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If you are new to this series, welcome!
Here, we aim to take new patients through all the basics and get them ready to make informed decisions about their cannabis-based therapy. This is not a substitute for a consultation with a prescribing specialist, but it may help you understand the concepts better.
And what better place to continue the series than with the endocannabinoid system - a crucial biological system that regulates homeostasis and one with which cannabis compounds can interact.
There are three main pieces to the ECS puzzle:
Well, you might have noticed that "cannabinoid" makes up a significant portion of the term "endocannabinoid system." This biological system is named after the cannabinoids that interact with it - both the internal cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and external ones (phytocannabinoids).
THC and CBD are phytocannabinoids - both can influence the ECS and modulate its responses.
THC binds to the CB1 receptors directly. CB1 receptors are mostly located in the central nervous system, and their activation can lead to the psychoactive effects commonly associated with recreational marijuana use. This type of activation can also have a range of therapeutic effects, helping to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and muscle spasms.
CBD, on the other hand, has a more indirect interaction with the ECS. It can enhance the activity of internal cannabinoids and block the breakdown of endocannabinoids by metabolic enzymes. This can have a balancing effect on the ECS and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
For a more thorough breakdown of the endocannabinoid system, check out this article!
Understanding the endocannabinoid system is crucial because it helps us understand how and why cannabis-based medicines can offer such diverse therapeutic effects. By targeting specific receptor sites, cannabis compounds can address specific imbalances and promote healing, making it a powerful tool in the management of a vast range of medical conditions.
So, there we have it.
A brief but hopefully informative introduction to the endocannabinoid system and how medical cannabis can interact with it to achieve therapeutic effects.
If you would like to learn more about the basics of medical cannabis, check out our entire New Patient series, and dive into our blog and education sections for more in-depth articles.
And, as always, make sure to consult with a specialist before making any decisions regarding your current treatment plan.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Am I eligible?Sam North, a seasoned writer with over five years' experience and expertise in medicinal cannabis, brings clarity to complex concepts, focusing on education and informed use.
Our articles are written by experts and reviewed by medical professionals or compliance specialists. Adhering to stringent sourcing guidelines, we reference peer-reviewed studies and scholarly research. View our editorial policy.
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Much like all other treatment options in the UK, medical cannabis does come with costs. But, here at Releaf we do our best to balance bespoke, specialised care with affordable and accessible treatment plans, and our ever-growing patient numbers and reams of positive reviews on Trust Pilot, show we’re keeping the scales in check.
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