7 Interesting Facts About the Endocannabinoid System

  • Scientists and doctors worldwide are still puzzled by the functions and mechanism of the human body's endocannabinoid system - why is it actually present in the body and what is the exact way it can regulate various processes of our biological vessels?

Since 1991, when scientists, one might say accidentally, discovered CB1 receptors while trying to clarify the mechanism of action of THC, not even two decades have passed. Now, however, it is becoming increasingly clear to all involved that the endocannabinoid system is a very significant part and mechanism of our bodies, without which, for example, our immune system would completely collapse.

In the previous article, we looked at the basic facts and knowledge about the endocannabinoid system, today we will focus more on facts that are not yet so well known.

1. Doctors Still Don't Learn About the Endocannabinoid System

In a survey conducted in 2013, aptly named "Ignorance is no Bliss", it was found that only 13% of medical schools across the USA teach future doctors about the existence and functions of the endocannabinoid system".

The most noticeable problem is still the criminalization of medical cannabis in many countries of the world today, including certain US states. The result of such behavior by lawmakers is a significant hindrance to research on the therapeutic and other properties of cannabis effects. However, the situation is changing with the increasing popularity of medical cannabis among patients and recreational users, and it can be expected that the topic of the endocannabinoid system will certainly appear in school and university curricula worldwide in the future

2. The Endocannabinoid System Works Most When We Are Sick

Some of the existing studies on this topic have found that the activity of the endocannabinoid system is most noticeable precisely during periods when our bodies are under attack by various viruses and bacteria. At the moment such an attack occurs, the endocannabinoid system begins to try to restore balance and a balanced internal environment of the body.

3. The Endocannabinoid System is the Reason Why Cannabis Works Therapeutically

When we start consuming exocannabinoids, in our case especially from medical cannabis, the endocannabinoid receptors of our bodies will begin to receive and appropriately utilize them. With continuous consumption, new receptors will also be formed, freshly prepared to "welcome" future exocannabinoids.

By increasing the functions of this system, the body is better able to deal with inflammation. Among many other therapeutic benefits, this includes better cell division, where the formation of new cells is simpler for the body after adding exocannabinoids. If scientists manage to completely map the mechanism of the endocannabinoid system, it is quite possible that we will subsequently be able to prevent or avoid a whole range of diseases.

4. Endocannabinoid Receptors Are Most Numerous in the Brain

The most well-known of the body's own cannabinoids is Anandamide, often called the "molecule of happiness" (More in the article "Runner's High"). The happiness molecule plays an absolutely vital role in regulating how you feel, what mood you are in, how you are able to think, your memory, critical thinking, and appetite. All this with the help of a substance that can be supplied to the body from the outside world - through medical cannabis.

5. You Don't Necessarily Need THC to Stimulate the Endocannabinoid System

Besides the most well-known, psychoactive THC, which works medically very well for many, you can also focus on the "milder" acting CBD. CBD itself has excellent antioxidant, antidepressant, and many other beneficial effects for the body. However, according to scientists, the absolutely best way to consume cannabinoids is still THC and CBD together - thus creating a powerful synergistic therapeutic effect of cannabinoids. (More in the article "Synergy of Substances in Cannabis")

6. Lack of Cannabinoids in the Body Leads to Disease Development

It appears that if the body's endocannabinoid system is weakened, the result is increased inflammation and thus worsening of various conditions, such as chronic pain. The National Institute of Health has surprisingly already named this condition - it is known as "Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency". A number of studies are now focusing on this condition.

By deciphering and finding a functional treatment approach for "Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency", which may possibly be found in medical cannabis, it might also lead to finding successful treatment for diseases such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.

7. All Vertebrate Groups Have an Endocannabinoid System

As it turns out, we humans are not the only ones who possess the endocannabinoid system. This system can also be found in amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and even some invertebrates.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating biological system that to some extent connects the animal kingdom with plants, we recommend reading the article "Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System".