Educate yourself

 

Understanding the Endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Many people don’t know that your body produces its own cannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids.  Cannabinoids (more specifically exogenous cannabinoids) are also found in the cannabis plant!  Endogenous cannabinoids work on your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is believed to have appeared 500 million years ago and is found in every living creature, even sea squirts! 

The ECS may be the most important biological discovery of the 20th century. It has its’ hand in the regulation of multiple biological processes including stress, emotion, memory, cognition, sleep, digestion, inflammation, movement, pain, psychomotor behaviour, and metabolism to name a few.

It works by regulating the release and degradation of neurotransmitters within both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral immune system. These neurotransmitters allow signals to propagate which in turn allow us to continue to function and keep our body systems in balance.

As touched upon previously, there are both Endogenous cannabinoids (made within our bodies) and Exogenous cannabinoids (made outside of our bodies). The cannabis plants’ two most well-known exogenous cannabinoids are THC and CBD. But there are hundreds more. The cannabis flower also contains other active ingredients which include terpenes and flavonoids that have their own unique therapeutic properties as well.

These cannabinoids fit by lock and key mechanism into two types of receptors found throughout our bodies; The CB1 and CB2 receptors. These are located in the cell walls of nerves, and when activated allow them to communicate.

CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and spinal cord. They are among the most abundant G protein-coupled receptors in the CNS. They are 10-times more common in the brain than opioid receptors.

CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune system which hints at the potential ECS immune-modulatory role.




Understanding Cannabinoids.

Cannabis plants are plants from the botanical genus Cannabis. There are different species and numerous strains of cannabis plants, all of which contain cannabinoid compounds with varying effects. The most common cannabinoid compounds are: (delta-9) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).

The term medicinal cannabis also covers a range of dosage forms such as capsules, sprays, dissolvable wafers, oils, and tinctures.

Cannabinoid properties that might be of therapeutic use include pain relief, anxiety and depression relief, muscle relaxation, immunosuppression, anti-inflammation, anti-allergenic, seizure treatment, sedation, improvement in mood, appetite stimulation, treatment of nausea or vomiting, lowering of intra-ocular pressure, bronchodilation, neuroprotection, and anti-cancer effects. It may be useful in the treatment of addictions, and has been shown to ease the effects of withdrawal from substance abuse.

Potential side effects include altered thinking, judgement, and sensation, reduced coordination, panic, paranoia, and slowed reaction time. Caution should be taken in patients already on medications that are metabolized in the liver or have liver or kidney dysfunction.

If Dr Moore chooses to treat your chronic illness with medicinal cannabis, it will be with the ‘Whole Plant Medicine’ approach. This is due to the evidence based on what is called the ‘Entourage Effect’. In other words, they work better together than without each other - the perfect marriage. The treatment will not only have both THC and CBD in variable concentrations based on the product chosen, but will also include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids - all found within the cannabis plant.

This approach is essential in maintaining balance in your body.


Research and Resources

Research links are here. We have some positive findings so far, but far more needs to be done. Take a look and let’s have a chat!

Resources include:

Please ask, and our team will point you in the right direction of evidence based research that has guided our decisions about using this therapy.