The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a very complex cell signaling system found in the human body. A cannabinoid is a chemical compound found in cannabis, and when ingested, it will activate your endocannabinoid system. The ECS is an extremely integral part in the process of using marijuana, and is a system we’re quite familiar with. At Cannaleaf Health, we’ve been advising people on safe and healthy cannabis usage for years, and wanted to talk today about just what exactly the endocannabinoid system is and does.
What Does the Endocannabinoid System Do?
There is still more research that needs to be done to fully understand the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, but there are some things we know. It is a biological system that helps regulate and balance key functions in the body. There is research to suggest that managing your ECS can be used to treat the following physiological conditions:
- Immune response
- Pain
- Memory and learning
- Energy balance
- Appetite stimulation
- Blood pressure
- Nausea and vomit control
- Development of embryos
The endocannabinoid system may also be a target for certain pathological conditions, including:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Huntington’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
What are Endocannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids, or endogenous cannabinoids, are lipid-based neurotransmitters that naturally occur in our bodies. The two main endocannabinoids that have been identified are Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. It is believed that there are other endocannabinoids in the ECS, and that they serve bodily functions, but these functions and their roles are currently unknown.
The ECS is Pivotal in Maintaining Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a status that our bodies work hard to maintain. It is basically a human’s “default” setting. The process of maintaining homeostasis involves managing temperatures throughout the body. If at any point in time your body detects that homeostasis has been disrupted, the ECS will kick in. A properly functioning endocannabinoid system is an important party of living a healthy life.
Some People Suffer from an Endocannabinoid Deficiency
As we’ve learned more about the endocannabinoid system, we’ve also learned more about how the system’s malfunctioning can affect us. There are a number of people that suffer from a dysregular ECS. These people have a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD). This isn’t a condition itself, but is instead an umbrella term used to encompass conditions that share this common feature. Evidence has been found that CECD may play a role in:
- Fibromyalgia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Migraines
If you suffer from any of these conditions, you could potentially benefit from using medical marijuana. Using medical cannabis can help improve endocannabinoid production in your ECS. You should consider having a consultation with an experienced medical marijuana doctor in Maryland.
Consult with a Professional Marijuana Doctor in Maryland
At Cannaleaf Health, we’ve helped thousands of Marylanders use marijuana in safe and beneficial ways. If you have any questions about the endocannabinoid system, or any general cannabis questions, reach out to us. Our team of experienced Maryland marijuana doctors are standing by ready to assist you. We can help you get your medical marijuana card, contact us through our website, or give us a call at 443-800-0670.
