Cannabis: A Celebration of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

By Keith W. Fiveson

Recently, on behalf of my coaching practice (www.workmindfulness.com) I had the opportunity to exhibit and offer The Mindfulness Experience Podcast and my book “The Mindfulness Experience, 8 Strategies to Live Life Now” at the CWCBExpo Cannabis Business Conference at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City. The event was truly transformative; I had an incredible team to witness and record professionals from various sectors of the cannabis industry. It was inspiring to see most people dedicated to improving access to cannabis products, with a strong focus on health and wellness. However, some individuals were motivated solely by financial gain.

I was impressed by how many providers sincerely work towards an integrated health model offering comprehensive health and wellness. As dispensaries pivot towards a more holistic approach, they aim to offer more than just cannabis products; they also provide education and support for using these products as part of an overall wellness strategy. This interaction highlighted the promising future of the cannabis industry, with professionals committed to advancing the field and providing comprehensive solutions to support the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and overall health. The pending DEA rescheduling of Cannabis offers many new paths on the health horizon. The event showcased impressive efforts to help individual farmers with thriving cannabis farms, supply systems, technology support, and the integration of on-site and remote business processes, policy, government, banking, and taxes. It was clear that the potential benefits of continued research and development are vast, and the industry is moving towards a more inclusive and holistic approach.

How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?

As I continue to explore Cannabis, I am amazed by the ECS and its intricate network of receptors and neurotransmitters, making it the largest group of neurotransmitters in the human body. Yet, very few people have ever heard of it. It comprises cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. In contrast, CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system, affecting muscles, limbs, skin, immune support, and other organs.

IThese receptors are activated by endogenous (internal systems) cannabinoids, which the body produces naturally. Our bodies and those of other life forms. The main endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These are happy chemicals. When these bind to their respective receptors, they regulate various physiological functions such as sleep, inflammation, and neuron communication.

However, these endocannabinoids are only produced as needed and are broken down by metabolic enzymes FAAH and MAGL once their job is done. Research indicates that the ECS may not always function optimally, leading to what is known as endocannabinoid deficiency. I believe that the industrial diets and lack of essential minerals and vitamins contribute to this issue. Supplementing with phytocannabinoids from cannabis, including CBD and THC products, can help support and restore balance in the ECS. THC, in particular, influences the mind and thinking process through neuroplasticity, promoting the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and adapt.

The Impact of a Balanced ECS on Health

A well-functioning ECS can have a profound impact on various medical conditions, including:

Seizures: Certain cannabinoids have been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in epilepsy patients.

Parkinson’s Disease: Cannabinoids may help manage symptoms such as tremors and muscle stiffness.

Cancer: While not a cure, cannabinoids can alleviate cancer-related symptoms and side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, such as nausea and pain.

Chronic Pain: The ECS plays a role in pain modulation, and cannabinoids can be effective in managing chronic pain conditions.

Inflammatory Conditions: Cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory properties can help manage arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Anxiety and Depression: Cannabinoids can influence mood regulation, providing relief for symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Cannabinoids have shown potential in protecting neurons and slowing the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

How Do We Strengthen Our Endocannabinoid System?

To enhance the functioning of your ECS and address potential deficiencies, consider the following strategies:

1. Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for forming CB1 receptors, essential for the central nervous system. These receptors also absorb THC and 2-AG. Omega-3s are abundant in hemp seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, and certain fish oils. Including these in your diet can support the ECS.

2. Consume Endocannabinoid-Boosting Foods

Certain foods can stimulate the ECS, including:

– Herbs: Lemon balm, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, hops, and black pepper contain beta-caryophyllene, which stimulates CB2 receptors.

– Chocolate: Raw cacao and dark chocolate have compounds that inhibit the breakdown of endocannabinoids.

– Tea: Turmeric, echinacea, and green tea can raise endocannabinoid levels and stimulate CB2 receptors.

– Vitamin C-rich vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, and spinach can help maintain the ECS as Vitamin C enhances the absorption of CBD.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity boosts the production of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness. Yoga, breathing exercises (4x7x8, 4x4x4), and enjoyable workouts can enhance the ECS.

4. Manage Stress Better

Chronic stress impairs the ECS and disrupts the function of CB1 receptors. Stress-lowering activities such as meditation, acupuncture, osteopathy, and spontaneous play can help reduce stress and support ECS function. I particularly like Mindfulness Exercises because they focus the mind on one of the eight strategies outlined in my book.

5. Lower Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use can significantly reduce the ECS’s ability to process endocannabinoids. Opting for responsible drinking or avoiding alcohol altogether can maintain ECS health.

Supplementing with Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids, like CBD and THC from Cannabis sativa, can support the ECS. CBD, which binds to CB2 receptors, has numerous health benefits and is non-intoxicating. THC, while intoxicating, can bind to CB1 receptors and influence neuroplasticity, aiding in mental and cognitive functions. These cannabinoids are available in various forms, including oils, capsules, topicals, gummies, and bath bombs. Regularly using these products can stabilize the ECS, especially in deficiency cases.

The Promise of Further Research

The potential reclassification of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance by the DEA could have significant implications for research. Currently, as a Schedule I substance, cannabis is considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, severely limiting the scope of research. If reclassified, it would be recognized as having accepted medical uses and a lower potential for abuse, opening the door to extensive scientific studies. This change could lead to:

– More Comprehensive Studies: Allowing for large-scale clinical trials better to understand the therapeutic benefits and risks of cannabis.

– Better Understanding of ECS: Providing more profound insights into how the ECS functions and how it can be supported and regulated.

– Development of New Treatments: Potentially leading to new cannabis-based medications for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, and more.

The Need for More Education

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of the ECS, more education is needed about its functions and how to support them. Understanding the role of cannabis and phytocannabinoids in supplementing the ECS is crucial for both medical professionals and the general public.

Adopting these strategies and enhancing your understanding of the ECS can support your body’s natural balance and improve your overall well-being. A balanced ECS can help manage various health conditions, from chronic pain to neurological disorders, making it an essential focus for maintaining and improving health. The future of cannabis research and education holds great promise, especially with potential changes in legal classifications that could unlock new opportunities for scientific exploration and medical breakthroughs. The need for the public to understand the basic functions of the ECS and to focus as much on the merging of science and the sacred use of plants that have such an impact on humanity is also crucial.

Go low and go slow.  Realize that psycholytic dosing is necessary to achieve a higher state of interoception. 

Visit Mettatouch.org website to dive into sacred use of plants with the author of this article.