The endocannabinoid system. Diseases of the nervous system create immense suffering, contributing to hospitalization and long-term care of patients. The endocannabinoid system or (ECS) plays a key role in synaptic communication within the nervous system, influencing a large spectrum of functions. Cannabinoid receptors represent the most common G-protein-coupled receptor in the entire central nervous system with the highest densities in the cerebellum, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and amygdaloid nucleus. Cannabinoid receptors in the CNS represent the most dense of all the systems. The ECS and its receptors are involved in synaptic transmission, short-term memory, mood and emotion, cognition, motor function, nociception and pain perception, feeding, reproduction, metabolism, neuronal protection, synaptic plasticity, cellular and molecular mechanisms necessary for proper brain development.
Cannabinoids whether endogenous or external are able to act to coordinate intracellular biochemistry, intercellular communication and all body systems. Endocannabinoids affect every biological oscillator or pacemaker cell investigated including circadian rhythm, rhythmical variations in blood pressure, peristalsis slow waves and both EKG and EEG rhythms.
The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors, endogenous ligands known as cannabinoids and endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes. This system functions as a self regulating reduction system influencing multiple physiologic processes in the body. Signaling from the ECS creates molecular and cellular mechanisms for proper brain development. Endocannabinoids via CB receptors provide developmental signals to neurons that regulate molecular machinery that is required for proper brain maturation. The receptor system provides feedback tat guides the specific generation of the neural architecture and also helps to enhance neural activity.
Throughout the CNS, the ECS supports energy balance by modulating mitochondria and influencing inflammatory and immune responses. The main mechanisms include protection against oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and inflammation. Applications of cannabinoid therapeutics include various types of pain, drug dependence, stroke, cancer, MS, ALS, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, anxiety and depression. Cannabiniods also seem to affect seizure activity.
Although we are still in the process of learning about all of the healing properties medical cannabis has to offer it already has a myriad of proven benefits.
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Felice, J. F., ND, LMP. (2018, July). The Endocannabinoid System - Self-Regulating Harm Protection. Ndnr, pp. 1-3.