The therapeutic application of marijuana has gained popularity in recent years, and new research has shown various potential health benefits of cannabinoids. There have been multiple studies on the medicinal application of these compounds. It is important to note that the THC compound in marijuana and the CBD compound in hemp have different properties. The healing properties of these compounds are now widely used for multiple health conditions. But the reasons cannabinoids are effective are less often discussed, and they have to do with endocannabinoids that are created within your body naturally. Understanding how these compounds work could shed light on the efficacy of those from plants.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that directly or indirectly act on cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) located throughout your body. Further, the compounds also act on certain receptors of the brain and immune system. Extensive research strongly suggests that cannabinoid compounds are beneficial for a wide range of conditions including inflammation, pain, sleep disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, anorexia, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
There are basically three types of cannabinoids with therapeutic properties. While two of them are natural the other one is synthetic.
Research shows that exogenous cannabinoids also influence the cannabinoid receptors by working similarly to the endogenous cannabinoids. This is why even a small amount of THC or CBD produces positive effects on various body functions. Exogenous cannabinoids, including CBD, THC, and other compounds, are found in the cannabis plant.
The key psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, THC functions primarily as a partial agonist of CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is known to benefit in pain control, digestion, emotion regulation, appetite enhancement, and other processes which are mediated through the endocannabinoid system.
THC interacts with the cannabinoid receptors concentrated in the region of the brain associated with memory, pleasure, thinking, time perception, and coordination. THC attaches to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors and activates them. This affects a person’s pleasure, memory, concentration, movements, coordination, thinking, sensory perception, and time perception. THC stimulates the cells in your brain to release dopamine thus creating euphoria. Further, the compound also interferes with how information is processed in the hippocampus, the region of your brain associated with forming new memories.
On the other hand, CBD possesses non-intoxicating properties and a range of health benefits. Studies show that CBD has several medicinal properties.
CBD has a warming and calming effect on your body. When you ingest CBD or apply it topically, the compound activates cannabinoid receptors in your body. CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors throughout your body to keep the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in balance. This enables CBD to produce positive effects.
However, for medicinal applications, an appropriate ratio of THC to CBD is essential. CBD products are widely marketed in the form of oils, powders, tinctures, capsules, and topical solutions. A large amount of THC can sometimes cause unwanted psychoactive effects. However, when taken in smaller amounts, THC can be beneficial. Lower dosage of THC, when combined with CBD causes an entourage effect which is known to have greater benefits. The combination of CBD and THC with other phytocannabinoids and components such as flavonoids and terpenoids in cannabis may produce a synergistic effect on pain reduction therapy.
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is your body’s biochemical communication system. It includes several components which function together to keep your body in homeostasis, in a healthy balance. The ECS is composed of three major components which include:
The ECS plays a crucial role in various physiological systems involved in maintaining your health. Any deficiency of the ECS system may lead to dysfunction in these processes. Located throughout your body, CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are involved in various physiological processes including mood, memory, pain sensation, and appetite.
The psychotropic effect of cannabis is mediated through the CB1 receptors which are distributed throughout your central nervous system and brain but mainly concentrated in the cerebellum, frontal cortex, and ganglia. CB1 receptors are also located in several organs and tissues including the spinal cord, adrenals, thyroid glands, immune cells, liver, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs, and adipose tissue. CB1 receptors are responsible for functions such as stress response, pain perception, motor activity, and memory.
CB2 receptors are distributed throughout the peripheral organs of your body which help to maintain the muscular system, cardiovascular system, and immune system. These receptors are present in fibroblasts, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. CB2 receptors are also located in some of the nervous tissues such as microglial cells and dorsal root ganglia. CB2 exhibits up to 44 percent amino acid similarity with CB1, and it also inhibits adenylate cyclase as well as activates mitogen-activated protein kinase. Activation of CB2 can help increase intracellular calcium levels.
ECS needs to be in balance for healthy bodily functions. An underactive or overactive ECS can cause your body to malfunction and come out of its homeostatic state. This is referred to as endocannabinoid system dysfunction, and it can lead to several health issues. Dietary changes, unhealthy lifestyle conditions, and other issues are some of the contributing factors for ECS dysfunction.
Research indicates that ECS plays a crucial role in your overall health. These are the key functions of the ECS:
According to studies, endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoid play a crucial role in several areas of your body. CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system present throughout your body interact with cannabinoid compounds, thus influencing several areas of functioning including:
ECS plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis. It ensures that your body has a functional and stable internal environment. Your body tries to maintain the internal environment in balance even in conditions when the outer environment is not in balance. During stressful situations or when things are not in balance, your body works to keep your internal environment stable and running smoothly. Scientists are now beginning to understand that when your body begins to go out of balance, it activates the ECS to help it regain balance. The cannabinoid receptors of the ECS help to balance your body and keep everything in check. These receptors are present throughout your body from the brain and the digestive system to the immune system.
Located throughout your body, the ECS receptors respond to environmental stimuli. This way, the cannabis compounds including THC and CBD act as chemical messengers which produce an effect within your cells. Scientists have identified these receptors as G-protein-coupled receptors-CB1 and CB2 present in the central nervous system and brain. They are particularly concentrated in the basal ganglia, cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum regions. CB2 receptors are present in your immune cells and are extremely responsive to stimuli. Certain studies suggest that CB2 receptors are also present in the neural cells and influence nerve fibers and sensory neurons.
The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) rapidly breaks down anandamide (also known as the “bliss molecule”). Therefore, though anandamide binds to CB1 receptors and produces a calming effect, when FAAH does its work the calming effect does not last for long. However, CBD supports an overall calming effect through helping to fight pain, induce sleep, and reduce inflammation.
There are several health benefits of cannabinoid compounds. Some of the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids include:
The calming effects of cannabinoids may be beneficial in adrenal fatigue by reducing symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. CBD in medical cannabis can help reduce cortisol levels and prevent over-activation of the HPA axis. Further, CBD can help alleviate adrenal fatigue symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, excess weight, and suppressed immune system function.
Clinical outcomes of CBD in adrenal fatigue often remain uncertain. People who frequently experience paradoxical reactions are at high risk. The result of cannabinoid use in adrenal fatigue is quite unpredictable. Frequency, dose, duration, and delivery systems are important factors to be taken into consideration. When compared to normal people, those with a sensitive body or exaggerated responses require only a small dose to experience the clinical effects. People suffering from extracellular matrix or liver congestion report the least response to cannabinoids. Therefore, the use of this compound in adrenal fatigue needs close supervision by a healthcare professional.
Research shows that CBD can cause mild side effects including nausea, fatigue, and irritability. People with adrenal fatigue have weak and sensitive bodies. Paradoxical reactions can happen, and taking CBD may worsen the symptoms. Adrenal crashes can be triggered. The weaker the adrenals, the greater the risk. Liver congestion can also be a problem as CBD has to be metabolized there. Tolerance for CBD is not seen to occur over time. CBD can raise the level of certain medication in your body. Therefore it is important to talk to your health care professional about any possible interactions. Make sure to choose CBD from a reputable company. Organic CBD is more likely to be free from harmful chemicals.
Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis plants, and other plant sources, which imitate the effect of endocannabinoid chemical messengers naturally found within your body. There are over a hundred types of cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant, among which THC and CBD (cannabidiol) are most well known for their therapeutic properties. Cannabinoid compounds interact with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors of your ECS. CB1 and CB2 receptors are present throughout your body. Cannabinoids interact with these receptors to produce various health benefits. Cannabinoid compounds can help reduce stress and anxiety, fight inflammation, maintain a healthy gut, promotes better sleep, and helps maintain healthy hormone levels. It also helps in epilepsy, schizophrenia, anorexia, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. In adrenal fatigue, cannabinoids should be used under the strict guidance of your health care professional to prevent any paradoxical reactions and avoid worsening symptoms.
There are certain plants, herbs, and roots which imitate the biological activity of cannabinoids. They contain cannabimimetic compounds which produce effects similar to cannabinoid compounds. These include holy basil, Echinacea, helichrysum, cacao nibs, truffles, black pepper, kava root, and maca root.
