other receptors and enzymes in the body, promoting anti-inflammatory effects, reducing anxiety, and helping to manage pain. It also works synergistically with THC, enhancing its therapeutic effects while reducing unwanted side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia.

In addition to THC and CBD, there are numerous other cannabinoids in cannabis, including CBG (cannabigerol) and CBC (cannabichromene), each with their own therapeutic potential. These cannabinoids all work together to produce what is known as the entourage effect.

The Entourage Effect: How Cannabis Compounds Work Together

The entourage effect refers to the idea that the various compounds found in cannabis—cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—work together synergistically to produce a more potent therapeutic effect than any single compound could achieve alone.

For example, CBD can enhance the effects of THC while reducing its psychoactive effects. Similarly, terpenes, which are aromatic compounds found in cannabis, have their own therapeutic properties and can further enhance or modify the effects of cannabinoids. Some terpenes may help with relaxation (such as myrcene) or boost mood and focus (such as limonene).

At MOCA Health, we understand the importance of the entourage effect and offer products that take full advantage of this synergy to deliver optimal therapeutic outcomes for our patients.

How Cannabis Can Provide Therapeutic Benefits

Cannabis has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects due to its ability to influence the endocannabinoid system. Here are some of the key benefits that cannabis can provide:

1. Pain Relief: One of the most well-known benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve chronic pain. Both THC and CBD have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and cancer-related pain.

2. Reduction of Anxiety and Stress: CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, helping to calm the mind and reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and stress. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects and is often preferred by individuals who experience anxiety from cannabis use.

3. Improved Sleep: Cannabis, particularly CBD, can help improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing the factors that contribute to insomnia, such as pain or anxiety. Additionally, THC has sedative effects that can help those suffering from sleep disorders fall asleep more easily.

4. Neuroprotective Properties: Research suggests that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have neuroprotective properties that may help protect the brain from damage caused by conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. These benefits are thought to come from CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

5. Appetite Stimulation: THC has long been used to stimulate appetite, especially in patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy that cause appetite loss. By binding to CB1 receptors, THC promotes the release of hunger-inducing hormones, helping people to maintain or regain their appetite.

6. Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD is widely recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. By interacting with the CB2 receptors, CBD helps modulate the immune system’s inflammatory response.

The Future of Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System

As more research is conducted into the endocannabinoid system and its role in health, we can expect to discover even more ways that cannabis can be used to support well-being. Cannabis is already proving to be a versatile and effective treatment for many conditions, and with a better understanding of the ECS, more targeted and personalised treatments will become available.

At MOCA Health, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and personalised cannabis treatments for our patients. Through our telehealth consultations, we can guide you in finding the right cannabis products tailored to your unique health needs, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.

If you are considering medical cannabis as a treatment option, book a consultation with one of our experienced health professionals to learn more about how cannabis and the endocannabinoid system can work together to improve your health and well-being.