The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a biological system composed of endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters. These transmitters bind to cannabinoid receptors and cannabinoid receptor proteins. These are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Dr Dustin Sulak wrote an article for NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). The article discussed the human endocannabinoid system in simple and easy to understand terms.
In it, he described the ways in which plant-based cannabinoids (called phytocannabinoids) interact with naturally-occurring receptors in the body to regulate and maintain a wide range of bodily functions.
So many bodily functions seem to be in some way connected to this vast internal molecular system that we all have.
All Vertebrates Have an ECS
Every living vertebrate animal – from horses and dogs to “sea squirts and nematodes” – have an ECS system which responds to the active molecular compounds in cannabis.
How is this possible?
How is it that nearly every living thing on earth has an innate molecular system that governs virtually all aspects of health, homeostasis, survival, and reproduction? More astonishingly, how is it that this system can be so influenced and manipulated by natural compounds in the cannabis plant?
Natural cannabis compounds have a near-identical chemical structure to the human compounds (specifically anandamide and 2-AG) that govern the ECS system.
For this reason, Dr Sulak has described the ECS as:
“Perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.”
The ECS is a potential bridge between body and mind that oversees molecular actions on our organs, cells, nerves, and immune system.
How the Endocannabinoid System Works
Cannabinoid receptors can be found in virtually every cell and tissue type in the human body. Some researchers believe they may be the most prominent and abundant receptor in humans.
They are located in the membranes of various cells, When they’re activated, they can “stimulate” cells to carry out hundreds of different responses.
Under healthy conditions, the receptors are stimulated by the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG, which are produced naturally by the body.
When there is a deficiency in the production or functioning of these compounds the receptors are unable to be stimulated. This results in the cells and corresponding organs to stop functioning properly and homeostasis in the body cannot be maintained.
This is where phytocannabinoids found in cannabis come into play.
When there is a deficiency or malfunctioning of the human compounds endocannabinoids, plant-based cannabinoids may be able to effectively take their place by stimulating the cannabinoid receptors on their own. This allows the cells to carry out their specific functions and return the body back to a state of homeostasis.
What’s even more incredible about these cannabinoid compounds is their multi-function capabilities. They appear to be able to “instruct” the cell to carry out a number of different functions, depending on what exactly the body needs to return to a state of balance.
The Endocannabinoid System “Bridge”
In addition to the seemingly straightforward physiologic effects that cannabinoids have on our cellular receptors, cannabinoids can play a crucial role on a much larger social and environmental scale.
For example, natural cannabis compounds have the ability to alter our relationship with the environment around us. They allow us to adapt in a positive way to the myriad of physical, emotional and mental changes that we face on a day-to-day basis.
These changes may improve our open-mindedness and allow us to transcend limiting patterns of thought and behaviour.
This is a crucial step in maintaining total body/mind health in a perpetually changing environment.
This allows us to begin to understand from a scientific perspective how cannabis may be a molecular bridge between the body and the mind.
Full-spectrum hemp oil* contains all of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids activate the ECS receptors in the body, promoting improved functionality and homeostasis in the body.
*This is an affiliate link, we use & 100% recommend NZ Hempress Full Spectrum Hemp Oil
