Exploring the Endocannabinoid System: The Role of Phytocannabinoids and Synthetic Cannabinoids
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system found throughout the body that plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in various physiological processes. It was discovered in the early 1990s when researchers were investigating the effects of cannabinoids, compounds found in the cannabis plant. The ECS regulates a wide range of functions, including mood, memory, appetite, pain sensation, immune function, and more. It operates through endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoids in the body), cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that break down cannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids (from plants like cannabis) and synthetic cannabinoids (man-made compounds) can interact with the ECS, offering both therapeutic and recreational effects.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The ECS consists of three main components:
Endocannabinoids: These are molecules produced naturally within the body that bind to cannabinoid receptors. The two primary endocannabinoids identified are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Anandamide is often referred to as the "bliss molecule" because of its role in enhancing mood, while 2-AG is involved in regulating immune function and inflammation.
Cannabinoid Receptors: There are two primary types of cannabinoid receptors in the ECS:
CB1 receptors: These are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system and play a crucial role in modulating mood, appetite, memory, and motor skills. They are primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids.
CB2 receptors: These receptors are found more commonly in the peripheral tissues and immune system. They help regulate inflammation, immune responses, and pain sensation.
Enzymes: The ECS also includes enzymes that break down endocannabinoids after they have fulfilled their function. Two key enzymes are:
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide.
Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which breaks down 2-AG.
The ECS's role in homeostasis is to keep the body's systems balanced. When there is a disruption in the body—such as pain, inflammation, or stress—the ECS activates to restore balance. This system helps to maintain optimal functioning across various bodily systems.
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with the ECS in various ways, and the most well-known ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC: THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing effects like euphoria, altered perception, increased appetite, and, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia. THC is also used for its therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and appetite stimulation, especially for individuals with conditions like cancer or AIDS.
CBD: Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause a "high." It has gained significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, including anxiety reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, and neuroprotective properties. CBD is being explored as a treatment for a range of conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and mental health disorders. It works indirectly with the ECS, potentially influencing receptor activity and enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids like anandamide.
Other Phytocannabinoids: In addition to THC and CBD, cannabis contains over 100 other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). These cannabinoids have diverse effects and are being studied for their potential medical uses, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids. They are often created in laboratories for use in research or as recreational drugs. Some synthetic cannabinoids are used in the medical field for specific purposes, while others have been associated with dangerous side effects and abuse.
Pharmaceutical Synthetic Cannabinoids: In the medical world, synthetic cannabinoids like dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet) have been approved for use in treating conditions like nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and appetite loss in patients with AIDS. These synthetic versions of THC are prescribed to patients who need specific cannabinoid therapies but may not want to use whole-plant cannabis.
Recreational Synthetic Cannabinoids: There are also numerous synthetic cannabinoids designed for recreational use, often sold under names like "K2" or "Spice." These compounds are typically sprayed onto plant material and smoked, producing effects similar to THC. However, synthetic cannabinoids can be far more potent and dangerous than natural cannabinoids, with unpredictable effects on mental and physical health. These substances can cause severe side effects, including agitation, hallucinations, seizures, and in some cases, death.
Conclusion
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of physiological functions, and both phytocannabinoids (from the cannabis plant) and synthetic cannabinoids interact with this system to produce a variety of effects. While phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD are gaining recognition for their medicinal benefits, synthetic cannabinoids offer additional therapeutic potential but come with safety concerns due to their potency and unpredictability. The continued exploration of cannabinoids and their interaction with the ECS holds promise for developing new treatments for numerous health conditions, but caution is necessary, especially when it comes to synthetic cannabinoids.
In the legal cannabis recreational market we do not see a need for synthetic cannabinoids. When you purchase cannabis and cannabis products at a licensed dispensary, you are getting plant cannabinoids that have been tested for potency, pesticides and pathogens, making it the safest choice.
Visit our recreational dispensary store at 174 West Street in Rutland, Vermont to learn more about cannabinoids and the ECS. Our Wellness Guides will support your cannabis journey with education as well as love and compassion.
Click the red pin on the map for directions.
