explaining the endocannabinoid system
Many of us are aware of the transmitter systems within our bodies to some extent, for example, the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for our fight-or-flight response. Fewer of us, alarmingly, have heard of the ecs, which is arguably the MOST critical to almost every aspect of our MOMENT TO MOMENT functioning according to:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is responsible for regulating and controlling many of our MOST CRITICAL bodily functions, for example, learning and memory, emotional processing (regulating), sleep, temperature control, pain control, eating and inflammatory and immune responses.
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
It’s a major biological system that helps to maintain homeostasis within the body (to keep balance within the body).
It’s made up of two parts;
♡ Cannabinoid receptors
♡ Cannabinoids
There are two types of cannabinoid receptors:
♡ CB1
♡ CB2
CB1 receptors are located all throughout the nervous system. Specifically on the part of the nerve that communicates with the next. When CB1 receptors are activated, they slow the release of neurotransmitters. Scientists believe that this slowing of transmissions could explain why cannabis has an anticonvulsant effect.
CB2 receptors are mainly located in the IMMUNE system. That’s right, many research papers have shown that certain cannabinoids have a heavy impact on our immune system. In fact, cannabinoids such as cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, have antiviral effects! In fact, according to this article by Forbes back in 2021, “Compounds In Cannabis Show Promise As A Treatment For Coronavirus Infections.”
This WAS later clarified by specialists due to an alarming amount of under-aged users claiming that this herb can help protect them from the dreaded COVID-19 virus. When it comes to this research, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is not the star of the show. Instead the studies on this focus on cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid, which are CBGA and CBDA. These components are only present abundantly in the hemp varieties of cannabis which are NOT psychoactive. And while CBGA and CBDA are present in strains of cannabis, it is not a large amount. Two concentrates I personally would do more research on are RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) and HCO (Holy Cannabis Oil)
“Some examples of CB2 receptor locations are the liver, the spleen, monocytes (cell), macrophages (cell), B cells and T cells. As an example, in autoimmune hepatitis, the CB2 receptor activation reduces inflammatory messengers called cytokines. And, as another example, it’s through the CB2 receptors that neurodegeneration and blood-brain barrier damage is slowed in traumatic brain injuries.”
https://honahlee.com.au/articles/endocannabinoid-system-explained/#parts
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Of over 480 different compounds present in the plant, only around 66 are termed cannabinoids. The most well-known among these compounds is the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects the plant can haves
There are two main types of cannabinoids:
♡ Endocannabinoids
♡ Phytocannabinoids
Endocannabinoid is a fancy term for endogenous cannabinoids, or cannabinoids found within the body. THESE are the cannabinoids our bodies produce naturally on their own. Each person may make different amounts and experience an abundance OR a deficiency.
YEP! You can experience a cannabinoid deficiency. What does that look like? Well, it can lead to an abundance of NOT so fun stuff like lowered pain threshold and improper regulation of digestion, mood, sleep, and more!
Our bodies make two major endocannabinoids: Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Anandamide is Sanskrit for bliss and is commonly known to be responsible for that “runner’s high” feeling people get after intense exercise. This binds to the CB1 receptor and either creates or enhances an effect. 2-AG is an activator, or agonist, of the CB1 receptor and has high concentrations in the brain. 2AG has been associated with reduced pain, antiemetic (reduced vomiting), appetite stimulation, and tumor growth inhibition.
What are Phytocannabinoids?
Phytocannabinoids are photo (plant) cannabinoids. And they naturally occur in various different plant species. The term is most popularly associated with cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. There are literally hundreds of cannabinoids found in cannabis; Again, some of the most popular and well-known are CBD and THC, followed by CBN, CBC, and CBG.
These phytocannabinoids have a similar chemical structure to our endocannabinoids and therefore help internal processes when ingested.
Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid System (ECS) interaction
How does this all work?
Well, Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids interact with each other as well as many other receptors in the body. Cannabinoids, in general, work with receptors like a lock and key. The receptors are like the lock and cannabinoids, the key! Once the cannabinoid receptors are engaged, they set off the process to slow the nerve signal.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates the creation and the sending of messages from one nerve to another. Different cannabinoid receptor interactions have different impacts on the body and help regulate several critical functions.
THC and your ECS:
THC is of the most abundant Phytocannabinoid, and is a very important therapeutic agent with a wide range of medicinal properties (that’s correct it doesn’t just get you high.)
The psychoactive effects result from the activation of the CB1 receptors in the brain. Brain-receptor activity occurs throughout the cortex, midbrain, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Because THC works directly on the receptors, using too much THC can actually flood the receptor creating a tolerance. This is frequently why you may see someone take a tolerance break. THC has many positive medicinal effects such as pain relief. It can also improve cancer-related symptoms such as reducing nausea and vomiting, increasing appetite, and improving sleep. However, it has been shown that frequent use or high dose CAN potentially lead to increased anxiety, impaired memory, and moodiness.
CBD and your ECS:
CBD is the second most abundant phytocannabinoid in cannabis and has no psychoactive effects. It’s even thought to be able to decrease some of the psychoactive side effects (and potentially unfavorable ones such as paranoia) associated with THC. CBD has a higher affinity to bind to CB2 receptors than CB1 receptors like THC.
CBD is also thought to interact with other receptors in your body, including the opioid, dopamine, and serotonin receptors. Because of its unique interaction with multiple receptors, CBD is known to improve the immune system and reduce inflammation, pain, depression, anxiety, and help with addiction.
So what does this mean? And how does the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) tie into pregnancy?
This means that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is essential to our health, especially during pregnancy. In fact, it’s an integral part of sustaining the microenvironment necessary for early pregnancy success and maintenance. It plays a significant role in embryo development, transport and implantation as well as placentation according to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8242576/#:~:text=The%20endocannabinoid%20system%20(ECS)%20is,implantation%20as%20well%20as%20placentation.
It has been shown that keeping your ECS at peak performance is extremely important to your overall health. The ECS helps maintain balance within your body by using cannabinoids and receptors to send messages and modulate internal processes. And yet, we are frequently denied access to the one plant with the most abundant supply of phytocannabinoids that can help us supplement and REGULATE our endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis products can help optimize your Endocannabinoid System (ECS); however, like all other supplements or drugs, too much of a good thing CAN be bad, so moderation is always best ESPECIALLY when considering pregnancy. Medical cannabis products come in various forms with different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components that may help upregulate your endocannabinoid system.
And, while generally well-tolerated and safe, cannabis doesn’t work for EVERYONE. There is not a one size fits ALL when it comes to medicine, and some products on the market may contain ingredients that are absolutely best avoided during pregnancy. If you think medicinal cannabis is right for you and your circumstances and needs, consider discussing options with your healthcare provider. If that’s not an option, two advocates I trust wholeheartedly are actively offering consultation services and will be listed below!
Cannabis saved MY life in more ways than one. I have been an advocate for the plant since my teenage years when Zoloft and Prozac were shoved in my face. At an extremely vulnerable age where these prescriptions cause EXTREME psychological damage. I will never regret the faith I have placed in this plant, and I hope to see the work I’m doing pave the way for a future where it’s no longer demonized, but one of the CENTERS of our medical industry. Cannabis may not work for everyone, but it works for enough of us for me to think that enough is enough with false information, propaganda, and fear-mongering. It’s time to wake up and give the people access to a medicine that works FOR them and not against them. It’s time we stop pretending that anti-nausea pills such as Zofran are somehow LESS harmful than a plant used historically for pregnancy symptoms in general. And it’s time we stop comparing cannabis to substances such as HEROIN or ALCOHOL. It’s TIME we start giving this medicine the recognition it deserves, and allowing people SAFE legal access. ♡
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I hope that the rest of my website can provide you with enough information to make an INFORMED decision, and to feel CONFIDENT in that decision.
Disclaimer: this information you see on all of my platforms, ESPECIALLY my website, is based on my OWN research, experience and opinions based on such. I HIGHLY encourage everyone to do the same. (Links in my bio to help you get started!)
Side note: this information is also regarding a serious need for medical intervention during pregnancy, if you do not have a valid medical reason to rely on ANYTHING during your pregnancy, this information probably is not meant for you and therefore your opinion on the matter isn’t necessary 😁🤟🏼
Tori Moline - Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG ) plant-choosing mom advocate located in Cannada ♡︎
This mama, located in Canada, has an absolutely ENDEARING podcast for HG plant choosing mamas and is offering consultation services to help you gather all of the information needed to make an informed and educated decision on cannabis! She is also well educated on another form of plant medicine we are all familiar with but WILDLY uneducated on; Mushrooms! Tori specifies psilocybin as a potential POST PARTUM treatment! Check out her links to find out more!
