“For every human illness, somewhere in the world there exists a plant which is the cure“
~ Rudolf Steiner
Understanding the endocannabinoid system will inform you about how plants and the human body collaborate and will provide you with more insights about the difference between CBD and THC.
Originally discovered in the early 1990s, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system that is present in all mammals – humans and animals alike – that is in constant communication with our other physical systems to regulate a state of balance that we know as homeostasis. This balancing act supports our peak performance and our body is constantly striving to maintain this internal homeostasis. In contrast, when our body experiences endocannabinoid deficiency it is out of balance. As its name suggests, this system interacts with cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds found both within the body and externally in plants.
The ECS has three components:
Endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
There are two major Endocannabinoids (endo- meaning “internal”) which are inherent to the human or animal body. One is called anandamide (AEA for short), which is known for regulating feeding behavior, motivation and pleasure; in fact the word ananda comes from the sanskrit root meaning joy, bliss or delight. Anandamide inhibits the release of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Interestingly, high levels of glutamate are responsible for chronic pain. Therefore, anandamide can help alleviate chronic pain. It also has an important role regarding our overall mood. If anandamide levels are low it can lead to depression and anxiety.
The other endocannabinoid is called 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), it impacts a variety of physiological functions from emotion to cognition and pain, among others. These inherent compounds are detected in high concentration throughout the brain, especially in the reward and pain related regions and throughout the body.
Both anandamide and 2-AG relate differently to our body’s two primary cannabinoid receptors, referred to as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and spinal cord. CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system, with a dense concentration in the gastrointestinal system and spleen.
Their presence was only discovered in the mid 1980’s but they are major contributors to today’s scientific knowledge about the ECS. Anandamide interacts mainly with the CB1 receptors, but it is almost inactive with the CB2 receptors, whereas 2-AG interacts with both receptors.
Metabolic Enzymes called FAAH and MAGL make up the third element of the ECS. FAAH breaks down anandamide and MAGL breaks down 2-AG. They are responsible for metabolizing the endocannabinoids once they carry out their function. These enzymes therefore limit the duration of the endocannabinoids and their beneficial effects on our body.
So, is it possible to impair the FAAH enzyme and therefore enjoy anandamide levels longer?
The short answer is yes we can. We want to look for FAAH inhibitors that slow down the process. In addition to CBD found in cannabis, kaempferol is a FAAH inhibitor that naturally occurs in kale, spinach, broccoli, apples and blackberries. Eating a diet rich in these vegetables and fruits will inhibit your FAAH production and increase your anandamide levels!
What is the connection between the endo- and the phytocannabinoids?
As previously described, the receptors respond to inherently occurring endocannabinoids, but they also respond to naturally occurring phytocannabinoids (phyto- meaning “plant”), which are found in different plants. One species in particular with a high number of phytocannabinoids being, you guessed it: the cannabis sativa plant. There are more than 140 known Phytocannabinoids (with more discovered each year), the most studied and well known are THC, CBD, CBG, CBC and CBN.
The good news is that your body doesn’t distinguish between Endo- or phytocannabinoids. The goal is to activate the ECS and ultimately bring homeostasis back into balance thus supporting our self healing process.
We mentioned before that the enzymes in our ECS break down endocannabinoids, meaning that they are short-lived within our system. If our body doesn’t produce enough endocannabinoids, we can become endocannabinoid deficient, leading to a variety of health issues. Luckily, the phyto cannabinoids have a longer lifespan and can even slow down the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids (interestingly, this enzyme function explains why cannabinoids can interact with other medications, which also require the same enzymes in order to be metabolized.
So, what do CBD and THC have to do with the ECS?
THC, CBD and other cannabinoids all interact with the endocannabinoid system. THC mainly mimics anandamide and primarily attaches to the CB1 receptors, giving us the sense of being “High.” Unfortunately it can also create anxiety for some people.
On the other hand, CBD has a lower interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors and communicates differently with each of them. Its interaction with the CB1 receptor reduces the potency of THC. So if you have experienced negative side effects from THC you might want to consider CBD to balance your system. In addition, CBD interacts with a wide variety of other ‘targets’ including non-cannabinoid receptors, such as opioid and serotonin (5-HT) receptors, thus regulating the perception of pain. CBD is a FAAH enzyme inhibitor which as we previously discussed will boost your anandamide level and can reduce chronic pain.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.
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